Do you want to turn taking a bath into a relaxing experience? Read the article about what herbs, essential oils and concentrates to use.
If humanity has come up with such a benefit for the soul and body as baths, then this benefit should be used to the fullest. Throughout history, baths have been used for more than just washing and cleansing the body.
People relaxed in baths and pools, and also received mental health from this process.
Baths were and are still used for medicinal purposes. They can be taken both in special sanatoriums and at home.
Relaxing and soothing therapeutic baths at home
Baths at home with foam, salt, herbs or essential oils will help
you relax and organize your thoughts. Make it a rule to take a bath with some regularity, then your body will get used to this procedure, from which you will get the expected effect.
A bath is a good way to relax after a hard day or any other stress. It's good to meditate in the bath, distracting yourself from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Water helps relax the body and wash away anxiety . And if you add additional healing, soothing, aromatic agents to a bath of warm water, the effect of such a bath will be many times greater. So:
- Tune in for a bath, take your mind off problems at home, put down your phones
- If desired, choose calm, pleasant music for yourself, arrange dim lighting in the bathroom
- Count on min. 15 - 20 relaxations in the water (this is the most optimal time to stay in the bath)
- Fill the bath with water at a temperature of 37 - 38 degrees
- Prepare for yourself, if desired, a pleasant drink or herbal tea
- Do not take a bath immediately after eating, and time it so that you do not eat immediately after the bath. The best time to take a bath is 1.5 – 2 hours after eating
- It is recommended to take a bath before bed
- The frequency of this water procedure is no more than twice a week.
- It is advisable that you take a bath with a clean body
When does a baby need motherwort?
Dry herb or tincture is used for:
- sleep disorders;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- hyperexcitability;
- epilepsy;
- weakened immunity;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
heart rhythm disturbances (meaning mainly tachycardia).
When it comes to infants, motherwort is usually prescribed for:
- hyperactivity;
- increased nervous excitability.
The first problem arises against the background of serious disorders of the central nervous system. Accompanying her:
- excessive activity;
- frequent mood swings;
- concentration disorder;
- excessive emotionality.
All this in the future often becomes the cause of delayed intellectual development.
Restless child syndrome is diagnosed very often these days. According to doctors, high nervous excitability occurs in approximately 50 percent of children. In infants, this problem is clearly indicated by the Moro reflex. In front of him, the child, for no apparent reason, throws up his hands with his fingers outstretched.
Other symptoms are:
- increased muscle tone;
- restlessness while awake;
- sleep disorders;
- tremor of the limbs and chin at rest.
For children older than one year, the characteristic signs are different:
- excessive talkativeness;
- abnormal activity.
For example, they constantly turn their heads and move their arms and legs aimlessly, even while sitting or lying down.
Soothing Bath Recipes
RECIPE: Iodine-bromine baths Potassium bromide and sodium iodide are added to baths to calm the nervous system and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Such baths are called iodine-bromine baths. A concentrate of potassium bromide and sodium iodide can be purchased at a pharmacy and dissolved in water according to the instructions on the package.
RECIPE: Coniferous baths It is good to alternate iodine-bromine baths with coniferous baths. Pine needle concentrate for baths is also available in pharmacies. You can prepare the pine infusion yourself. Conifer needles, branches or cones are suitable. Approximately 1 kg of raw materials will be used for one bath. It needs to be poured with boiling water and boiled in a water bath for another 20 minutes.
You can make pine baths at home using a special concentrate
RECIPE: Baths with valerian Valerian is an excellent way to have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Prepare valerian root, approximately 200 g or one pharmaceutical pack for one bath. You can combine calamus rhizomes or pre-softened sunflower seeds with valerian.
Valerian tincture for baby
An alcohol solution of valerian has a quick action, compared to tablets, but it should not be taken by children under three years of age, or by women during pregnancy and lactation. Some doctors prescribe the tincture to babies up to one year old, advising diluting it in water.
It is better not to give it to your baby, because the ethanol in the tincture can have a toxic effect on the body and negatively affect the functioning of the liver. You should not add an alcohol solution to a baby’s bath due to the evaporation of alcohol, which irritates the mucous membranes of the child’s respiratory tract.
Dr. Komarovsky believes that a drop of tincture will not cause harm to a healthy baby. But he negatively perceives parents’ attempts to solve issues of children’s sleep and excitability using only medications. Parents should devote more time to active games and walks in the fresh air, which normalize the functioning of the nervous system and improve sleep.
Soothing essential oils for baths
To calm and relax tense nerves, it is good to use the following essential oils:
- Lavender oil , lemon balm oil , rose oil , and patchouli oil . All of them are sold in pharmacies or special cosmetic departments. Essential oils will not only have a calming and relaxing effect on the body as a whole and on skin tone, but will also pleasantly relax you with their aromas.
- Lavender oil , in addition to its calming and relaxing effect, will be useful for treating rheumatism and relieving muscle spasms. This is an excellent remedy for a restful, sound sleep.
- Melissa oil or an infusion of this plant will refresh the body and relieve spasms. It is also used to treat the respiratory system.
- An excellent effect is created by neroli , which can even relieve a person from depression. An additional effect of neroli , in addition to calming and relaxing, is considered to have a beneficial effect on the skin, which consists in getting rid of acne, rashes, even eczema.
- The effect of rose oil (or, alternatively, sandalwood oil) can be compared to the effect of any antidepressant. Only a bath with this essential oil will bring much more benefits than other remedies for depression.
A couple of drops of essential oils will transform a bath from a hygienic procedure into a relaxing one
IMPORTANT: Before adding concentrated essential oil to the bath, it must first be dissolved in any emulsifier. At home, this can be milk with a higher percentage, fat content, whey or cream
Dry valerian for sleep
The plant is also effective when breathing: the essential oils contained in the roots and flowers have a beneficial effect on the baby’s nervous system and normalize sleep. You need to place the dry roots in a bag made of thick fabric and hang it next to the crib so that the child cannot reach it. This method is characterized by a soft and long-lasting effect.
Foam baths
The modern cosmetics industry has developed special relaxing and soothing bath foams.
The foam combines a cleansing, relaxing effect, a cosmetic effect, and additional pleasant sensations from being in the foam.
Special bath foams fill the bathroom with aroma and can soften hard tap water.
Both adults and children would love to soak in a bubble bath
Soothing baths for newborns. Soothing Bath Recipes
Small children often worry and cry, and
baths are perhaps the best way to ensure sound and healthy sleep.
Soothing baths for newborns should be treated with care and caution. You can use simple boiled water at a temperature of 36 - 37 degrees and combine bathing your baby with the relaxing effect of a bath.
A bath for a newborn is part of the ritual before going to bed.
IMPORTANT: You can also add a decoction of medicinal herbs to the bath, which will create an additional effect on the little person’s body. For children, the best herbs are chamomile and string
RECIPE: For a calming effect, if the baby has been crying a lot, has difficulty falling asleep or is worried from the active impressions of the day, a collection of thyme, valerian, oregano and motherwort is also suitable. These herbs are taken in equal quantities and mixed. For 1 liter of water you will need 1 tablespoon of the mixture. The collection should be poured with boiling water and allowed to brew for 30 minutes. After this, strain it and pour it into the baby’s bath.
Coniferous baths are also suitable for babies. The pine needle solution should be weak, not concentrated.
A child should be kept in a pine bath for no more than 10 minutes. After such a bath, the baby will sleep calmly and peacefully.
However, pine baths for a newborn should not be regular, such as baths with string or chamomile. They need to be organized for the child from time to time or in sessions of up to 5 sessions per course.
Rating of the best herbs for bathing a newborn for 2021
1. Series
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Why we liked it: The best herb for calming a child and eliminating skin problems, which practically does not cause allergic reactions. Editor's Rating:
The series has powerful wound-healing and drying properties, so it copes well with the typical problem of newborns - diaper rash. It also has an antiallergic effect and is recommended by pediatricians for any skin rashes.
Another beneficial effect is a mild sedative and calming effect. The sequence helps the newborn fall asleep faster, reduces anxiety and crying. A herbal bath at night is an ideal remedy for a baby’s sound sleep and peace of mind for his parents. However, it is important not to overdo it with this herb, since an excess of succession can lower blood pressure in an infant.
pros
- heals wounds;
- helps with diaper rash;
- hypoallergenic grass;
- a good sedative.
Minuses
- lowers blood pressure.
2. Chamomile
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Why we liked it: The most popular remedy for the treatment of rashes, wounds and inflammatory skin diseases in infants. Editor's Rating:
Chamomile has powerful antiseptic and bactericidal properties, so it helps with inflammatory problems even better than a string. A herbal decoction quickly relieves itching and redness and reduces discomfort. The herb can be used for weeping and small wounds, since it does not irritate the skin and promotes rapid healing of damage.
The beneficial components of chamomile gently care for baby skin, making it soft and tender. The plant also has antiallergic and immunostimulating effects.
When bathing, you need to make sure that the baby does not accidentally swallow water with chamomile infusion. This is fraught with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
pros
- natural antiseptic;
- wound healing agent;
- reduces skin itching;
- stimulates the immune system.
Minuses
- causes diarrhea when taken orally.
3. Bearberry
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Why we liked it: The best remedy for eliminating infant colic, normalizing muscle tone and the functioning of the nervous system of a newborn. Editor's Rating:
In pediatrics, bearberry is known as the best plant with an antispasmodic effect, which quickly helps with intestinal colic. The herb has a sedative effect on the nervous system, regulates intestinal motility, and reduces abdominal pain. Since the substance increases intestinal contractions, using it too often can cause diarrhea.
Under the influence of therapeutic baths, the muscles of the newborn’s body relax and hypertonicity disappears. Doctors recommend using bearberry in the first months of a baby’s life, when his digestive system is still functionally immature. At this time, herbal baths will ease the child’s condition and help him fall asleep faster.
pros
- relieves intestinal colic;
- improves peristalsis;
- normalizes muscle tone;
- Provides sound sleep for the baby.
Minuses
- in excess quantities causes diarrhea.
4. St. John's wort
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Why we liked it: An effective healing agent for allergic and inflammatory skin diseases in infants. Editor's Rating:
The most important property of St. John's wort for pediatric practice is enhancing the regeneration of skin and mucous tissues. Herbal decoctions are recommended for bathing children with atopic dermatitis, exudative diathesis and other chronic skin problems. Regular baths with the addition of St. John's wort reduce the inflammatory reaction, promote the formation of new skin cells and the healing of damage.
Another important property for newborns is the prevention of staphylococcal infection, which is a common cause of dermatitis and pustular rashes in the first months of life.
St. John's wort should be used with caution during the hot season. This plant increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, so the risk of sunburn increases in infants.
pros
- accelerates wound healing;
- helps with dermatological diseases;
- eliminates skin inflammation;
- destroys staphylococci on the skin.
Minuses
- not suitable for use in summer.
5. Motherwort
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Why we liked it: A well-known sedative for babies, which can also be used for intestinal colic. Editor's Rating:
Motherwort is known as a powerful sedative plant, but when used externally in the form of baths, it has a mild effect and is completely safe for the baby. Bathing with the addition of a herbal decoction is indicated for children who often cry, have difficulty sleeping at night, and have difficulty falling asleep. It is worth noting that the plant has a cumulative effect, so a quick hypnotic effect should not be expected.
Motherwort's effect on the body is similar to bearberry. Therefore, it can also be used to relieve infant colic.
pros
- strong sedative effect;
- ensures sound sleep for the baby;
- eliminates intestinal colic.
Minuses
- slow effect.
6. Oak bark
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Why we liked it: A powerful disinfectant that is suitable for newborns with infectious skin diseases. Editor's Rating:
Oak bark is a less popular remedy for children compared to string or chamomile, but it has earned the respect of pediatricians due to its antiseptic properties. The plant effectively disinfects the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, which is important for newborns who have not yet developed a healthy skin microflora.
The use of baths with oak bark is justified for pustular rashes, fungal infections and diaper dermatitis. By regularly bathing a baby in a herbal decoction, the area of skin lesions decreases, and dermatitis is more treatable.
In rare cases, oak bark provokes allergic reactions, which are manifested by itchy skin and red rashes in the form of blisters. In this case, you need to contact your pediatrician.
pros
- good antiseptic;
- normalizes skin microflora;
- helps in the treatment of dermatitis.
Minuses
- may cause allergies.
7. Calendula
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Why we liked it: A plant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which is perfect for treating diaper rash. Editor's Rating:
Calendula has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, so it is recommended for babies with severe diaper rash and diaper dermatitis. The herb inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, accelerates the healing of inflammatory lesions, reduces weeping and prevents the formation of ulcers.
Calendula tones well and promotes tissue regeneration, so new epidermal cells quickly form in place of diaper rash, and the skin restores its structure.
The plant is safe for external use, but care must be taken to ensure that the decoction does not get into the baby’s mouth. Calendula causes a burning sensation and bitterness in the mouth, so the baby may become restless, refuse to breastfeed, and cry frequently.
pros
- eliminates diaper dermatitis;
- promotes skin healing;
- reduces skin inflammation and weeping.
Minuses
- causes a burning sensation in the oral mucosa.
8. Sage
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Why we liked it: An effective remedy for seborrheic dermatitis and various types of rashes in newborns. Editor's Rating:
The main beneficial property of sage is its ability to quickly soothe irritated and reddened skin. The herb helps both with inflammatory lesions of the skin (for example, diaper dermatitis) and with allergic manifestations.
Sage also has good cleansing properties and the ability to regulate sebum production. These effects are used by pediatricians to treat children with mild manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis.
Sage baths are not recommended for children who are prescribed sedatives or other medications that affect the nervous system. The plant can enhance the sedative effects of psychotropic drugs and increase the frequency of adverse reactions.
pros
- eliminates allergic rashes;
- treats seborrhea;
- relieves redness and itching of the skin.
Minuses
- interacts negatively with medications.
9. Birch
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Why we liked it: An effective natural remedy for prickly heat and skin irritations, which has an additional pain-relieving effect. Editor's Rating:
A decoction of birch buds cleanses the skin well, inhibits the development of pathogenic microbes and helps cope with irritation. The product quickly helps with heat rash and other types of itchy rashes that cause discomfort to the newborn.
Birch is known as a healing product for various types of pain. In babies, it is used to reduce intestinal spasms during colic.
Like oak bark, birch decoction can provoke skin hypersensitivity and allergic rashes. It is not recommended for newborns with exacerbation of atopic dermatitis or food allergies.
pros
- eliminates infant colic;
- has an analgesic effect;
- helps with skin itching and rashes.
Minuses
- may cause allergies.
Peppermint
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Why we liked it: Useful herb for the health of the newborn’s nervous system and the elimination of unpleasant skin symptoms (itching, pain, discomfort). Editor's Rating:
The plant has a distracting and cooling effect on the skin, due to which it helps to cope with the subjective symptoms of skin pathologies in children. Mint has a proven sedative and mild hypnotic effect. It is believed that the herb can stimulate appetite, so such baths are recommended for children who do not breastfeed well and are slowly gaining weight.
When bathing, you need to be careful and make sure that water with mint infusion does not get into the newborn’s mouth. Taking the herbal remedy orally has a negative effect on the condition of the children's urinary system.
pros
- helps with skin itching;
- soothes well;
- increases appetite in infants.
Minuses
- negatively affects the kidneys.
Soothing baths for children
It is also good for older children to take baths, especially if the child has been actively playing all day and cannot calm down before bed.
He may also have experienced stress during the day, which he can relieve with a bath.
There are special children's bubble baths. Kids love to swim in foam and splash around in the water with toys. Foam, warm water, toys will help the baby calm down and relax. It is good to bathe a child in herbal decoctions, but such baths have less relaxation potential than baths with baby foam.
Children love playing in the bubble bath
Application
From birth to 3 months Motherwort is poured into the bath every other day. More often it is not necessary. The time spent bathing a child in the bath should not exceed 10 minutes. It is necessary to approach this time progressively, starting from a few minutes.
From 3 months, you can gradually increase the time the child spends in the bath with Motherwort. Maximum time – 15 minutes.
During such a water procedure, it is necessary to monitor the baby’s condition. If there is any deviation in behavior, stop the procedure.
It is good to bathe your child with Motherwort infusion before bedtime. This bath has a relaxing effect and helps relieve the baby’s nervous excitement.
Calming and relaxing salt bath
It is used for both adults and children.
Sea salt, in addition to its relaxing effect, will have a stimulating effect on the immune system and help saturate the body with iodine.
Also, a bath with sea salt will help heal small wounds and abrasions.
RECIPE: Take 2 kg of sea salt for a bath of water. It is sold at the pharmacy, and, most likely, in the required quantity for one bath. The fact is that the iodine contained in it is very volatile, therefore, if the package is opened, then before the next bath, the iodine will most likely evaporate, and the effect of such a procedure will be less.
Sea salt bath - home spa treatment
How to make a baby bath with motherwort
In order to strengthen the child’s nervous system, as well as for colic, baths with the addition of various medicinal herbs are often used.
In all cases, parents must follow a number of mandatory rules. First of all, it is recommended to make sure that the baby is not allergic to the herbal medicine. To do this, apply a few drops of the prepared decoction (from the inside) to the elbow. Intolerance will be indicated by the following after 2-3 hours:
- redness;
- rash;
- itching
In the absence of these undesirable manifestations, baths are allowed.
For water procedures, an infusion is prepared from:
- 3 tablespoons of herbs (if you use tea bags, take 6 pieces) and 500 milliliters of boiling water;
- the composition is kept warm for about half an hour and then added to the bath.
Motherwort can be used in a mixture with other herbs. The optimal choice is:
- nettle;
- bearberry;
- St. John's wort;
- hop cones.
It is best to take a bath just before going to bed. Medicinal herbs help you relax and calm down. It is not recommended to take bathing for too long - the optimal time is 15-20 minutes. An additional massage after the procedure also gives a good effect. The skin of infants should not be dried with a towel - it must be blotted with gentle movements.
A bath with motherwort tincture or decoction is the safest therapeutic and preventive measure that ensures the normalization of the nervous system in children under one year of age.
