How to Make an Herbal Wrap

There are so many reasons to indulge in a herbal wrap treatment. It's soothing, it can improving your breathing, and depending on the herbs involved in your specific treatment, the benefits are almost endless. Read more on how herbs and aromatherapy are beneficial to your health. Because of the body being fully wrapped, you will not be able to give yourself such treatment, but your partner will definitely thank you for it. Who knows, your partner may return the favour sooner than you think!

You will obviously need a few things for your herbal wrap. Let's start with some basic spa equipment.

• large pot of hot water
• thick rubber gloves
• robe
• Insulating sheet or blanket
• wool blanket
• muslin sheet
• small muslin bag or piece of cheesecloth for your herbs

• chamomile (about 1/3 oz)
• lemongrass (about 1/3 oz)
• eucalyptus leaves (about 1/3 oz)

NOTE: you can use other herbs but you should start with very small quantities until you know how your body will react.

Other herbs you can use:

• ginger root (very small quantity)
• rosemary leaves
• clove stems
• peppermint

While your partner is enjoying a hot shower or bath, follow these preparation steps:

1. Heat about 8 liters (about 2 gallons) of water in a large pot. Let the temperature reach 70 to 95 degrees Celsius (160 - 200 F).

2. Place the herbs in your muslin or cheesecloth bag to create your "tea bag".

4. Prepare the wrap area (massage table, floor, or whatever other place is available) by first laying down the wool blanket, then the insulating layer.

5. Soak the muslin sheet (or a high quality cotton sheet) in the herbal water for a few minutes.

6. Be VERY careful with this step. Wear rubber gloves and wring out the muslin sheet. Try to get all the water out. Make sure the sheet isn't too hot before inviting your partner to start the herbal wrap treatment. Your muslin sheet should be very warm but not too hot. If it's still hot, wave it in the air and it will cool quite fast. Lay it on top of the insulating sheet (which is on top of the wool blanket).

1. Your partner is ready to come in your home spa. He/she should wear as little as possible so that the herbs benefits can be better absorbed through the skin.

2. Invite your partner to lay in the middle of the nicely laid-flat sheets. Wrap the first sheet around your partner snugly. The sheet should feel a little tight but not too tight that it constricts circulation. You can leave your partner's arms in or out of the wrap.

3. Wrap the insulating layer next. Once again, wrap it snugly.

4. Wrap the wool blanket.

5. Try to make your partner as comfortable as possible in the next 20 minutes. Keep an eye open for excessive sweat that you can wipe off. Adjust his/her posture by placing a pillow under his/her knees. Apply a cool compress on your partner's forehead to help lower his/her body temperature a little. If your partner gets thirsty, give him/her luke warm water through a straw. You can also play some nice soothing music in the background and turn down the lights.

6. After 20 minutes (or earlier is your partner becomes uncomfortable), unwrap the sheets and offer a warm robe to your partner. Your partner will feel cold at this point so if you can, pre-warming the robe in the dryer may be really appreciated.

7. Invite your friend to relax for the next 30 minutes. The herbs will work their way into your partner's skin. The person who just received a herbal wrap treatment should drink lots of water.



An herbal wrap is only one option, learn others.

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