For a soothing winter bath, put 2 tablespoons of lavender buds (Lavandula angustifolia) and 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal into a small muslin bag or a piece of cloth.

Secure tightly with a string or rubber band.

Tie the bundle with the string or a piece of ribbon so that it hangs under the faucet of your bathtub.

Once the bath is full, try rubbing the bundle gently over your skin.

Both the lavender and the oatmeal will work to soothe dry skin and calm frazzled nerves as well.