In the midst of the winter doldrums, baths are an easy way to give yourself a little TLC. A nice warm soak soothes pain, relaxes muscles, loosens stiff joints, relieves stress, and primes you for a good night’s sleep. It’s also just a chance to be alone and escape with a good book.
Want to make that bath session extra therapeutic? Look no further than essential oils! Extracted from plants and herbs, essential oils bring the healing properties of Mother Nature right to your tub. Read on to learn how you can use essential oils to get an ultra-relaxing sweet-smelling scrub.
How To Use Essential Oils In The Bath
Just adding a few drops of oil to the bath won’t really do much: as you probably know, oil and water don’t mix! You must first combine your oil with a “carrier” that you can then add to the bathwater. For any essential oil you pick, mix 3-6 drops with half a cup of fragrance-free castile soap, fragrance-free shampoo, or jojoba oil. Add this to your bathwater while the bath is running and then swish it around with your hand.
Oils To Use
Some oils are more popular for the bath than others. We recommend the following:
- Chamomile: Gentle even for babies, chamomile oil has a soothing effect on muscles and helps heal irritated skin. Its calming properties are great to ease tension.
- Rose: Used in beauty routines for centuries, rose oil is excellent for all skin types! Its emollient, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory properties moisturize the skin while healing irritation.
- Lavender: This aromatic purple flower is proven to have a sedative effect on the mind and is great for helping with anxiety. Use it to relax and for a good night’s slumber.
- Eucalyptus: When inhaled, eucalyptus has the ability to clear the sinuses and ease any breathing problems that come from congestion. Treat yourself to a eucalyptus bath when battling a cold (eucalyptus oil is a strong oil, so you’ll only need a few drops of it).
- Tea Tree: Used widely in skin products, Tea Tree oil is one of the best natural ingredients for skin. It’s anti-microbial, excellent for acne, and helps with psoriasis and eczema. It’s also got a rejuvenating scent!
Oils To Avoid
Certain oils are best to keep out of the bath as they might irritate the skin. Steer clear of the following:
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Cassia
- Clove
- Oregano
- Ginger
- Mint (spearmint, peppermint, etc.)
When purchasing oils, make sure that your oils are 100% pure and therapeutic-grade. Even though they smell nice, never put undiluted oils on your skin.
Time to light some candles and turn on the faucet!
