Rosemary and mint herbal bath

Today I came across a treasure trove of recipes I used 10 or more years ago. No Bake Cookies. Classic Pecan Pie. Amish Friendship Bread (which quickly can become a curse since the starter multiplies so rapidly!) And an old favorite I used to make as gifts for friends: Rosemary and mint herbal bath.

Perhaps 15 years ago, I received a similar tonic as a gift. I loved the herbal bath and quickly used it up. It smells terrific and helps soothe achy muscles. But I was was dumbfounded when I wanted to buy more and saw the actual cost. Using rosemary from my dad’s garden and purchased mint extract, I came up with this inexpensive substitute.

Rosemary and mint herbal bath

4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary or about 3 tablespoons dry rosemary, crushed
3 cups water
¾ cup mineral oil (baby oil)
½ teaspoon mint extract
3-4 drops red food coloring (liquid)

Fill a quart canning jar with the rosemary, then pour over 3 cups of boiling water. Let cool until you can safely handle. Cover lid with plastic wrap and a rubber band. Let mixture stand for two days. Pour mixture through a sieve to remove the rosemary. To the infused water, add ¾ cup mineral oil, ½ teaspoon mint extract and 3-4 drops of red food coloring. Pour into small jars for gift giving. Yield: One quart. Add ¼ cup to ½ cup to bath water.

The small jars that diced pimentos are packaged in are the perfect size to use for this herbal bath. Recycle them into a great gift, or save it for yourself. I have a hardy rosemary plant in my herb garden -- later this year I will use several sprigs to make a batch for myself.