Using herb baths to prepare for spiritual work
Bathing with herbs in Umbanda.
I’ve been very fortunate to study Umbanda, the Brazilian African and Indigenous spiritual tradition, centred around reverently working with the divine nature forces, the Orixás. The practise understands how to work with ancestral spirits through mediumship, dances, music, offerings, and community service to others. The intentions are to foster good character, and promote joy, healing, guidance, and good mind-body- spirit balance.
Integral to the work, are plants associated with each Orixá.
The rich heritage of this work has deep knowledge of using plants to heal and work with in ceremony. The life force in the leaves and flowers of specific plants equal the corresponding Orixá and so by bathing or smudging with them, they help us attune, align, feel.
To work with the plants is a form of entrainment. They have their own musicality. Like the drum, it is a way for our subtle energy body to come into synchrony with the current, in alignment with the ancestral force, Orixá, the nature element we are working with.
Bathing with the herbs is therefore part of preparing for the work with the Orixás and Caboclos (nature or ancestral spirits), taking care of yourself before and after the ceremony. It can be a way to cleanse everything else away so you are freeing yourself up for concentrating your work, receiving and tuning in to the forces we are singing and dancing with.
For after the ceremony, it helps to use them also to just wash away, discharge and let go. The herbs also feel very protective, re-inforcing your own energetic field, so that your nervous system can relax, you own life force can vibrate, your energy is contained - and you are less affected by other distractions, people or frequencies outside of what you are working with.
For any ceremony you attend you might be given a bath, or be directed to take one.
The following is a generic bath, connecting to the Orixá Oxalá, bringing you into alignment with faith and the light. It can be used before and after any ceremony, or as a self-care practise:
Basil, Rosemary, White Rose (or any soft coloured rose if white not available)
Spring water (if possible)
Prepare the herbs by taking the leaves from their stalks. Use as many as you like, but a good measure is a handful per person Add to a big bowl of water.
When they are all added to the water, you can mix in, scrunch and wash them in the water, asking for their medicine, their protection. Add the rose petals after.
Leave the bowl outside overnight, to take in the energy of the moon, stars and sky if possible.
To use: Take a jug, strain the herbs if you like (to avoid jamming your plug if using in your shower!). Add warm water to your own preference, and pour from the neck down. Try to have at least three jugfuls. Make sure you get the nape of your neck both front and back, as this is a strong energy point. Air-dry as much as possible so the residue of herbs is left on you.
Feel the difference!
Elle x
Thanks always to Marcio Maracaja and Gustavo from Bandeira de Oxala for your love, trust and teachings. Credit for the photo above of a ceremonial bath taken in ceremony in New York to Earth Medicine Alliance and Bandeira de Oxala. All other photos are from wonderful herbal bath love I’ve made! Recommended!
