Herbal Medicine

Herbal Wash

A traditional external therapy in Chinese medicine: warm liquid made from selected herbs, used for soaking, washing or compresses to soothe aches, support local circulation and help you relax.

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Background

Understanding Herbal Wash

01
Traditional Background

How Did Herbal Washes Develop?

External herbal therapies such as soaks, washes, steams and compresses have long been part of Chinese medicine, used alongside acupuncture and herbal prescriptions. Warm herbal foot soaks in particular remain a popular daily habit in China.
Our herbal wash formulas are custom-made blends of Chinese herbs, decocted into a warm liquid for soaking, washing or compressing a particular area. Because the herbs are used on the outside of the body, they do not pass through the digestive system, which makes herbal washes an option for people who cannot or prefer not to take herbs by mouth.
Warmsthe area being soaked
MovesQi and Blood locally
Easesaches and stiffness
Relaxesbody and mind
Figure 1. Traditional aims of herbal washes in TCM theory.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Does a Herbal Wash Work?

A herbal wash combines two things: warm water and plant compounds. The skin is a strong protective barrier, and research on delivering substances through the skin shows that only some small, fat-soluble molecules pass through it in meaningful amounts^[1]. So any herbal effect is likely to be mainly local and gentle.
Warm herbal wash
15–20 minute soak or compress
WarmthWarm water relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to the skin.
Plant compoundsSome herbal compounds may be taken up at the skin surface, mainly acting locally^[1].
RelaxationA regular warm soak is a calming ritual that may help you wind down.
Figure 2. The ways a warm herbal wash may support comfort and relaxation.
The warmth itself has been studied more than the herbs. A systematic review found that warm bathing (water at around 40–42.5°C) taken 1–2 hours before bed was associated with falling asleep more quickly and better self-rated sleep quality^[2]. Research on specific Chinese herbal washes is limited, so we see them as a soothing, supportive therapy rather than a cure.

References

Prausnitz MR, Langer R. Transdermal drug delivery. Nature Biotechnology. 2008;26(11):1261–1268. doi.org/10.1038/nbt.1504
Haghayegh S, Khoshnevis S, Smolensky MH, Diller KR, Castriotta RJ. Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm shower or bath to improve sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2019;46:124–135. doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2019.04.008

Your session

What you need to know

1Before you start

Your Consultation

Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms and skin and prepare a herbal wash formula for you.
Please let us know if you have broken or very sensitive skin, a known skin allergy, diabetes or reduced feeling in your hands or feet, poor circulation, or if you are pregnant. Herbs can occasionally interact with medicines, so please tell your practitioner about any medicines you take and let your GP know you are using Chinese herbs.
2How to use it

Soak, Wash or Compress
- You will receive your herbal wash in ready-to-use or easy-to-prepare packs, with clear instructions on how to heat, dilute and apply it.
- Check the temperature with your hand or elbow first: it should feel comfortably warm, never hot.
- Soak, wash or apply a compress to the area for 15–20 minutes, once or twice a day, or as advised.
- Pat the skin dry afterwards and keep warm.
3Good to know

Using It Safely
- Herbal washes are for external use only. Do not drink them.
- Do not apply to open wounds or broken skin unless your practitioner has advised it.
- If you notice redness, itching or a rash, stop using the wash and let us know.
- Some herbs may temporarily tint the skin or stain fabrics, so use an old towel.

Who can benefit

Who herbal wash is for

A warm herbal wash is a soothing way to care for a particular area of the body. These are some of the reasons our patients choose it.

Aching, stiff joints

Many patients use a warm herbal soak for joints that feel stiff or achy, especially in cold weather.

Tired, aching feet

A warm herbal foot soak is often used for heel and foot discomfort at the end of the day.

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Muscle tension

Warmth and herbs may help tight, tired muscles feel more relaxed.

Cold hands and feet

Warming soaks traditionally used to support circulation when you always feel the cold.

Winding down for sleep

An evening foot soak is a relaxing ritual that many patients find helps them settle before bed.

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Skin comfort

Gentle herbal washes are often chosen to soothe dry or irritated skin. Please tell us if your skin is broken or very sensitive.

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Prefer not to take herbs by mouth

A good option if you cannot or would rather not swallow herbal medicine.

Your practitioner will assess whether a herbal wash is right for you at your consultation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is a herbal wash suitable for?

Herbal washes are suitable for a wide range of people, including those who cannot take herbal medicine by mouth, because the herbs are applied externally and do not pass through the digestive system. Your practitioner will check it is right for you.

How long and how often should I use it?

Usually a 15–20 minute soak or compress once or twice a day. Your practitioner will tell you how long to continue.

How hot should the water be?

Comfortably warm, never hot. Always test the temperature first, and take extra care if you have diabetes or reduced feeling in your hands or feet.

Can I use it alongside acupuncture or other treatment?

Yes. Herbal washes are often used alongside acupuncture or other care. Please keep your practitioner and GP informed about any treatment you are having.

What if my skin reacts?

Stop using the wash, rinse the area with clean water and contact us. Mild redness from warmth is normal and fades quickly, but itching or a rash may mean the formula needs changing.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.