In our Rituals series we explore simple day-to-day rituals with our creative community and find out more about their practice with a step by step guide to making the most out of the everyday. With international travel still on hold this summer we’re making the most of our city with staycations and adding small flourishes to elevate everyday routines. Here wellness guru Saffie Ng shares her flower bath recipe for the ultimate summer un-wind.

“Taking a floral bath has numerous healing properties and physical benefits. Combining your favourite flowers and essential oils can create the perfect wellness treatment.”

How To Make A Flower Bath

INGREDIENTS

Fresh flowers
2 cups epsom salts or Himalayan pink salt
1 can organic coconut milk
¼ cup honey
12–15 drops of 100% pure essential oil
1 tablespoon of carrier oil

STEP 1

Pick Your Florals

Consider the healing properties and skincare benefits of each flower. Depending on the season, there are endless combinations of flowers to experiment with. My favorites for summer are Roses, Chamomile, Cornflowers and Freesias.

STEP 2

Select Your Essential Oils

The right combination of essential oils can do everything from soothe sore muscles to help prepare for restful sleep.

One of my go-to blends is one I created for a self-care ritual combining three of my favourite flower essential oils: Geranium, Jasmine and Lavender. Geranium has a sweet, tenacious-floral scent and I love its powerful skin benefits- it soothes tired skin and balances dry/ oily skin which is very important during Hong Kong summers. The smell of Jasmine touches my feminine soul- I am totally in love with its rich, warm and sensuous aroma which creates a loving, alluring and romantic atmosphere. Pairing these with Lavender helps create a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind setting the right tone to induce a deep, restful sleep.

STEP 3

Blend Your Oils

When using oils in the bath it's important to remember oil and water don’t mix and you don’t want your essential oils just to sit on top of the water; you want them dispersed throughout. The best way to ensure that is to combine the essential oils in a “carrier oil" first. I like to use sweet almond oil but you can also use coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil.

Blend yout oils in a 3-4-5 golden ratio: 3 drops of Jasmine + 4 drops of Lavender + 5 drops of Geranium in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Sweet Almond Oil. Depending on the size of the tub, usually 12-15 drops of essential oil is more than sufficient to create an aromatic, therapeutic flower bath for one.

STEP 4

Add Some Sweetness

Coconut milk and honey forms the basis of this luxurious and indulgent bath soak. These two nourishing ingredients will soothe your skin and leave it feeling extra soft. Simply pour the coconut milk and honey into a large mixing bowl and whisk well until all is blended.

STEP 5

Draw The Perfect Bath

“It’s like making a perfect tea!” Begin with very hot water and slowly add cold water until you get the right temperature. The water’s bound to cool off quickly, so start things off as hot as possible. As the tub starts to fill, add your epsom salts and coconut milk mixture. Keep the water moving to dissolve the epsom salts and incorporate the coconut milk and honey.

STEP 6

Infuse The Bath With Oil

Never pour the essential oil directly into hot running water as this causes the essential oil to evaporate. To get the full aromatherapy benefits always add the essential oil after the tub is filled and has been left to cool down slightly for 5–10 minutes. Stir the blend into the bath to help circulate the oils and aroma.

STEP 7

Prepare The Petals

I always find this step adds an extra therapeutic effect to the whole experience and gives me time to slow down and be mindful.

Gently tear the petals from the flower head one by one to take time to admire the colour, texture and scent of each flower. Honour the beauty of Mother Nature and what she offers us.

STEP 8

Float Your Florals

Before adding the flowers to your bath, top up the bath with a little cold water to help make sure the flowers float. Add your blooms and petals mindfully, mixing and matching the colours and sizes to make a beautiful pattern.

STEP 9

Emerge And Enjoy

Light some candles around the space, relax and let your thoughts dissolve. I would highly recommend giving meditation a try or simply practice some deep inhales during this rejuvenating bath. Slowly and deeply inhale all the positive energy from Mother Nature and on each exhalation breathe all your tiredness and negative emotions away. Namaste.

Join Saffie’s wellness community here: @saffiesaffie
Bath ritual shot on location at The Pottinger