Nothing is more relaxing than spending ample time in your bathroom luxuriating in warm, comforting water. Taking a regular warm bath or shower provides multiple health benefits beyond merely calming your mind; it also helps elevate your overall mood, relieves muscle pain, and, surprisingly, improves your heart’s health, among others.
Nowadays, many bath lovers lean toward the therapeutic power of both essential and aroma oils. A few drops of these elixirs can purportedly enhance your bathing experience, furthering physical and mental relaxation.
Bathing with Essential Oils
Before you go crazy about dumping random essential oils into your bath, there are several pointers you need to know—from recognizing which oil to use and carrying out the proper way of using these potent vials.
If you opt for thorough relaxation:
Lavender essential oil helps improve blood circulation and has a calming effect. It is indeed a must-have if you want a calming experience to cap a busy day and prime yourself for sleep.
For pain relief:
Apart from boosting antioxidants, chamomile oil is also an analgesic essential oil. You can use it to relieve pain and inflammation, soothe muscle tension, and reduce spasms.
For sore muscles:
The woody aroma of frankincense oil harbors anti-inflammatory effects. Not only does it help alleviate muscle pain, but it also helps reduce joint inflammation caused by arthritis.
If you are feeling under the weather:
Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It doubles as an expectorant, which helps in clearing your nasal passages and allows steady breathing.
Don’t just use any essential oils.
There’s a brief list of essential oils that should never find their way into your bathtub. They are otherwise known as “hot” oils.
Boston-based dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling shared with Oprah Daily that essential oils like cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, thyme, and some citrus oils can cause skin irritation. “If you’re unsure, test a drop of oil on the back of your hand and watch for any reactions. If you feel any burning sensation, it’s best to keep it out of the tub completely,” she added.
Avoid adding essential oils directly into your bathwater.
According to Martha Krejci, an essential oils expert, dripping oils right into the bath can cause them to sit on top of the water, allowing the oils to come into direct contact with skin, triggering irritation and even burns.
It's important to dilute your oils first in a carrier oil, like jojoba, coconut, olive, or sunflower. Three to 12 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil is enough for a single bath. Swirl the water to disperse your oils thoroughly.
Note: The combination of essential oils and carrier oil can make your tub very slippery. Be extra careful when getting in and out of it.
No tub? No problem
Scenting your bathroom is one of the best and most rewarding ways to transform your ordinary shower time into a satisfying pampering session. You can opt to use a shower diffuser or try a couple of clever tricks to get your oils’ aroma waft through your shower area.
Wondering which aroma oil fits perfectly with your taste? Here are some of our favorite picks:
Bask in the soothing aromas of fresh lavender and warm vanilla, highlighted with notes of musk and bergamot.
Give your bathroom a clean and inviting atmosphere with the fresh powdery blend of tangy lemon and sweet lavender.
This aroma oil picks you back up whenever you feel down with its mix of bright citrus, sweet florals, and the lasting notes of vanilla and musk.
Keep your bathroom smelling fresh all day! This aroma oil exudes a refreshing harmony of earthy sage, talc, and lemon-lime.
Click here to see the rest of our aroma oil collection.
Ultimately, whether you’re a shower person or a bath enthusiast, incorporating aromatherapy through essential and aroma oils into your daily bathroom routine is always a great idea!