Bay Bath Soak

This weekend, I plan on doing some major garden clean up…which means, I will have major sore muscles the next day! It is amazing how many muscles I can discover after a big day in the garden. They always complain so loudly! Where were these muscles the day before?  Sleeping? Goofing off?  Apparently!

In preparation for the lovely pain I will be feeling, I am putting together my secret weapon: Bay Bath Soak. This stuff works and it is so easy to make. Here’s the recipe:

For one bath:
5-6 fresh or dried bay leaves, lightly crushed
4 tbsp. Epsom salts
2 tbsp. powdered buttermilk

1 bottle of wine

Place all ingredients (except wine) in the center of a small washcloth. Pull up the corners and tie closed with cotton string. Drop the washcloth ball into the bathtub as it fills with water. Drag your sorry body into the bath and get in! Squeeze the cloth while bathing or use it as a scrubber on your arms and legs to further release the herbal components. Soak…relax…have a glass of wine. Ahhh! 

The bay leaves and the Epsom salts relieve the sore, achy muscles and the buttermilk softens the skin. The wine just makes you forget you were sore in the first place! This recipe was originally developed for my Herbal Garden Calendar (2005) — without the wine part…I added that special for you!