The Skin-Soothing Bath An Herbalist Draws Every Spring

Spring is when our bodies naturally crave detoxification. Just before we shift our focus to the outdoors and from "being" to "doing," there's an instinctual desire to spring clean our homes and our bodies, detoxing and shedding what accumulated during the stillness of winter.

Toxins, unfortunately, have become an everyday part of modern life. And while it's certainly worth our efforts to minimize exposure via our food, air, and water, it remains inevitable that we will encounter them. Subtle signs that your body could use a detox include skin flare-ups (blemishes, rashes), mental fog, memory loss, lack of vitality, and trouble sleeping.

When thinking about a spring refresh, most folks immediately turn to diet, but I tend to gravitate toward baths made with soothing, cleansing herbs.

Holy Basil: You're no doubt familiar with basil, which comes in several varieties, as the indispensable leaf in dishes from Thai basil chicken to Caprese salad. But have you ever steeped your body in it? Research suggests that the topical application of basil can help soothe acne, moisturize skin, decrease roughness, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. One variety, holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), has a long-standing history1 of medicinal use in India, where it's used to ease skin issues linked to inflammation. This is the variety I'm recommending for this seasonal bath, though any type of basil will do—use what's available to you. 

Burdock: Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a mineral-rich root that promotes proper elimination via the skin and other organs. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), burdock is used to detoxify the blood2 and promote circulation to the skin's surface. Its history of use in Western herbalism includes acne, boils, bruises, itching, and skin cancer. Burdock root has demulcent properties that help ease inflammation and irritation. Many Asian grocery stores will stock burdock root. If you can't find it there, look for dried burdock from a reputable herbal retailer.