When asked to describe a Spiritual Bush Bath, my mind is flooded with vivid memories. Traditionally, a bush bath was a remedy for illness or bad luck, often administered by a wise elder in the community—typically a female figure like an aunt, grandmother, or healer. She would carefully prepare a bath using herbs chosen specifically for the malady affecting the body. The bath would take place in an old tub, where prayers were whispered over the fragrant water, which was poured from a calabash over your head.

One of the most distinct parts of the ritual was the act of “sapping”—the elder would pat the top of your head and shoulders with wet herbs, making a soft sapping sound. I remember initially coiling up as the cool, fragrant water was poured over me, but as the warm hands began sapping and rubbing the herbs on my shoulders, a sense of relaxation swept over me. Once the bath was complete, I was wrapped in a large towel and offered warm bush tea, often made from the same herbs used in the bath. The combination of the soothing bath and tea would leave me feeling renewed, and I would enjoy the best sleep of my life with the lingering scent of herbs on my skin and hair.

Looking back, I see how sacred this ceremony truly was. Every step—from choosing the herbs and preparing the bath to the prayers and ritual bathing—was performed with deep reverence.

Bringing Bush Bath to the Community

Fifteen years ago, I decided to revive the tradition by offering Spiritual Bush Baths to the community. I put out the call, and 29 women, including a pregnant participant, gathered at a hilltop house owned by a friend of mine. The view was stunning and private, creating the perfect setting for this sacred ritual.

We had two large containers of water, and everyone contributed to filling them with herbs, leaves, and local flowers, including fragrant rose petals. As we prepared the baths, excitement filled the air as the women reminisced about receiving bush baths as children and the familiar scent of bay leaf stirred old memories. We let the water warm in the sun while we meditated and journaled, allowing time for reflection.

Once ready, we chose our container and began bathing each other. It was a powerful sight to see these women engaging in such an intimate, sacred act of care. The comments from participants were touching: “It’s been so long since someone bathed me,” one woman said, while another remarked, “I love the smell of the herbs, and the water feels so soothing on my skin.”

Expanding the Experience

Since that day, I’ve held several Community Spiritual Bush Baths each year. The sense of renewal and connection during these gatherings is palpable. My friends from the mainland would often express envy when they saw the colorful photos of our ritual, featuring the rich blend of herbs, leaves, and flowers. They longed for the experience, even from afar.

And that’s how CHaRLi’s Bush Bath was born. I now prepare dried herbs, leaves, and flower petals with the same prayerful reverence, so even if you can’t join me here in the Caribbean, you can still enjoy the healing and soothing experience of a Spiritual Bush Bath in your own home. Each bath is crafted to bring the Caribbean’s essence to you, helping you reconnect with the sacred tradition and find peace, balance, and renewal—no matter where you are.

Join me on this journey, and experience the profound healing of a Spiritual Bush Bath for yourself.