family tools
choose a tool resource directory
find a practitioner parenting toolbox product safety media reviews family fun guide send an e-card family astrology

community features choose a feature birth stories find a Mothering friend live chat mothers' writing group teen voices

	new baby sleep

Maya Spiritual Bath Recipes

Spiritual bathing is an ancient practice that is only now being re-appreciated for its healing qualities: We "modern" folks - often so out of touch with the power and rhythm of nature - need this spiritual therapy as much as ancient and medieval peoples, perhaps more so.

Combining water, prayer, ritual and sometimes plants or gems, spiritual bathing has its roots in a wide range of religions and world cultures, each with its own philosophy, prayers, lore and rituals, and something unique to teach us. Some of these traditions are well-known: Hindus immerse themselves in holy rivers to cleanse their sins and karma; Native Americans commune with Spirits in sweat lodges; Jews pray during a dip in the Mikvah. Traditions from the Aztec, Inca, Celts, Wiccan, Buddhists, Maya and other cultures are less well known.

Wherever practiced in the world, each spiritual bath has the same ultimate goals: to bring the bather inner peace and a closer connection to nature, and/or whatever Divinity he or she believes in. These baths cleanse the soul, washing away the negative effects of anger, fear and anxiety, grief and trauma, exhaustion and world-weariness, confusion and disquietude, unwanted and harmful emotional baggage, and general stress. They can be taken at home, with others or alone.

BATH RECIPES

MAYA CALMING BATH FOR INFANTS
These work wonders on the little darlings, especially when they won't sleep or seem out of sorts for no discernible reason.

Your best choices for baby baths are leaves or flowers of marigold (not the calendula), basil, St. Johnswort, rosemary or roses of red or white. Collect about a quart of fresh plants of your choice on a sunny day. Be sure to choose plants free of toxic sprays or chemicals. Fill a bucket with two gallons of water and squeeze the chosen plants into the water for 5-10 minutes until well mashed and the water takes on a vibrant color.

Set this in the sun until it warms nicely. If baby is big enough to sit up, pour the floral water into her baby bath and let her play in this water for 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, hold the baby in one arm while pouring the water over her body with an unbreakable dipper from the other hand. Take her out and dry her with a warmed towel.

In the winter, bring two gallons of water to a boil and steep a cup of any of the plants mentioned above for 20 minutes. Do not boil the dried plants. Turn off the flame and just let them sit in the hot water. Strain and pour into baby's bath when comfortably and safely warm. Proceed as above.

Voila! You won't believe the difference. Repeat as often as desired..

SAMPLE BATHS FOR PHYSICAL AILMENTS OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN

MARIGOLD OR BASIL BATH FOR FEVERS
This works wonders. Boil a quart of marigold flowers or basil leaves in a big pot of water. Cover pot and steep until the water is warm, not hot. Pour into bathwater and let the child play. Donít let her get chilled after the bath.

DANDELION, MOTHERWORT OR WORMWOOD BATH FOR SKIN INFECTION
You need a bitter plant like the leaves of motherwort, wormwood, or dandelion for this treatment. Use one or any combination of these.

Boil a quart of the leaves in two quarts of water for twenty minutes.. Wash the infected area with water that is as hot as possible, taking care not to burn the skin. Test the temperature on your elbow first. Use only warm water with diabetic children.