The ceremonious event of bathing dates back at least as far as 2800 B.C. in Egypt, when the Nile Valley was known as the Cradle of Medicine. The tradition of bathing has become somewhat of a lost art in North America, but in eastern society it is considered to be an important element in overall wellness. It is one of the most therapeutic experiences, treating us physically, mentally and spiritually.
Essential oils used in a bath are exceptionally therapeutic. They can relieve aching muscles, stimulate our immune system to fight colds and flu, support our adrenals, uplift our spirit and offer us sanctuary from a hectic day.
The most effective way to use essential oils is to add them to a vegetable oil or combination of vegetable oils. This will leave the skin feeling soft and moisturized. I recommend 4 - 6 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of vegetable oil. Epsom Salt is a mineralogical form of magnesium sulfate. It's great for relieving sore and aching muscles, detoxifying and relaxing, and can also be used in drawing poultices. Sea salt has excellent detoxifying and drawing properties, but can be drying to the skin. For this reason, it should be used in combination with Epsom salt, clays or bicarbonate of soda, and should only be ? of the preparation. As well as soothing and softening the skin, milk is also good for dispersing the essential oils. Powdered milk can be used in bath bags along with herbs, oats or bran. For a tropical twist, try coconut milk - it is very soothing to the skin, especially if the skin feels tight from too much sun.
Whatever preparation you choose, be sure to soak for at least 20 - 25 minutes. This will ensure you receive the full therapeutic benefit of the oils. Here are some oils I would recommend:
For a calming & relaxing bath: cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense, geranium, lavender, marjoram, patchouli, sandalwood, ylang ylang.
For an invigorating & reviving bath: eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, pine rosemary
To soothe aching muscles: ginger, lavender, marjoram, black pepper, pine, rosemary black spruce, frankincense
For a sensual soul bath: bergamot, jasmine neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang, ylang
Here are a few of my favorite soaks!
Heart of the Rose Bath Oil
50 ml Evening Primrose Oil
15 drops rose essential oil
Add the rose essential oil to the Evening Primrose oil and stir. Pour into a decorative glass bottle. This will yield 5 baths using 10ml per bath.
Sensual Sandalwood Bath Oil
50 ml Almond or Olive Oil
8 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Blend the bergamot, ylang ylang and sandalwood, add in the vegetable oil and stir well.. Pour into a decorative glass bottle. This will yield 5 baths using 10ml per bath
Lavender Luxury Bath Salts
125 grams epsom salt
75 grams fine sea salt
2 tablespoons ground lavender buds
In a small bowl, mix together the Epsom salt and the Sea salt. Stir in the ground lavender buds. Spoon the mixture into a decorative jar and seal. This will give you 2 - 3 baths depending on how decadent you want to be.
Skin Soothing Oat Bath
3 tbsp rolled oats
1 tbsp chamomile flowers (dried)
1 tbsp calendula flowers (dried)
1 tbsp lavender buds (dried)
Blend all the ingredients together, tie them up in a cheesecloth or organza bag, and drop the bag in the bath water. Let the bag steep like you would a tea, then squeeze out the milky substance and rub it all over your body. This is an excellent blend to calm inflamed or irritated skin.
Whether you choose to enjoy your bath with a cup of herbal tea, or to relax with a glass of wine and a good book, bathing is truly one of life's simple pleasures.
Colleen Hague is a certified clinical aromatherapist and member of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapy. Her company, Awaken My Senses Inc., is a Canadian company specializing in certified organic essential oils and vegetable oils, and manufactures a quality line of organic skin care. Visit their website http://www.awakenmysenses.com/ to view over 100 essential oils and how they work to bring body, mind and spirit in balance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colleen_Hague
No comments:
Post a Comment