A warm bath with essential oils relaxes the body, calms the mind, sleep better at night, and build up your immune system. As the weather gets colder, your immune systems may need extra support to keep you healthy. Making your own therapy bath at home can help strengthen your immune system: all you need is Epson salt and your favorite essential oils. Essential oils can increase relaxation, reduce aches and pains, energize and stimulate the body and the mind, or boost immunity.
Using Bath Oils
The easiest way to use essential oils in a bath is to add them directly to the bath water. 4-6 drops of essential oils are enough for one bath. If your skin is sensitive or dry, it is best to blend the essential oils with a small amount of carrier oil or Epson salt. Sweet almond oil is a nourishing and moisturizing oil that is suitable for most skin types. A typical dilution is 2-3 drops of essential oil for each teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil or 1 cup of Epson salt. Fill the bathtub with warm or hot water and stir the oils and salt in the water just before you step in. Relax in your aromatic bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
Immune System Bath Recipe
- 2 drops eucalyptus
- 1-2 drops tea tree or peppermint
- 2-3 drops lavender
- sweet almond oil and/or Epson salt
Eucalyptus and lavender are antiviral and antibacterial, and they stimulate the immune system. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree vapors clear nasal congestion, and all three oils relieve aches and pains in the muscles and the joints. Use this bath blend any time during the flu season.
Other Therapy Bath Recipes
Relaxing Bath Blend
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2-3 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
- sweet almond oil or your choice of carrier oil and/or Epson salt
This relaxing blend of lavender and chamomile relieves tension in the body and calms the mind. Use this bath blend after a busy day or whenever you want to sleep well. Roman chamomile soothes the nerves and helps if you have trouble falling asleep or if you keep waking up at night. Lavender relaxes the mind, helps with muscle aches and pains, and is one of the best home remedies for sleeping problems.
Aching Muscles
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops marjoram essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- sweet almond oil and/or Epsom salts
Marjoram relaxes tight muscles and boosts local circulation, and together with lavender, it reduces muscle and joint aches. Rosemary improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and is a great oil to use after exercise. Epsom salts are detoxifying and they also reduce muscle soreness.
Energizing Bath Blend
- 2-3 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2-3 drops grapefruit essential oil
- sweet almond oil and/or Epson salt
Use this blend when you feel physically or mentally tired. Rosemary stimulates the mind, boosts circulation, helps concentration and relieves muscle pain. Grapefruit stimulates the lymphatic system, may reduce fluid retention, and has an uplifting, energizing citrus scent.
These bath recipes are for adults. If you add essential oils to children's baths, use just 1-2 drops of essential oils, always blend the essential oils with carrier oils, and choose gentle oils such as lavender or chamomile. Oils make the bathtub slippery, and it is recommended that you scrub the tub after your bath to remove oil residue. Commercial bath products often contain a long list of ingredients, but you only need 2-3 essential oils with some carrier oil or Epson salt for a homemade bath blend. Even one essential oil, such as lavender, is enough for a relaxing aromatherapy bath. These recipes are for one bath, but you can easily make larger amount using the same dilutions. Store your homemade bath products in a glass bottle or a glass jar away from heat or direct sunlight.
Book here for help with fatigue, relaxation and anxiety help.