Wednesday Wellbeing : Bathing in essential oils by Rina
Bathing (literally) in Essential Oils
Before I launch into identifying my favourite essential oils for an indulgent bath, here are
some suggestions to ensure that you reap the benefits of a warm, aromatic soak.
a. Use only the purest quality essential oils and remember the maxim that less is more.
b. Around 4-6 drops of essential oil per bath will be plenty. Dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil (such as Fractionated Coconut Oil) or add them to a cup of Epsom Salts before placing them in your bath. Why? Because even the purest essential oils can irritate your skin if used undiluted, leaving you feel more peeved than pampered. Combining essential oils with
Fractionated Coconut Oil or Epsom Salts is also a good way of ensuring the oil is well
distributed in your bath.
A bit predictable, perhaps, but my favourite essential oil for use in the bath is-
Lavender. It has calming and relaxing properties and is also great for soothing the skin. For me, it is an aroma I associate with down-time and harmony and so it is the perfect choice for an indulgent bath. Be aware that for some people though, using Lavender energises rather than calms them.
Ylang Ylang : with its sweet, spicy and rich aroma is ideal for releasing tension and stress and so features highly on my list of essential oils for bathing. It is also known to promote the appearance of healthy skin and hair. Bonus.
Vetiver : one of the most sedative essential oils, is the oil I reach for when I want to feel
grounded. It has a woody, caramel and smoky aroma that will help shake off even the most
stressful of days in court. In India, it is known as the oil of tranquillity.
Last but not least is
Eucalyptus : It’s actually an oil I use every morning when I get into the shower. I pop a few drops into the palm of my hands, rub them together and inhale deeply from my cupped hands. I do this because, ludicrous as it sounds. knowing that I have a full
day ahead of me at Winchester Crown Court, when I inhale Eucalyptus it makes me think
that I am being pampered at a top-notch spa. I can feel the vapour opening my respiratory
system and the RELAX NOW signal being sent to my brain. Granted, the thought lasts but a
few seconds but it’s enough to perk me up at the beginning of my day. Bathing in Eucalyptus, then, is the epitome of indulgence. It’s like I’ve actually chosen the top-notch spa, checked my diary is clear and booked my overnight stay.
Enjoy!