All photos by Evi Abeler
Right about now a warm cup of spicy tea and a long soak in a hot bath sounds pretty darn good. When the fervor of the holidays picks up with parties, shopping, cooking and running errands, you need to carve out some pampering “you” time whenever possible.
If you’ve seen my past blogs opens in a new tab, you know I love creating recipes with multi-tasking beauty benefits. Never one to disappoint, I’ve brewed up a drinkable and soakable elixir of spicy goodness with an aromatic blend to soothe the spirit and body, evoking coziness and that feeling of “aaah!” and relaxation.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Caffeine-free tea is the perfect drink to indulge in just before bedtime and a comforting bath will prep you for some beneficial beauty sleep. While you’re cooking up some cozy tea for your tummy, you can prepare the “bath tea” with the very same ingredients. It’s so simple!
Did You Say “Bath Tea”?
Yep! You’ll make your own sachet of spices to infuse your bath water for a luxurious bathtime. It’s just like making a pot of tea, but for a larger quantity of water. Using natural ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet is a great way to avoid chemical-laden bubble baths and gels that often contain synthetic fragrances and colors.
Tea Ingredients and Aromatherapy Traits*:
Anise – may promote a cheerful mood
Cinnamon sticks – comforting and warming scent
Whole cloves - comforting and warming scent
Ginger root – warming scent, may inspire strength and a sense of “anchoring”
Whole nutmeg – may be rejuvenating, uplifting and support an energized mood
*For more on aromatherapy, visit our friends at Aura Cacia opens in a new tab.
You’ll also need:
A nutcracker or deep mortar and pestle
Cheesecloth and string
Drinkable Tea Preparation (Serves 2)
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and add in 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 1 piece of peeled ginger about the size of a cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and 1 whole nutmeg nut that’s been crushed into large chunks with a nut cracker or pounded with a mortar and pestle.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour over a strainer directly into cups or into a teapot with infuser. To serve, add a touch of honey or your preferred sweetener and enjoy!
Bath Tea Sachet Preparation
Cut a 7 inch square piece of cheese cloth and pile in 2-3 cinnamon sticks, 2 thumb-sized pieces of peeled ginger root (roughly chopped), 4-5 star anise, 3 whole nutmeg nuts in chunks (just like you did for the tea), and 2 tablespoons of whole cloves.
To make the sachet, gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie excess off with string. It’s okay if the cinnamon sticks poke out of the top, just make sure everything else is securely inside. Place the sachet into the tub while you draw the water for your bath.
For the ultimate cozy and pampering experience, bring your (non-breakable) mug of tea to sip while you steep yourself in the bath. Go ahead try it! You deserve some time just to be.
How do you unwind naturally to combat holiday stress? Let me know in the comments below!
