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What is Eucalyptus? Why Do People Bathe with Eucalyptus on the Eve of Lunar New Year’s Eve?

As the year draws to a close, many households prepare elderflower for a special bath on the last day of the Lunar New Year. Join us as we delve into the significance of this traditional ritual and explore the wonders of elderflower and why it holds a special place in cultural practices.

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14 July, 2024

As the year comes to a close, many Vietnamese families prepare a special pot of herbal bath, using an aged coriander plant, to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Let’s explore the tradition of using aged coriander and its benefits.

1 What is Aged Coriander?

Aged coriander, also known as cilantro, is a herb with a unique, subtle fragrance. As the plant matures, it bears tiny white flowers and grows tall. This aged herb has a distinctive mild fragrance and offers a multitude of benefits.

Coriander is a familiar ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, adding flavor and color to dishes. Moreover, it is a medicinal plant, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals for the body.

Aged coriander is rich in essential minerals

Beyond its culinary uses, aged coriander is valued for its therapeutic properties, both physically and mentally. The flowers and fruits of the aged plant are used fresh or dried to create herbal baths. These baths are believed to uplift the spirit and treat depression.

Aged coriander plant

2 Why Take an Aged Coriander Bath on the 30th of Tet?

In Northern Vietnam, it is a yearly tradition to use aged coriander not for cooking but for bathing, face washing, and steaming. According to elders, this practice is meant to wash away the sorrows of the passing year and invite joy and good fortune for the new year. This custom is often referred to as “The Purification on New Year’s Eve.”

Aged coriander bath for a fresh start

Beyond its symbolic meaning, bathing with aged coriander offers several health benefits. Coriander is known to treat depression, stress, and headaches. It also has analgesic and anti-influenza properties. Notably, the essential oil found in coriander contains a high level of antioxidants, which help cleanse and soothe inflamed skin.

The pleasant fragrance of coriander leaves a lasting impression, providing a sense of relaxation and comfort. Thus, bathing with aged coriander on the 30th of Tet helps calm the mind and creates a peaceful transition into the new year, leaving behind any bad luck from the previous year.

Aged coriander bath for a peaceful transition into the new year

3 How to Prepare an Aged Coriander Bath for Tet

Preparing an aged coriander bath is simple. You will need coriander leaves, ginger, and lime. Wash the ingredients thoroughly and bruise the ginger. Bundle the coriander leaves in a way that fits your pot, add the ginger, and fill the pot with water. Bring it to a boil.

After boiling, strain the herbal water into a basin and add a pinch of salt. Dilute it with warm water, and your herbal bath is ready! You can now bathe, wash your face, or steam according to this unique Tet tradition.

However, it is important to note that not everyone is suitable for an aged coriander bath. Those with skin conditions like dermatitis, as well as those who have just eaten, children with measles or chickenpox, and infants, should refrain from this practice. So, consider your family’s health before adopting this tradition.

Preparing an aged coriander bath

We hope you found this information helpful and wish you success in performing this aged coriander bath tradition on the 30th of Tet.

Frequently asked questions

Eucalyptus is a type of tree native to Australia, known for its strong aromatic fragrance and medicinal properties. In the context of the Lunar New Year’s Eve, bathing with eucalyptus is believed to bring good health and fortune for the coming year. The practice is rooted in traditional folk beliefs and has been passed down through generations.

The aromatic compounds in eucalyptus, such as eucalyptol, have therapeutic properties. When inhaled, they can help clear congestion and improve respiratory health. The fragrance also has a calming and soothing effect on the mind, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. Additionally, eucalyptus is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall wellness.