Bathing with Essential Oils from Herbs
Set the stage for your bath with a clean, fresh bathroom. Keep clean towels, bath gels, herbs, loofah, and other essentials handy. Choose relaxing music and light aromatic candles around you. All in all, make sure that everything you need for your luxury bath experience is within arm’s reach.
While filling the tub with warm water, prepare a bag of your favorite herbs to be used in bathing. It’s ideal to give your skin a quick loofah brush head to toe before you begin, stimulating circulation and preparing your skin to absorb the benefits.
To create an herbal bath bag, simply fill a muslin cloth or even a clean, old stocking with your chosen herbs. Dip it in your bathwater, allowing the herbs to gently steep and infuse the water. Popular choices include bath salts, citrus leaves, dried rose petals, and dried lavender flowers. If crafting your own isn’t your preference, you can also purchase ready-made herb bags.
When using essential oils in your bath, remember that a little goes a long way. Use no more than 5 drops per bath. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier like milk or a mild carrier oil (such as jojoba, almond, or fractionated coconut oil) before adding them to the water. This helps disperse the oil and prevents skin irritation.
Common Herbs and Their Essential Oils for Calming & Healing Baths:
- Black Pepper: Offers relief for aching muscles.
- Clary Sage: Acts as a pick-me-up and can help with premenstrual tension.
- Eucalyptus: Excellent for respiratory problems, helping to clear breathing passages.
- Geranium: Beneficial for very dry or itchy skin, eczema, and PMS.
- Jasmine: Use when you wish to feel truly luxurious.
- Lavender: Soothes dry skin, eczema, sprains, hot flashes, headaches, provides relief from overwork, and aids insomnia.
- Orange: Known to uplift and “pep you up.”
- Rosemary: Great for a morning boost or a quick pick-me-up in the evening. Also effective for aches and sore muscles.
- Chamomile, Lavender, or Roses: Ideal for dry, delicate, or irritated skin.
- Rosemary, Calendula, and Thyme: Particularly good for oily skin.
- Lemon Balm: Can be soothing for hyperactive children.
- Citrus & Lavender Blend: Offers powerful soothing and therapeutic properties.
- Ylang Ylang: Exfoliates and moisturizes the skin.
- Apricot and Amber: Moisturize, restoring softness and suppleness to the skin.
- Chamomile: Aids in the relief of aching muscles and nervousness.
- Eucalyptus: Opens the pores and the vapors from the bath help to clear the breathing passages.
Further Reading: You can also easily Make Your Own Natural Lavender Bath Salts to enhance your bath experience.
Make sure your bath time is a period of solitude and deep relaxation. Let yourself truly luxuriate in this watery haven. And don’t forget to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door!
Ready to transform your ordinary bath into an extraordinary escape? Gather your favorite herbs and essential oils, and indulge in a personalized, aromatic soak tonight! What essential oils or herbs are your go-to for relaxation? Share your favorite bath rituals in the comments below!
The Author:
Sharon Hopkins, DIY Skincare Recipe Creator
Photo. Gemini
Source: AB
