WONDERFUL AROMA BATH

To ensure you get the best from an aromatic bath, you will need to make everything as comfortable and cosy as possible before you get undressed.
Remember, essential oils can be used in the bath to give almost any effect. They are particularly good for relaxation and energising, or to soothe itchy, dry or sun burnt skin, relieve muscular aches, cramps, PMT, treat a cold, hangover, headache etc etc.
In winter, green spicy or woody ones are the most warming and relaxing, In summer, floral or citrus baths are very refreshing.
If you wish to add a 'single oil' to your bath, the best all rounders are:

5 drops bergamot (depression, melancholy)
7 drops chamomile (itchy skin, insomnia)
8 drops frankincense (calming, sedative, mood enhancing)
10 drops geranium (relaxing but uplifting, energising)
8 drops jasmine (stress, apathy, fatigue)
5 drops patchouli (energising, invigorating)
10 drops rose (pleasure, happiness, romantic)
8 drops sandalwood  (intimate, sensual, mellowing)

Comforters

• a warm room
• soft lighting
• a neck pillow or rolled up towel
• soothing eye pads
• soft music (optional)
• lots of large, warm towels
• take the phone off the hook

When adding essential oils to the bath make sure you close the bathroom door to keep as much scent in the room as possible. Add the oils gently drop by drop allowing them to float on the surface. They will coat your skin and mix as you step into the bath.

The human nose quickly gets accustomed to the same smell so be aware that after a few minutes, you may not be able to smell the aromas -  but do not get tempted to add more oils! You risk irritating your skin.

How many drops

Add up to ten drops of essential oil for one bath. However, some strong smelling oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, bay, basil, lime, lemon, thyme and rosemary - you will only need about 5 drops. Use a single oil alone or mix up to three different per bath, but don't combine more than this or they will cancel each others benefits out.

Choosing Oils

When choosing oils, use ones with similar of complimentary effects. There are three main categories: relaxing, stimulating and therapeutic. Therapeutic oils can be added to either of the other types but if you try adding stimulating oil with relaxing they can cancel each other out.

I will be entering some bath time recipes that soothe body, mind and spirit...