Herbal bath

Naturopathic procedure that is usually used in the context of Kneipp therapy for warm (partial) baths. In earlier times, about a handful of herbs or an aqueous extract from this quantity was boiled in the bath and then added to the bath.
In both cases tanning agents are dissolved, which discolour the surface of the enamel and plexiglass tubs. As tanning agents are not absorbed and only contribute to the effect in case of skin diseases (e.g. atopic eczema), total extracts are rarely used as herbal bath additives today. In contrast, essential oils and methyl salicylate are excellently absorbed.

Essential oils produce a variety of local and systemic effects and are today preferred in herbal bath additives. Commercial products usually contain emulsifiers (necessary for even distribution of the essential oils) as well as medically not necessary dyes (promote compliance). Without emulsifiers essential oils would float on the water surface and contact with the skin could cause irritations due to the high concentration. Cream, milk and honey are also used as "natural" emulsifiers.I

- Stimulation of circulation: rosemary -
stimulation of the blood flow/for rheumatic complaints: eucalyptus, rosemary, conifers-
colds: eucalyptus, thyme, spruce needle-
sedation and sleep stimulation: lemon oil (= Indian lemon balm oil), lavender, valerian Certain
total plant extracts contain tanning agents or other anti-inflammatory ingredients and are used for weeping eczema (oak bark extract - seeand tannin) and local inflammations (chamomile, yarrow).
Other bath additives contain fatty oils and are used to moisturize dry skin: almond oil, peanut oil, evening primrose seed oil. Relubricating baths should contain as few solubilizers as possible.

In emulsion baths with low bath temperatures there is the danger that at higher bath temperatures a degreasing effect will occur instead of the intended refattening effect.
An alternative are spreading baths (no emulsifier) where a closed fat layer floats on the water surface.

Allergy to the essential oils used, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, Cave: infants and young children - essential oils can cause convulsions - cerebral or laryngeal!

1. Uehleke B et al. (2012) In: André-Michael Beer, Martin Adler [eds] Leitfaden Naturheilverfahren für die ärztliche Praxis, Urban und Fischer Verlag p. 54.
2. Beer AM (2005) Inpatient naturopathy handbook for clinic and rehabilitation. Urban & Fischer, ISBN 3-437-56890-6.