After a long exhausting day sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is take a mental break. Turn off the phone, close the laptop, and relax in a hot bubble bath. But are your bubbles really getting you the most benefit? Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good bubble bath, but that’s all it is, bubbles. Want your bath to do more for you? Next time you’re thinking of lighting your Loma candles and sinking into the tub with a glass of rosé, try swapping your foamy suds for enriching essential oils.
Now, while using essential oils in your bath won’t miraculously heal all your ailments, they can have very positive effects. Each oil can produce different benefits. So depending on your mood or the benefits you're looking for, you can build a custom aromatherapy potion for your bath! Treat yourself to one of the spa-worthy combos:
- Mandarin & Lavender - Combines warm citrus and floral scents that have been known to induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and soothe irritated skin. Great for a nighttime soak.
- Lemon & Eucalyptus - Mixes two energizing oils to help boost mood, clear the mind, and promote better breathing. Best for a self-care sunday bath to start your work week in good spirits.
- Cypress & Geranium - A blend of clean earthy scents with sweet florals. Together these combat muscle spasms and menstrual pain. Next time those cramps have you doubled over and in tears, give this combo a try!
- Patchouli & Peppermint - An earthy yet minty blend that soothes the nervous system and relaxes muscles. This blend can relieve headaches and calm your nerves.
- Rose & Ylang Ylang - These two light floral scents are thought to be anxiety and stress relieving. Try this duo the next time your emotions are running high after a long day.
When purchasing essential oils, quality is key. There isn’t much to regulate essential oils yet, so it can be tricky to make sure you’re getting the best ones. Some key things to look for are: 1. Content - make sure the label clearly states the Latin plant name, and there should be few to no other ingredients, 2. Container - since pure essential oils dissolve plastic over time and contaminates the oil, it’s best to look for dark brown or blue bottled oils, 3. Steer clear of ‘fragrance’ oils - these have added chemicals making them unsuitable for aromatherapy.
It’s important to remember, when using essential oils, you should not apply them directly to your skin. This is key for your bath mixtures as well. Always mix your essential oils with a carrier oil before pouring into your bath. A carrier oil is simply a base oil - usually a vegetable or plant oil - that is used to dilute the essential oil and carry it to your skin. Water and oil don’t mix. So pouring the drops of essential oil into your plain bath water will not disperse them, keeping your skin vulnerable and may even cause stinging. Eek! Have no fear, we’ve made a list of carrier oils for you (don’t worry, you probably already have most of these in your home):
- Shampoo
- Shower Gel
- Coconut Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Vegetable Oil
*Use 5-20 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil
*If you have sensitive skin, it is best to consult with your doctor before using
Now you know how to safely use essential oils in your bath, along with some new, mood-boosting blends. If you're feeling experimental, try hand at oil mixology and come up with your own signature bath oil cocktail. Next time you feel like you just can’t anymore, run some hot water, mix up your perfect bath oil remedy and soak up all the benefits. You’ll step out feeling refreshed and soothed. Then top it off by pampering yourself with some Loma body lotion.
Love,
LOMA