Gypsies are really not heavily into bathing! There is good reason for this. With any nomadic people it will be found that there is a great appreciation of water. It is not always easy to come by and so must be used sparingly and with discretion. Never waste water on washing the body when it may desperately be needed for drinking.

But despite this, there are many times when a bath must be taken, and times when it must not only be taken but must be taken in a certain manner...an herbal bath to promote affairs of the heart, for instance.

Romani women have one or two time-honored recipes for herbal baths, for those times when it is really important: to attract a love, to seal a lovers' contract, to repair a damaged love, for example. Here are the ones I was able to find.

1. Into your bath water drop rose petals and jasmine flowers, a small number of mint leaves, and some comfrey root. Let them steep for at least five minutes, then you can either get into the bath immediately or pull the ingredients out first and then get in. Most Romanis leave the herbs and flowers in with them.

2. Rosemary and carnation petals in equal parts plus half the amount of lavender. Add a sprinkling of fennel and thyme.

3. Mint, lavender, and marjoram steeped first, for at least five minutes. Then add a sprinkling of rose petals and a pinch of basil.

4. Prepare a pot of herbal tea beforehand. Use one teaspoon each of rosemary, valerian, vervain, mint, and cinnamon. Let it steep for about ten minutes, then pour into the bath water. Sprinkle on top about a half teaspoonful of lovage (dried and powdered).

5. Simmer a quarter cup of lavender and a quarter cup of rose petals in a quart of water for 15 minutes. Add to your bath water.

6. Simmer a quarter cup of hops and a quarter cup of marjoram in a quart of water for 20 minutes, then add to your bath water.

7. Simmer a quarter cup of peppermint and a quarter cup of linden flowers in a quart of water for 15 minutes, then add to your bath water.

Generally the above can be done with either fresh flowers / herbs or dried ones. While soaking in your bath, you should concentrate on your desire, be it to bring love, heal a rift, or consummate a union.