Taking a bath is an escape for most of us to get away from the daily hustle and bustle and relax both body and mind. One way to make this moment even more enjoyable is to include aromatherapy in the bath. When we say "aromatherapy in the bath", we shouldn't just think of nice scents; in fact, this application means the conscious use of natural essential oils that can have an effect on mood. It is possible to start the day energetically with aromatherapy in the shower or to spend a quiet evening in the bath with essential oils. In this article, we discuss what aromatherapy in the bath is, how it is applied and which oils you can prefer in a simple and understandable language.
What is Aromatherapy and Why is it Used in the Bath?
Aromatherapy is a natural method that aims to support mental and physical balance by using essential oils obtained from plants, either through scent or by applying them to the skin. These oils are usually obtained by distillation from plant parts such as flowers, leaves, bark or resin.
So why is aromatherapy applied in the bathroom? Because the bathroom environment is quite suitable for increasing the effect of essential oils thanks to hot water and steam. Steam allows the oils to spread into the air more easily, so they affect the body both through breathing and skin. A short bath with lavender oil, especially after a stressful day, can help to gather the mind and relax.
How to Apply Aromatherapy in the Shower?
For those who don’t have a bathtub or want quick relief, aromatherapy in the shower is a great alternative. The steam created by the hot water increases the effectiveness of the essential oils and allows you to feel their effects faster.
There are a few simple methods for aromatherapy in the shower. The most common is to drop a few drops of essential oil on the edge of the shower floor. This way, it evaporates and spreads around when it comes into contact with water. Another method is to use aromatherapy stones or shower discs. These products slowly melt during the shower and make the environment you are in smell wonderful. You can also make a shower spray by adding water and a few drops of essential oil to a glass spray bottle and spraying it on the walls right before you shower.
Basic Methods for Using Essential Oils in the Bath
There are many different ways to use essential oils in the bath, and each one offers a different experience. One of the most popular methods is to add a few drops of essential oil to the bath water. However, there is an important detail to note here: Essential oils do not mix directly with water. So you need to mix them with a carrier oil (such as almond or coconut oil) or a natural emulsifier (such as milk or honey). Otherwise, the oils will float on the surface of the water and can irritate your skin.
Another method is to use a diffuser. Electric or tealight diffusers spread a pleasant scent into the bathroom. This method is a safer option because it does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Finally, aromatherapy bath salts are also very popular. Essential oils mixed with Epsom salt help relax the muscles and nourish the skin. Especially after sports or busy days, this type of bath can have a relaxing effect on the body.