There is nothing more relaxing than a warm bath with added essential oils. There are so many options when using essential oils for a relaxing bath that the possibilities are endless. There are several benefits to using essentials oils in the bath for a variety of reasons or concerns.
What are Essential Oils?
At a basic level, essential oils are compounds that are extracted from plants. Pure oils retain their natural smell, taste and “essence” from their source. Consumers should look for oils that are 100% pure without any added chemicals. To add essential oils for a relaxing bath, you should NOT add it directly to the water. Essential oils are not water soluble and will just “sit” on the water or adhere to the skin. They need to be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil. Generally, one tablespoon (15ml) of carrier oil should be added to 3 to 15 drops of essential oils.
How to Start a Relaxing Bath with Essential Oils
The best way to start a relaxing bath is to fill the tub with warm, not hot, water. An ideal temperature is around 112 degrees Fahrenheit. After the tub is full, turn off the water and add the essential oils already mixed with the carrier oil. Gently swirl the oils around the tub for maximum effect. Add candles and soft music to create a perfectly relaxing spa-like ambience right in your own home!
Recipes for a Spa-like Bath
1. Relaxing bath
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops chamomile essential oil
- 3 drops frankincense
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Taking a relaxing bath before bed can help alleviate stress and anxiety, which can help you get a full, restful night of sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to many health concerns including obesity, high blood pressure, depression, and cardiovascular problems. Those who are sleep deprived can also suffer from daytime drowsiness and lower productivity. People with insomnia can experiment with different essential oils to help their body get the sleep they need for optimal health.
2. Muscle Soothing bath
- 5 drops marjoram
- 4 drops lemongrass
- 3 drops lavender
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
This bath recipe helps in promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. It is an excellent choice for soothing sore muscles after a workout or when aches and pains are at their worst.
3. Mood-boosting bath
- 3 drops bergamot
- 2 drops lavender
- 2 drops clary sage
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
These oils work together to help relieve emotional stress and can promote warm feelings to boost your self-confidence.
4. Immunity boosting bath
- 5 drops lemon eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops pine needle oil
- 2 drops tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Especially helpful during cold and flu season, a bath with lemon and tea tree helps stimulate the immune system and can help prevent illness before it starts. If the sickness has already set it, this bath can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
5. Mental stimulation bath
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops basil essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
There are times when we have too much to do and not enough time to do it. This can lead to mental fatigue and lack of concentration. These oils can help bring clarity of thought and enhance memory.
6. Headache relief bath
- 5 drops chamomile oil
- 2 drops sandalwood oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
Other Essential Oils and their Therapeutic Properties
- Cedarwood – calming, relaxing, natural antiseptic
- Vetiver – balancing, grounding
- Grapefruit – relief from mental fatigue, uplifting, supports metabolism
- Rose Geranium – promotes skin health, calming.
If you are looking for essential oils for bath bombs, read more about it on this article.
An important thing to remember when using essential oils in the bath:
Some oils should be avoided in the bath because they can irritate skin. These include cinnamon, clove, peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen. Also, essential oils can be slippery; baking soda is a good option for cleaning the tub after a bath with essential oils. For an even more relaxed moment, think about adding epsom salt in your bath with lavender.