Elevate Your Bath Experience With Aromatherapy Using Salts And Oils.
Bathing has long been cherished as a form of relaxation and self-care. To elevate this experience, consider integrating aromatherapy into your bath routine. When utilizing the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, bath time can offer a multitude of benefits for both your body and mind.
- Aways dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil or some liquid soap before adding them to your water. This is because oil and water do not mix, and when you add neat essential oils to your bath water, the oils will stay at the surface and come in contact with your skin, which could irritate you. Also, the carrier oil or soap will help disperse the essential oils in the water. Examples of carrier oil: Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or any other oil you like. If you prefer using liquid soap, castile soap is a good choice here. Go for unscented carriers since fragrance will come from essential oils.
- Choose essential oils depending on your intention. We usually choose relaxing oils for bath time, but you could totally choose energizing oils or oils that make you breathe better, especially during the winter. Below are some blends you can try for specific purposes.
- Don’t use synthetic fragrances in your bath. These are typically fake scents and have zero therapeutic effects. In addition, most fragrances will irritate you and do more harm than good.
- Avoid phototoxic oils if you are going to be in the sun after your bath. Most citrus oils are phototoxic when used above a certain dilution, except sweet orange which is not a phototoxic oil.
- Do not use peppermint essential oil as the possibility of getting irritated skin is really high with peppermint in water.
- Avoid oils high in phenols as they can also cause a lot of irritation to your skin. Examples of such oils are thyme, clove, oregano which are sometimes used for pain management, but should be avoided in a bath.
- If you like using ylang ylang, use only one drop because it is a strong floral oil and can cause headaches if used in higher quantities.
Epsom salt isn’t really a salt. It is scientifically known as magnesium sulfate and brings a distinct advantage to your bath experience. Magnesium, a vital mineral for the body, plays an important role in our overall well-being. When dissolved in warm bathwater, Epsom salt allows your skin to absorb magnesium, offering potential benefits such as:
- Muscle relaxation: Magnesium is known for its muscle-soothing properties, making an Epsom salt bath ideal for easing tension and promoting relaxation after a long day.
- Stress reduction: Magnesium has been linked to stress reduction by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain. A magnesium-rich bath can be a calming ritual to unwind and de-stress.
- Improved sleep: The relaxation induced by magnesium may contribute to better sleep quality.
Here are my favorites, but you can experiment with many other oils!
Method (for all blends): Add the essential oils to your carrier oil or your liquid soap and stir to mix. Then add to the Epsom salt or any other salt if using. Mix all ingredients, add to your bath and enjoy.
Sleep Well Blend
2 oz jar
1 oz pink Himalayan salt
1 oz Epsom salt
10 drops of Calm essential oil blend (can substitute with 7 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Sweet Orange essential oils)
2 tablespoons carrier oil/liquid soap
This quantity is enough for two baths.
Muscle Pain Relief Blend
2 oz jar
2 oz Epsom salt
5 drops of German chamomile, 4 drops of Lavender oil, and 1 drop of Ginger essential oil.
2 tablespoons carrier oil/liquid soap
This quantity is enough for two baths.
Breathe Better Blend
2 oz jar
1 oz Himalayan salt
1 oz Epsom salt
10 drops of Breathe essential oil blend (can substitute with Eucalyptus oil).
2 tablespoons carrier oil/liquid soap
This quantity is enough for two baths.
Note: For cold and flu or sinuses support, you can use Breathe blend in many other ways. Look under “Suggested Uses” for some ideas.
Awakening blend
2 oz jar
2 oz Epsom salt
4 drops of Rosemary oil, 4 drops of Grapefruit oil, 2 drops of Sweet Orange oil.
2 tablespoons carrier oil/liquid soap
This quantity is enough for two baths.
I hope you try one of these DIY blends! Remember, you can always experiment with different oils to find your favorite combinations. As you soak in the warm, fragrant water, not only will you enjoy the aromatic benefits of essential oils, but your body will also thank you for the relaxation and healing experience.
