Caribbean Bush Bath: Past & Present

Imagine warm fragrant water with a combination of herbs and flowers being poured on your body with a bowl shaped calabash on a white sandy beach. The perfumed water is sapped on your head and the flower petals and herbs run down your face and neck. Your are surrounded by like minded spiritual people with whom you created this bush water and they hold sacred space as you are bathed. This sacred ritual cleanses and purifies the body and the soul and puts us back in touch with the Divine. There is something extremely empowering and nurturing about participating in one of these ceremonies. From the feedback, some participants experienced life changing events, increase in prosperity, marriage, letting go of people and situations that no longer serve them. All leave with a sense of renewal and relaxation.

December 31, 2020

Folklore

In folklore, a bush baths was used to dispel evil hexes and illnesses. It would include a garlic skin and blue smoke bath before the water bath.

Bush bath cleanse us of what we no longer need in our lives in an energetic yet physical way. The energy of the herbs and flowers combined with the amplification of water rubbed on the skin, the largest organ of the body, leave for a surprisingly cleansing experience When was the last time someone bathe you or bathe your feet?

The modern bush bath is about community. The initiator gathers the bush that can vary depending on the energy of the day. The participants have to bring herbs and flowers for the ceremony.

Bush baths can also be done for the Bride to Be as a blessing from her mother and the bridesmaids.

Some of the herb/bush you’ll use for a bath include bay leaf, hibiscus leaf/flower, rosemary, cattle tongue, korilly, lemongrass, lemon basil, moringa, chandelier leaf and sweet thyme. Florida water and rose water are added for fragrance.

Looking to experience a bush bath for a group or wedding party on St. Croix?
Contact Charlene Springer: namasteiam@gmail.com