Shereen Naman
Srinagar, Dec 26 : Reviving an ancient tradition, the practice of Kashmiri herbal bathing, “louse aab,” is making a comeback in the hills of Fakir Gujri in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.
This traditional practice, specific to postpartum women in Kashmir, involves a therapeutic bath using a unique blend of herbs.
Shaheena, an elderly woman, informed The Web Story that the term “louse aab” has its origins in the Kashmiri word “louse,” which means nursing woman. According to her, it is a tradition in Kashmir for pregnant women to take a special bath on the 40th day after giving birth.
She explained that the therapeutic bath requires the gathering of 8-10 different herbs, collectively known as “Losse Ghassa” in Kashmiri. These herbs include Gyav Theer, Wan Babbar, Maed Sath, Gul-e-Tesu, Revand, Tejpatie, Amla, Lyedar Gandr Ajwain, among others. These herbs are procured from specialized shops operated by Bohris or Traditional Health Practitioners.
“Mumtaza, another woman, told The Web Story that the process begins by boiling the herbs together in traditional copper vessels called ‘Deg’ or ‘Degchi,’ which are commonly found in every household in Kashmir. After boiling, the herbs release their medicinal properties, and the resulting decoction is poured into buckets for the nursing woman to bathe in.”
“She said during the bath, the nursing woman sits in the water and immerses herself, occasionally fomenting herself with some of the grass left in the water. This age-old practice is believed to provide numerous benefits, including overcoming general weakness, rejuvenating the body after childbirth, and preventing future ailments such as bone or muscle aches.”
Despite its natural benefits and lack of side effects, the popularity of med spas and modern bathing techniques has overshadowed this traditional practice in recent times. The influence of the Western world has led many young women to opt for quick, hot showers for the sake of convenience and time management, neglecting the therapeutic potential of the herbal bath.
However, in Fakir Gujri, people are reviving this ancient herbal practice.
According to Fayaz Ahmad, an elderly resident, traditional herbs are abundant in the village, with many people gathering them in the summers or selling them in the market.
He added that although modern science may take time to establish the importance of herbal baths for postpartum women, Kashmir has been using this bath for centuries to help mothers heal and rejuvenate. Rooted in tradition, the bath, after 40 days of childbirth, is a special occasion that honors mothers for bringing new life into the world.
