Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Aromatherapy baths may make you think of relaxation, but if you are low on energy, try these energizing bath blends. Making your own bath oils is easy; you need just a few essential oils and a good aromatherapy book to start experimenting.
The following blends are only suggestions. The basic dilution is a total of six drops of essential oil into two teaspoonfuls of base oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba.
Three Energizing Blends:
2-3 drops Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
2-3 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Rosemary boosts circulation, relieves muscle aches and pains, stimulates the lymphatic system and may even help against cellulite. It also stimulates the mind and clears mental cobwebs. Avoid rosemary essential oil if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.
Grapefruit is an uplifting, energizing citrus oil. It boosts the lymphatic system and helps to reduce fluid retention, it can help tired muscles after exercise, and it also cheers you up with its sunny citrus scent. Grapefruit with Rosemary is a good anti-cellulite oil blend.
- 2 drops Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
- 2 drops Rosemary
- 2 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata/globulus/citriodora)
Pine has a refreshing forest-y scent. It is an energizing and decongestant oil that will clear a blocked nose, relieve achy muscles and give you strength when you’re feeling low on energy mentally or physically.
Eucalyptus is a stimulating oil, a strong antiviral and antibacterial, and a decongestant. Like Pine, it will clear a blocked nose and relieve muscle aches. Try Eucalyptus radiata or globulus (“blue gum”) or the lemon-scented citriodora.
- 1-2 drops Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- 2-3 drops Grapefruit
- 2 drops Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
I once worked at a massage clinic that sold its own hand-blended aromatherapy products, including bath salts. One of their best bath salt blends contained (among other oils and ingredients) Thyme, Peppermint and Grapefruit. I cannot remember the exact recipe and of course I would not give it away, but I still remember the uplifting, energizing blend of these three essential oils together. These oils make a great bath blend when you are feeling lethargic or run down, or when you are about to get a cold – or are recovering from one.
Thyme stimulates the immune system, fights colds and flus, and is a deeply energizing oil. Peppermint belongs to the most stimulating essential oils. It can also irritate the skin so use sparingly and always blend it with a base oil. If you want to sleep afterwards, do not use it in a bath in the evening. It is a refreshing oil that also relieves nausea and headaches. It is also good for colds and it clears a stuffy nose fast, but it is perhaps not the best oil for very sensitive skin.
These blends are not suitable for pregnant women. Grapefruit on its own is ok during pregnancy from the 2nd trimester onwards, but use just a drop in 5 ml base oil. Read more about aromatherapy baths in Tips for Using Essential Oils in the Bath.
Books about essential oils and making your own bath blends:
- Patricia Davis: Aromatherapy, an A-Z (Random House, UK, 2004)
- Julia Lawless: The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils(Element Books, 1995)
Photo: Rosmarinus officinalis (Juni)
Get your hands on essential oil! It is very effective in reducing itching and irritation. This makes it good when dealing with lesions, rashes, eczema and insect bites. That’s enhancing your performance and feelings of happiness.