How to Speed Up Postpartum Recovery with a Herbal Bath

Reclaiming rest and healing through plant medicine

In the sacred window after birth your body can feel very tender and raw. Now is the time to slow down, rest, and restore. One of my favorite ways to support postpartum healing is through a warm, soothing herbal bath. This simple practice offers profound benefits for the body, helping to speed up your recovery.

Let’s explore how a herbal bath can support your healing, and how to create one for yourself or a loved one.

Why Herbal Baths Are Perfect for Postpartum

After birth, your perineum and pelvic area will be feeling rather delicate. Herbal baths will help to:

• Soothe soreness and swelling

• Reduce the risk of infection

• Promote gentle perineal healing

• Ease hemorrhoids and vaginal tears

• Support emotional grounding and relaxation

But beyond the physical, there is something deeply symbolic about immersing yourself in the warmth of earth’s medicine—it’s a way of being held, honoured, and nourished.

Let Your Village Support You

This is a beautiful offering for your postpartum village to prepare for you. Ask a doula, partner, or friend to make the infusion or run the bath. You deserve to be tended to.

Best Herbs for Postpartum Healing

These herbs are gently antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and toning. They work together to speed up tissue repair and soothe your skin.

Calendula – Soothes inflammation, speeds up skin healing
Chamomile – Calming, anti-inflammatory, aromatic
Lavender – Antiseptic, promotes relaxation
Rose Petals – Energetically heart-opening, cooling, and fragrant
Yarrow – Astringent and helpful for minor bleeding
Comfrey Leaf – Known as “knitbone,” helps repair tissues

Earth Mother Birth Herbal Remedies

Herbal bath soak

How to Make your own Postpartum Herbal Bath

Here’s a simple recipe to prepare a healing soak. This can be taken daily in the first 1–2 weeks postpartum or as often as needed. Always source your herbs organically or wildcrafted from a trusted supplier.

Herbal Bath Blend

• 1/2 cup dried calendula

• 1/2 cup dried chamomile

• 1/4 cup dried lavender

• 1/4 cup dried rose petals

• 1/4 cup dried yarrow or comfrey (optional)

• Large muslin bag or cheesecloth

Instructions

1. Boil water – Bring 2 litres (about 8 cups) of water to a boil.

2. Steep herbs – Add the herbs to the muslin bag or tie them in cheesecloth. Place in a large bowl or pot and pour hot water over the herbs. Let steep, covered, for 30–60 minutes.

3. Prepare your bath – Fill your bath with warm (not too hot) water. Add the herbal infusion, including the herb bundle if you like.

4. Soak and rest – Ease into the water and soak for 15–30 minutes. You can bring baby in with you (skin-to-skin is beautiful in the bath), or take this time just for yourself.

5. Dry gently – Pat dry with a soft towel or air dry. Follow with breathable, cotton underwear or go without for a while to let the area breathe.

Note - If you do not have a bath then you can use the herbal infusion for a sitz bath, peri bottle rinse, or soothing compresses. These are great practices to incorporate into your postpartum healing regardless.

You Are Worthy of Deep Rest and Gentle Healing