Phytobalnenlogy

Abstract: Baths with herbal additives play a major role in the Kneipp-therapy for 100 years. Concerning the effects of a herbal bath we distinguish between physical effects (temperature and pressure of the water) and the specific effects of the herbal drugs. Effects of herbal additives can be achieved by:· stimulation of the olfactory system in the sense of »aroma therapy,<,· stimulation of receptors on and in the skin respectively,· pharmacodynamic effects after resorption through the skin.Major indications of herbal baths are discussed in this paper considering the monographs of the Kommission B8 of the former Bundesgesundheitsamt. Recent controlled clinical trials on the sedative effects of herbal baths are discussed in the sense of a meta-analysis. A dose-dependent sedative and sleep-Improving efficacy of baths with citronell oil could be shown in trials performed with healthy volunteers and patients suffering from nervousness and/or sleep disorders. The sedative effect of baths with hops extract seems to be distinctly weaker than baths with citronell oil and is significantly only at high doses and after multiple administration. The essential oil of lavender in a similar trial exhibited no sedative properties but exerts some »harmonizing effects". In a further controlled trial with a bath containing the essential oils of juniper and gautheria we could show an increase in peripheral blood circulation and a pain releasing effect in patients suffering from rheumatism. The effects of a warm bath with and without arnica as an herbal additive on venous functions was investigated in relation to temperature. The results are in contradiction to the view that warm baths impair venous function. In conclusion effects and efficacy of phytobalneologics can be demonstrated by clinical trials and corresponding investigations.

Keyword(s): Herbal bath

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