Herbal baths are sure promoters of postpartum healing and comfort. Useful for the reduction of soreness in the perineal area, as well as the healing of tears, stitches, hemorrhoids and swelling, they are relaxing and antiseptic. This herbal infusion from Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health by midwife and herbalist Aviva Jill Romm can be added to bathwater or poured it into a rinse bottle and squeezed over the perineal area. Herbs can be found locally or from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons comfrey leaves
- 2 tablespoons calendula flowers
- 2 tablespoons lavender flowers
- 2 tablespoons sage
- 1 tablespoon myrrh
- ¾ cup sea salt
- 1 liter water
Preparation
Mix the herbs together except the sea salt. Bring water to a boil. Turn off heat, add 2 tablespoons of the herb mix to the water and steep, covered, for 30 minutes. Using a muslin bag or sieve, strain the herbs into the bathtub. Add the sea salt directly to the bathwater. Baths should be warm and at the mama’s hip level.
Use this regularly, at least once a day, in the first week after birth. For a sitz bath, use a large, open bowl or one made to fit into the toilet bowl to sit in.
Note: If mama has been given any type of drug, please properly research the drug and herb combination.