A bath with essential oils is an easy and safe home remedy for stress, for sleeplessness, for colds and flu’s and for muscle aches and pains.
How to Use Essential Oils in Bath
Six drops of an essential oil (or a total of six drops of a combination of oils) is enough for one bath. The amount may seem small, but pure essential oils are very concentrated. Many essential oils can be added directly into the bath water, but you can also dilute the oils first, especially if using oils that can irritate skin or if your skin is very sensitive. The essential oils can be added to around two teaspoons of base oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, cold-pressed sunflower or sesame oil) or even full-fat milk.
Add the essential oil(s) to a warm bath just before you’re about to step in. If you add the volatile oils in the water too early, much of the oil will evaporate before you’re even in the water. Mix the oils well into the bathwater and stay in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes (or more if you can). The warm water helps the absorption of the oils through your skin and at the same time you can inhale the aromatic vapors from the oils.
A Few Simple Aromatic Bath Recipes
- For sleeplessness, try an evening bath with 3 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and 3 drops of Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Matricaria chamomilla).
- For muscle aches and pains, some of the best oils are Lavender, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana). Rosemary is more stimulating; Lavender and Marjoram are relaxing oils.
- If you’re getting a cold or feel the very first symptoms of the flu, take a warm bath with 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia).
Safety Tips for Using Oils in Baths
If you are using essential oils simply for their scent, it is a good idea to find out the main properties of the oils you are using – so you won’t use stimulating oils when you want to fall asleep, for example. If you’re suffering from any health conditions, always check possible contraindications before using essential oils. Lavender is one of the safest oils to use in a bath.
There are just a few essential oils that can be recommended as safe for children and babies. Lavender and Chamomile are two of them. Use just a drop or two, and always mix the essential oils with a base oil.
Photo: Stephanie (Wikimedia Commons)
