Cool Down that Stress with an Aromatic Bath

Jul 30, 06:36 PM

by Katharine Koeppen, RA

I'm not sure if it's the summer heat, the state of the economy or astrological fallout from the eclipses, but everyone's stress levels are at an all time high lately. When everything seems like it's spinning out of control, I head for the tub and indulge in some aromatic bath therapy.

A fragrant bath is one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways I know to use aromatherapy at home, especially if you're new to essential oils. Simply add a few drops of calming or relaxing essential oils to warm running water and soak. No matter how crazed your lifestyle, you can dial down the stress by spending a mere 15 or 20 minutes in the tub. That's all it takes for a therapeutic bath, where you'll receive the healing benefits of aromatherapy by both inhalation and topical absorption. Of course, if you're like me, you might want to spend an hour soaking away the detritus of the day, in which case it's best to throw in a tablespoon or two of dry milk powder to keep the essential oils from separating out of the water and floating on top of your bath.

Here a a few nice combinations for soaking away stress: 

A)  2 drops lavender, 2 drops bergamot*, 2 drops ylang ylang extra

B)  2 drops lavender, 2 drops geranium, 2 drops mandarin

C)  2 drops geranium, 2 drops ylang ylang extra, 2 drops mandarin

D)  2 drops geranium, 2 drops frankincense, 1 drop bergamot*, 1 drop ylang ylang complete

Enjoy, and sleep well tonight!

 * Best used at night time only, as bergamot has phototoxic properties that will cause a negative skin reaction upon exposure to UV light. If in doubt or if you plan to be outdoors during daylight hours, use bergamot bergapten-free essential oil, which has had potentially offending coumarins removed.

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