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In episode 7 of _Goblin Slayer_ , at around 3:29, there are branches that are
used in baths.

![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ybEtql.png)

What are these branches and what is their purpose (like herbal)? Is it in
Japanese culture or any other culture?


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culture goblin-slayer
What are those branches used in baths in Goblin Slayer episode 7?


Those are **White Birch Branches**. It's also mentioned in the manga during
**Chapter 20**.

( _Warning: NSFW (Nudity) content and manga spoilers ahead_ )

> ![](https://i.stack.imgur.com/hqsHel.jpg)

I'm not sure of their exact use but according to the [Wikipedia
page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch) of birches,

> fragrant twigs of silver birch are used in saunas to relax the muscles.

This seems to coincide with what is shown in the manga/anime, as it looks like
_it is used to relieve exhaustion and provide relaxation_.


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The term for these is a [_bath
broom_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banny_venik).  
Or "banny venik" (from банный веник) in Russia.  
Or "vasta" or "vihta" (depending on the region) in Finland.

[![Finnish
vihta](https://i.stack.imgur.com/odRPq.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/odRPq.jpg)
(image by kallerna [[CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
sa/3.0) or [GFDL](http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from [Wikimedia
Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vihtoja.jpg))

They're mostly used in heated bath houses and, prior to refridgeration, were a
rather seasonal luxury. You use them, quite simply, just to hit yourself with
in a hot bath house.

Despite how weird (and painful) that sounds, it's actually a rather pleasant
feeling experience, mostly compared to massaging yourself, and provided that
the branches are fresh enough, you can use a fair amout of force without
hurting yourself. The leaves, that should not be dry (or you're doing
something horribly wrong) cushion the impact nicely. They're also often use
wet.

Here's also a short video about the actual use of the brooms (1:55 for the
actual "application"): <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4ZILOglcHE>

Besides all that, the fresh birch also leaves behind a rather pleasant scent.


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