Guide to Flowers for Baths
Using flowers in baths isn’t just beautiful—it can also be therapeutic. Certain flowers add fragrance, color, and even skin- and mood-enhancing properties. Here’s a guide to popular bath flowers:
1. Lavender
Properties: Calming, anti-inflammatory, promotes relaxation and sleep
How to use:
Add a handful of dried lavender flowers directly to warm bathwater or tie in a muslin bag.
Combine with Epsom salts for added muscle relaxation.
Best for: Stress relief, insomnia, and soothing irritated skin.
2. Rose
Properties: Moisturizing, mild astringent, uplifting fragrance, rich in antioxidants
How to use:
Use fresh petals or dried rose petals.
Can be combined with milk or honey for extra skin-softening effects.
Best for: Relaxation, enhancing mood, and softening skin.
3. Chamomile
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, gentle on sensitive skin
How to use:
Use dried chamomile flowers in a muslin bag or directly in water.
Infuse in hot water first for a strong herbal bath tea effect.
Best for: Skin irritation, sunburn, and calming effects.
4. Calendula (Marigold)
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, healing, gentle on skin, brightens bath water with a golden hue
How to use:
Use dried petals or whole flowers.
Steep in hot water before adding to bath for stronger infusion.
Best for: Eczema, minor skin irritations, and soothing sensitive skin.
5. Jasmine
Properties: Relaxing, aphrodisiac, uplifting scent, skin softening
How to use:
Add fresh or dried jasmine flowers to warm water.
Pair with a few drops of carrier oil for a luxurious experience.
Best for: Stress relief, mood enhancement, and soft, fragrant skin.
6. Hibiscus
Properties: Antioxidant-rich, mildly astringent, can add a pink-red tint to bathwater
How to use:
Use dried hibiscus petals in a muslin bag or directly in water.
Can be combined with other flowers like rose or lavender.
Best for: Skin toning, rejuvenation, and a visually striking bath.
7. Lilac
Properties: Uplifting, calming, gentle fragrance
How to use:
Use fresh or dried blossoms, steeped in hot water first.
Best for: Mood enhancement and stress relief.
8. Peony
Properties: Moisturizing, soothing, delicate scent
How to use:
Use petals, preferably dried.
Often combined with rose or lavender for a luxurious bath.
Best for: Softening skin and gentle aromatherapy.
Tips for Flower Baths
Use a muslin bag or tea infuser if you want to avoid petals clogging drains.
Mix with salts, oils, or honey for added therapeutic effects.
Test for allergies: Some people may react to certain flowers.
Fresh vs. dried flowers: Fresh flowers provide color and scent, dried flowers are often more concentrated in aroma and last longer.
Water temperature: Warm, not scalding, preserves delicate flower oils.
