By Judy Lausch
Bath products such as bath salts, bath oils and bath gels can provide a holistic method for a natural approach to skin care and relaxation. For centuries people from around the world have enjoyed the benefits of a long, relaxing soak in the tub. In today's fast-paced world we need to spend more time de-stressing ourselves and cleansing our body, mind and spirit. Baths can be relaxing, healing, and a great way for self-care.
One of my favorite quotes about essential oils comes from the father of medicine: Hippocrates. In 500 BC, he wrote: the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day. Yes!
Since oil and water do not mix, essential oils added directly to a bath will float on top. If you add them directly, be sure to add them after the bath is drawn, and use your hand to swish them around in the water. You may note that there will be a residue in your tub. A better way is to add the essential oils to a carrier, such as a tablespoon of carrier oil such as canola or almond oil. You could also add them to milk or honey as a means of dispersing the essential oils in the bath water.
But this article is about bath salts, oils and gels: fabulous ways to indulge your senses, refresh your soul, and pamper your skin.
Bath salts are very easy to prepare. The following is a base recipe for a single bath:
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons Epsom salts
3 teaspoons of sea salt
6-10 drops either a single therapeutic grade essential oil, such as true lavender, or a blend of two or three of your favorite essential oils
Please be certain that the oils you use are of only the best quality. Mix all of the ingredients together well, and add to your bath water. Most people make larger batches, and after mixing well, they store them in jars. To make larger batches, simply increase the ingredients proportionately. Put the salts in clean container.
Use beautiful jars for wonderful gifts. Also, children find making bath salts in a lot of fun.
Which therapeutic grade essential oils to use? Check with your aromatherapist for your specific conditions, but here are a couple of my favorite recipes:
For relaxation in the evening before bedtime I like add a blend of 4 drops of true lavender, 2 drops of bergamot, and 2 drops of mandarin or tangerine. I add these drops to the base recipe, and then add the salts to the water, light some tea candles, dim the lights, and relax for about 20 minutes in a medium hot (100 degrees F) bath. Ummmm! Lovely!
Had a hard day? Kinda sore with some over-worked muscles? For this my favorite blend of essential oils is 4 drops of true lavender, 2 drops of cypress, and 2 drops of balsam fir or rosemary. Add this to the salts and put into a hot bath (100-108 degrees F). Submerge yourself for 20-30 minutes. There are all sorts of possibilities.
Hot baths (100-108 degrees F) help increase circulation, and are good for insomnia and aching muscles. Warm baths (96-100 degrees F) are good for relaxation. Tepid baths (92-99 degrees F) are therapeutic. This is the temperature to use when adding oils to relieve hives, itching, and skin rashes. The heat of the water helps open the pores, allowing the healing essential oils penetrate the skin for therapeutic effects.
Since an important part of being a healer is to practice self-care. I often give students an assignment to practice self-care and report back the next morning what they did. Often, the method of self-care they choose is an indulgent bath with salts laced with therapeutic essential oils.
People who prefer showers can also benefit from the therapeutic effect of essential oils by simply adding a few drops of the oils to a washcloth before showering. In my shower I have a rejuvenating blend of the following essential oils in a jojoba carrier:
16 drops of true lavender
8 drops of rosemary,
8 drops of peppermint,
8 drops of juniper
2 ounces of jojoba carrier oil
After my morning shower, while I am still wet, I take about 1 teaspoon of the blend and smooth it over my skin. Then I lightly pat myself dry with a towel. Wonderful!
Bath gels are very popular today and can be used with either bath or shower. You can customize your gel with your favorite essential oils by blending them with this simple recipe:
½ cup of unscented shampoo
¼ to ¾ cup of water (using more or less according to your preference)
¾ teaspoon of salt
10-15 drops of your choice therapeutic essential oils
I also like to cut open a capsule of vitamin E and add it to the gel, along with about 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, but these last two ingredients are optional. Use about ¼ cup of the gel per shower or bath.
Be sure to label your bath products with the ingredients you used, and journal your recipe so that you can remember what you used when you decide to do this again.
I invite you to visit ISHAhealing,com to learn more about classes leading to certification in aromatherapy.
A registered nurse and a registered aromatherapist, Judy has a special interest in using essential oils in health care and prevention. As an instructor in the Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy, she teaches classes all over the United States and Canada in a program leading to certification in clinical aromatherapy. Visit the ISHA website at http://www.ishahealing.com/ Learn about popular essential oils at http://www.youngliving.com/JudyLausch
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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 1:07 PM
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