DIY Herbal Bath Teas (recipes for stress relief!)
Last updated on March 12, 2026 by Jessica Healey
Originally published on December 14, 2015
There comes a time in everyone’s life that stress invades and the search for some relief begins. There are, of course, numerous ways to bust stress – exercise, healthy food, time with friends, herbal medicine, and much more. A simple way to head that bit of muscle tightening emotion off at the pass is some stress busting herbal bath teas.
These DIY herbal bath teas are much like teas for drinking, herbs chosen for their stress-relieving and relaxation-inducing qualities tossed into hot water. The only difference being that all of the skin soaks in the herbal relief in combination with the hot water soothing the entire body’s muscles. Obviously larger quantities in a bath, but otherwise not much different at all than brewing a cup for drinking – in fact you might want to brew a cup of herbal tea or chai tea to sip whilst steeping the body in an herbal tea bath.
First – Find a Tea Bag!
One can purchase great muslin drawstring bags, use a double layer of cheesecloth tied around the herbs, or even place the herbs into old (but washed) pantyhose works effectively. Use whatever is on hand to steep those herbs in the bathwater, just make sure it’s something water will move through so that the herbs can indeed infuse the bath water.
Herbal Tea Blend Recipes
Relaxing Herbal Tea Blends
For DIY herbal bath teas, use dried herbs for the best results. Try mixing up these blends as a starting point for herbal bath tea relaxation:
- Rose petals and lavender are a brilliant combination and fill the air with a lovely floral scent while helping the body to relax in the warm water.
Find loads of recipes and DIYs using lavender here on Scratch Mommy. - Calendula and chamomile are both known for their soothing properties and can also help soften the skin as the stress melts away in this bath combination.
Learn more about calendula here and chamomile here. - Sage and lemon balm can help clear the head.
- Hops and hyssop can help bring about restful sleep and keep nightmares at bay.
Rejuvenating Herbal Tea Blends
After a long day or week, perhaps relaxing and rejuvenating is in order. Try these blends to help soothe stress and rejuvenate the mind at the same time.
- Peppermint and lemon balm will soothe and rejuvenate without the jittery after effects of coffee.
- Rose petals and lovage will fill the air with a delightful herbal and floral scent that relaxes the body and invigorates the mind.
- Jasmine flowers and dried lemon peel with help the body smell good after the bath while simultaneously easing stress and hopefully helping the brain find new thoughts.
Potential Bath Tea Add-Ins
Herbal bath teas are perfect all on their own, however; some additions can be made if desired. Some oatmeal added to the bag can help soften skin, milk powder can be added if desired for soothing and relaxing relief, and Epsom salts either in the bag or in the bath water can help soothe tired muscles.
Measuring the Bath Teas
When blending the tea bags, use up to 6 Tablespoons of dried herbs per bath. Use equal amounts of the herbs above or mix it up based on personal preferences. If adding any of the potential additions, add up to 2 Tablespoons of each to the bag.
How to Use Herbal Bath Teas
Simply the hang the tea bag from the faucet and turn it on. As the tub fills the water will run through the herbs and fill that water with stress busting herbal power. Use the normal bath water temperature as preferred, no reason to make it hotter for a bath tea.
Give Bath Teas as Gifts
While making the bath teas up for personal use, consider making extras for gifts. Herbal bath teas are great for friends, family, teachers, and more. If using homegrown herbs, it’s a great way to share home even more with a loved one and a tremendous way to express love and concern to someone going through a tough time.
What a wonderful idea! And they would make lovely gifts 🙂 Our link party at Grandma’s House just opened today, we would love to have you there!