We have been reflecting on the idea of ‘preserving solitude’ quite a bit as we transition into autumn. 

Finding a way to enjoy the time we spend alone despite a rather solitary year feels more important than ever. In an attempt to carve out space to enjoy the solitary nature of the coming seasons, we’ve decided to try something new and are very excited to share it with you!

Traditionally, a  bouquet garni  is a bundle of fresh herbs bound with string. The bouquet is submerged into a pot of hot water to prepare soups, stocks, casseroles, among other dishes, and then removed with the string prior to serving. We like to bundle our own bouquets every fall with the remaining herbs from our garden; it’s a great way to use up the last of summer’s bounty  and  they make for great gifts.

Rather than bundle our usual culinary bouquets (which we recommend you try if you haven’t already!), we took a slightly new approach and have created a delightfully aromatic bouquet garni for the bath because really… why not? Herbs are just as beneficial for your body and mind as for your taste buds! 

A traditional French bouquet garni will include thyme, bay leaf and parsley. However, since we are creating a bouquet to use in the bath, you’ll want to consider using herbs that are known for their therapeutic benefits like rosemary, lavender, chamomile, mint, sage, lemon balm, etc.

Ultimately, we encourage you to use herbs that appeal to you and that are easily available. Keep in mind, you do not need to use loads of each herb; just enough to detect each herb and sense their aroma. 

We used the following from our garden:

Thyme
Mint
Rosemary
Sage
Holy basil 

Arrange your chosen herbs in a bundle and secure with string. Place in the bath and fill with hot water. Slip into your herbal oasis and enjoy for 15 – 20 minutes. When you’re done, remove the bouquet, drain the bath and discard or compost the leftover herbs.

If you’d prefer, you can also bring a pot of hot water to a near boil then remove it from the heat. Place the bouquet in the pot and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. Add the infused water to your bath as you fill it. Then, slip into the bath and enjoy your homemade herbal sanctuary for 15 – 20 minutes.

If you decide to make several at a time, we recommend storing your bouquets in the fridge: 

Place a damp paper towel in a glass storage container, add the bouquets, then close the lid to the container. The idea is to create a moist little ecosystem for the herbs to stay fresh. 

Whether you choose to keep these homemade bath bundles on hand for the cooler months ahead or gift them to loved ones, we hope you enjoy our little spin on the traditional bouquet garni. We would love to hear how each of your unique arrangements turn out!