Easy Herbal Postpartum Bath Recipe -4 Ways to Use It

The easiest postpartum herbal bath recipe. There’s nothing quite like that first herbal postpartum bath as a new mother.

As a previous labor and delivery nurse, and mom of three, I’ll share my favorite hack of how to make postpartum ice packs from your herbs and postpartum pads.

If you’re preparing for the birth of your baby and want to make a DIY herbal bath to have ready afterward, this is for you. This makes a great gift idea for a new mom-to-be too! 

Pin it for later -Postpartum herbal bath recipe

I looked forward to an herbal bath after all three of my births. It was the best! I loved the smell of the warm herbal bath and whenever I smell it, it brings me right back to holding my new baby.

Make your own herbal postpartum bath with this easy recipe. I’ll share my tips and tricks including how to get the most out of each recipe and how to use this herbal bath recipe 4 different (but easy) ways after the birth. Including postpartum sitz bath recipes. 

Postpartum herbal bath recipe

The following recipe is an herbal blend with a variety of herbs chosen with the postpartum Mama in mind.

For external use only

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Gallon ziplock bags
• Large tea bags or cotton muslin bags
• Large stock pot
• Peri bottle or plastic squeeze bottle (optional)*
• Sitz bath basin (optional)*
• Postpartum pads (optional)*
• *See notes below

Ingredients

• 1 cup chamomile flowers
• 1 cup calendula flowers
• ⅔ cup plantain leaf
• ⅔ cup comfrey leaves
• ⅔ lavender flowers
• ⅔ cup yarrow flowers
• ⅔ shepherd’s purse
• ⅔ cup uva ursi leaf
• ⅔ cup sea salt

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here. 

Instructions

1. Measure herbs and salt placing them in a large container (or gallon size ziplock bag). Combine well.  
2. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. I like to use gallon size ziplock bags for storage of dry postpartum herbs.
3. Herbs and salt may separate, give the bag a shake prior to using.

Makes about 7 cups, or 3-4 full baths (or batches). 

Instructions for preparing herbs

1. Fill a large stock pot with water. Place 2 cups of herbal bath in a tea bag and place into water.
2. Bring water to a boil and boil for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bag with herbs. 

TIP!- You can refrigerate the already used tea bag and herbs to be used again at a later time (use within 1-2 days). The bath will not be as concentrated, but this is a great way to get the most out of each batch. 

Storage

Store dried herbs in an airtight container or ziplock bag until you are ready to use it. Mix well prior to steeping, as herbs and sea salt can sink to the bottom.

Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

*Notes:

Herb bath

To use in a tub bath- Pour the entire stock pot of hot water into the bath tub and fill the tub with warm water. You only want to fill it up a few inches for a shallow bath at first.

Soak for at least 15-20 minutes. After 15 minutes, you can fill the tub up completely, if you prefer, for a relaxing bath. 

Peri bottle use

To use in a peri bottle -Once the herbal bath has been steeped in the stock pot, fill the peri bottle with the herbal tea. Use a peri bottle after each bathroom use, pat dry.

Store steeped herbal bath in a covered stock pot in the refrigerator in between uses or in a pitcher. Refill peri bottle after each use. 

Herbal sitz bath

To use with sitz bath -Fill sitz bath with steeped herbal bath. Soak for 10-15 minutes. 

Postpartum ice packs

To use with postpartum pads -This is my favorite postpartum hack! Soak postpartum pads with steeped herbs. Stack 3-5 pads in a row and curve the pads as best as you can.

Freeze pads. These are the perfect postpartum ice packs! 

Final thoughts on this postpartum herbal bath recipe

If you’re planning a vaginal birth, this blend of herbs will be the best for your perineal area while it heals. 

You can use these herbs beyond the first week of the postpartum period if you want! But certainly use it more frequently in the early days. 

There are many benefits of using sitzs baths postpartum. I’ve included a short article, if you’re interested!

Please talk with your healthcare provider before using herbs postpartum. 

 Do you have other favorite DIY recipes for herbal baths? Let me know in the comments! 

If you’re a soon to be postpartum Mama, check out my favorite protein packed oatmeal recipe –How to make oatmeal with eggs.

You and your kiddos will love it. Plus it makes great leftovers, so don’t be afraid to double the batch!