 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Herbs for kids
 Homemade herbal products that can be used at bath time are a great way to introduce children to the many versatile uses and benefits provided by herbs for natural body care. It can give them a basic understanding of how and why we should work in harmony with nature and not against it. It is important that the young ones realise, from an early age, that natural things are the best, the purest, and the most beneficial.
A 'soapy wash bag' is not only a good introduction to using herbs, but great for scrubbing the kids clean and softening the skin at the same time. Make the bag from a 25cm square of muslin cloth and attach a drawstring to close it.
Mix together two tablespoons of any of the following dried herbs - chamomile, rosemary, calendula, lavender, sage, rose, yarrow or elder flower - and then blend them with two tablespoons of medium ground oatmeal, and one tablespoon of pure, unscented, grated white soap. Place the mixture in the bag and use to gently wash the body.
'Soap Bubble Liquid' is another easy product to make and is bound to be a big hit with young children. It is a great way for them to enjoy their bath time, while at the same time washing away dirt and grime.
Put any of the previous dried herbs in the proportion of two teaspoons to every 300 millilitres of boiling water in a ceramic bowl and then add the correct amount of hot, soft water. Cover the bowl, steep overnight, then strain through clean muslin or cheese cloth.
Hard water can be softened by adding washing soda or bicarbonate of soda in the following proportion: 45 grams to every four litres of water.
Next add 12 grams of pure, grated soap or soap flakes to every 300 millilitres of the infused herb water to an enamel or stainless steel saucepan. Stir in over a medium heat until the soap is completely dissolved. Stir in 145 millilitres of glycerine to every 300 millilitres of the herb water, continuing to stir until the ingredients are well blended. Remove from heat, cool, and store in a tightly capped bottle. Pour a small amount into the bath water while the taps are running, and swish around to create the bubbles.
Not forgetting teenage children who will love using the following 'scented bath salts'.
When my daughter was still a teenager, she would add the following herbal bath salts to her bath whenever she felt the need to luxuriate. Thoroughly mix together 560 grams bicarbonate of soda, 15 grams of dried lavender, and 8 millilitres (160 drops) each of rosemary and eucalyptus oils. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.
To use the bath salts, add a couple of handfuls to a square piece of muslin, draw up the sides and tie with a length of ribbon. Swirl around in your bath water and leave in the muslin bag to continue infusing. When you've finished soaking, rub the muslin bag over your body until the scent of the lavender is exhausted.
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