In China, herbal bathing is an ancient tradition, and it is recorded that early in the Zhou dynasty (approx. 1100-221 BC) people started to use Eupatorium (pei lan) in baths to get rid of body odor. This fragrant herb is a common ingredient to relieve summer heat symptoms and to promote appetite. It was not until the Song dynasty (AD 960-1279) that herbal baths became popular among the general public, and as an integral part of rituals. Some examples are:

* During Chinese New Year, people take a five-fragrance bath for relaxation, in which contains the common bluebeard herb, Schizonepeta herb, common basil, sandalwood and costus root;
* During spring, people take wolfberry-fruit baths which is said to promote skin health and delay aging;
* During summer, people take five-twig-bath for health prevention and maintenance; this bath contains cassia twig, pagoda twig, peach twig, willow twig and ephedra.

Chinese herbal baths are generally indicated for conditions like fever, fungus infections, skin sores, wounds, pain, arthritis, and itchiness, as well as a beauty treatment. The effective components of the herbal bath are mainly absorbed through the patient’s skin and respiratory system and work by activating the potential life functions in the patient’s body. Selection of herbs is usually based on specific conditions.

At home, you can mix an infusion or decoction to fill the bath or use a large gauze bag stuffed with the proper herbs (ground) to steep your own bath. When preparing the decoction, soak the herbal ingredients for 20 minutes first and then boil for 30 minutes. It is said that the same pack of herbs can be decocted three times. When taking herbal baths, the water temperature should lie between 37 – 42℃, rub the body surface slightly and soak in the bath for no longer than 30 minutes. After the bath, rinse the body with plain water, remember to rest for half an hour and drink water to replenish lost body fluid