Herb Wrap

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Enjoy

Jenn

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

http://tlotc.dhs.org/jenn/

 

* Exported from MasterCook *

 

Herb Wrap

 

Recipe By : Vegetarian Times Magazine, January 1997, page 67

Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00

Categories : Beauty

 

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method

-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 lounge chair -- (optional)

1 heavy blanket

1 piece plastic large enough to cover the blanket

such as a drop cloth

2 gallons water

4 cups dried herbs

1 flat bedsheet preferablv flannel

2 washcloths -- (optional)

Cold water -- (optional)

2 drops lemon essential oil -- (optional)

 

 

This is a peaceful way to end a hectic day. An herb wrap encourages

sweating, which removes toxins from the body and also hydrates the skin

with beneficial herbs, says Mindy Green. You can do this treatment on your

own, but it's much easier if you have a partner to help.

 

 

Set up your reclining area first. You can rest on your bed, but it'll

likely end up getting wet. A better option is a plastic lounge chair set

on a non-carpeted surface, such as a tile floor. (You may want to try

doing the wrap in your kitchen.) Spread the blanket over the full length of

the chair or bed, then place the piece of plastic on top.

 

 

Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and add herbs. Cover and

let steep at least 20 minutes. While tea is steeping, Green recommends

taking a hot bath or shower to warm up your skin and encourage sweating

during the wrap. When tea is finished steeping, strain and pour it into a

sink with the drain closed.

 

 

Fold the sheet several times, until it is small enough to fit into the

sink. (Any size sheet will work, but a twin-size one will be least

cumbersome.) Place the sheet in the sink and allow it to become thoroughly

saturated with the tea; wring out if necessary, so it's wet but not

dripping. Making sure the sheet is still hot but not so hot it will burn,

unfold the sheet. Keeping your hands at your sides, have your partner wrap

the sheet around you. Make sure its loose enough that you can lie down

without tripping, as well as remove your arm to drink a glass or two of

water to replace the fluids you'll lose by sweating. Have your partner

wrap first the plastic, then the blanket, around you. Close your eyes and

relax for 15 to 30 minutes.

 

 

To make the experience even more relaxing, have your partner soak two

washcloths in a bowl or basin of cold water with two drops of lemon oil.

Wring out the cloths, then place one over the whole face for 10 seconds.

Remove and place the second, folded-up washcloth on the forehead. Leave it

and repeat the procedure again in 10 minutes.

 

 

Note: You can use any herb or combination of herbs you like for an herb

wrap. For a combination of herbs that are both relaxing and good for the

skin, try rose petals, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and catnip. If you

want to boost the detoxifying properties of the wrap, try a mixture of

elder flowers, peppermint and yarrow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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