The bathhouse is not only a place for personal hygiene but also an important part of the cultural traditions of many nations. It combines physical cleansing, relaxation, and the restoration of energy. One of the key elements of the bathing process is herbal infusions — aromatic teas made from herbs, which create a special atmosphere and enhance the beneficial effects of the bath.
The Importance of Visiting the Bathhouse
Visiting the bathhouse is an ancient way to maintain health and mental balance. Regular visits to the bathhouse:
- Detoxify the body: The steam and high temperatures stimulate sweating, which helps eliminate toxins and waste products from the body.
- Improve blood circulation: The hot air and steam dilate blood vessels, improving blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and alleviating joint pain.
- Strengthen the immune system: The contrast between hot and cold temperatures activates the body’s defense mechanisms, increasing its resistance to illnesses.
- Relax and relieve stress: The warmth and aromatherapy in the bath help relieve tension, relax the body, and clear the mind of worries.
- Improve skin health: The steam helps open pores, improving skin texture and helping to fight inflammation and impurities.
How to Make Bathing Herbal Infusions?
Bathing herbal infusions are teas made from herbs and plants that can be added to the water for the bath broom, used for pouring over the body, inhaling, or simply for scenting the air in the steam room. They contain numerous beneficial substances like essential oils, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which have a positive effect on the skin and respiratory system.
Basic Steps for Making a Bathing Herbal Infusion:
- Choosing Herbs: For the infusion, use herbs with healing properties. Commonly used herbs include:
- String (Chamaenerion) — for cleansing the skin and reducing inflammation.
- Lemon balm — for relaxation and mood enhancement.
- Calendula or chamomile — for treating skin irritations and inflammations.
- Yarrow — for improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessels.
- Sage — for clearing the respiratory system and providing an antiseptic effect.
- Lavender — for relaxation and sleep improvement.
- Preparing the Infusion: Herbs are typically steeped in hot water (but not boiling) for 15-30 minutes in a closed container to preserve all the beneficial properties. Sometimes the herbs are simmered on low heat for 10 minutes. The proportions depend on the herbs and the desired effect, but typically 2–3 tablespoons of herbs are used for 1 liter of water.
- Using the Infusion in the Bathhouse: The infusion can be added to the water for the steam room, into which the bath broom is placed. You can also pour the infusion over the body after the steam bath, or use it for steaming the skin. Often, inhalations are done by placing a few drops of the infusion on the hot stones or in a special inhaler.
- Scenting the Air: Some infusions, like those made with horsetail or eucalyptus, can be used to scent the air in the steam room to gain additional beneficial effects from the essential oils.
How to Properly Use Bathing Herbal Infusions?
- First, warm up your body in the steam room, then use the herbal infusion to treat your skin and respiratory system.
- For the bath broom: Before using the broom, soak it for a few minutes in hot water with the infusion to make it soft and aromatic.
- Pouring: After getting thoroughly warmed up, you can pour warm herbal infusion over your body to improve circulation and provide therapeutic effects on the skin.
- Inhalations: For clearing the respiratory system, you can inhale the vapors by bringing the infusion container closer to your face or using a special inhaler to direct the steam.
Conclusion
Bathing herbal infusions are not just a pleasant addition to the bathing process but also a powerful tool for improving health, cleansing the body, and relaxing the mind. When prepared with care and attention, herbal infusions benefit not only the body but also the soul, helping restore energy and achieve balance. It’s important to remember that the bathhouse tradition requires respect and care for your health. Regular visits to the bathhouse with the proper use of herbal infusions can become not only a healthy habit but also a way to prolong youth and vitality.
