Prepare this soothing brew and treat yourself to a quiet moment—perhaps contemplating the list of lovely names you've collected in anticipation of naming your newborn. This bath tea recipe, courtesy of herbalist and midwife Aviva Jill Romm, author of The Natural Pregnancy Book (Crossing Press, 1997) and president of the American Herbalist Guild, may be prepared using either fresh or dried herbs.
Soothing Bath Tea
1/2 cup lemon balm
1/2 cup lavender
Boiling water
1. Place herbs in a quart container and fill with boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes, then add to bath water. A few drops of essential oil of lavender, diluted in a quarter cup of neutral oil (such as almond, sunflower or walnut), may be added to bath water as well.
—Debra Bokur