Bath Oils for Your Pleasure
A long stressful day requires some time off to regain the energy and strength that has been used up throughout the day. Another activity that people can perform in order to relax is bathing in warm water. Some drops of essential oils in the bath water will make the relaxation even better than before and that is good for both the body and the soul. So without further ado, here are some of the best essential oils for a relaxing bath, as well as how to use them.
There are numerous advantages of using essential oils in the bath.
In use of water baths, essential oils are used not only as fragrances but also in a therapeutic manner. Essential oil molecules are easily and readily absorbed when bathing as the active compounds in the oils penetrate through the skin and enters the blood stream. This helps to enhance the relaxation process, and decrease the concentrations of stress hormones, muscle contractions and joint pains, and nervous system activation.
Some of these essential oils also possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics that can treat skin problems such as acne, rashes as well as infections. It also has moisturizing effects that help keep skin soft and smooth for a longer period of time. Your mind also gets a way of escaping bad fleeting thoughts as it helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
Essential Oils Used for Bath and its Aroma Therapy
Here are some of the top essential oils to add to a bath for ultimate relaxation:
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of those fragrances that is perfect for the bathroom because not only does it have a fresh floral smell but it also comes with a lot of health benefits as well. It produces physical and mental relaxation as it slows down the rate of blood circulation in body. It also works wonders in reducing inflammation and pains associated with joints and muscles. It also helps in nourishing skin and treats various diseases such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Before taking a bath, you can put up to 12 drops of lavender essential oil into your bath water.
Clary Sage Oil
Reducing stress, clary sage oil plays a major role in improving mood and mental health of an individual. It has herbal estrogens that help to relieve the pain associated with menstrual periods and hot flushes. This has a natural calming effect which can ease tensed muscles, overcome head-aches and reduce nervousness. Add between eight and ten drops of clary sage oil to the bath.
Roman Chamomile Oil
It also contains chamazulene and thus makes this oil have a better anti-inflammatory and antibacterial value than the other oils. It relieves stress and produces relaxation through its sweet aromatic scent of apples. Another oil that is safe for the skin especially for those with sensitive skin is the Roman chamomile oil. They come in a small dark glass bottle and you should use 5 to 6 drops in your bathtub.
Eucalyptus Oil
Among the choices made above, Eucalyptus oil is particularly relevant if you wish to rejuvenate your exhausted muscles and joints. It is used to make the skin feel cold for a short time while increasing blood flow beneath the skin. The herbal smell is soothing and has a very refreshing effect, and this too helps in improving alertness. It is recommended that this oil is used in moderation, preferably no more than 10 drops in one bath.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil calms anxious and over-stimulated brain structures as well as combats mental exhaustion due to its aroma of earth and balsam. As such, it fosters the mood of tranquility, contentment, and general well-being. Frankincense oil has the use of an antiseptic, this will help to maintain healthy skin and also help prevent skin infections. 6-8 drops should be added to your bath water.
Ylang Ylang Oil
One of the most effective remedies that this oil has is the ability to drive away stress due to its enchanting floral fragrance. It can influence the nervous system, decreasing the patient’s blood pressure and the rate of breathing. Another benefit of ylang ylang oil is that it has beneficial effects on mood, and makes you feel more optimistic. Use five drops of this essential oil in warm water for bathing.
Preparing an essential oil bath is easy and takes just a few minutes :
Fill a bath tub with warm water and dissolve up to 15 drops of preferred essential oil, mixing up to 3 oils. Essential oils do not dissolve in water, add them to bath gel or carrier oil, then add this to water.
Aromatherapy essential oils need carrier oils such as coconut, sweet almond, avocado, or grapeseed oil to mix with bath water. A natural bath salt or milk can also be used as another dispersant depending on the type of wash desired. Stir the bath water to enhance the interaction between the solution and water. It would be advisable to soak in warm water for not less than 15-20 minutes for optimal results.
Although using essential oils in baths makes the practice safer and less irritating than using synthetic scents, one should always do a patch test before using the oils to ensure that the skin has not developed any reaction to any of the oils. Though, it is important to note that some oils such as cinnamon, clove, and lemongrass are known to cause skin irritation to some individuals.
Here are two refreshing bath recipes to help you unwind quickly:
Citrus Bath for Energy
Ingredients:
4 drops sweet orange essential oil
With the following quantities of ingredients: 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
It is recommended to take 3 drops of lemon essential oil.
1 tablespoon carrier oil
Relaxing Floral Bath
Ingredients:
For getting rid of symptoms of stress, 5 drops of lavender essential oil.
For children three drops of Roman chamomile essential oil.
Place 2 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
1 tablespoon honey
Please make sure that your chosen oils are first incorporated into a dispersant before being mixed into the bath water. Have a relaxing hot water bath with aromatic substances to free your body from tiredness and tension!