I love baths. They are a tool in my self-care arsenal. I try to make time at least once a week to steep in a good bath. Today, I want to share with you some thoughts about how to embrace physical and mental relaxation with your own essential oil spa-inspired bath.
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to get an electronic diffuser and essential oils bundle. I wasn’t immediately sold on essential oils on the whole but as time has moves forward, I learn more and more about what helps and what doesn’t for me. The truth is, while every oil has its purpose (like most things) every remedy isn’t going to work for everyone. I’ve recently been trying out a new blend to soothe a tired, achy body and a tired mind.
But, first, let’s talk about how to get the most out of your essential oil spa bath.
A New Essential Oil Discovery
I typically just start running bath water and drop in a few droplets of my favorite oil(s) into the bath. It worked sometimes. However, all that does is give you a very nice smelling bathroom. To truly get the benefits of your essential oils you need a carrier oil to mix them with. It’s also far better to drop your oils in when your tub is almost full so that the oils permeate the water itself and less so the air around it. Don’t ask me about the science on this because I have absolutely no clue! This article really helped me put some things together though.
My New Experimental Essential Oil Blend
Recently, I’ve been blending pine needle with tangerine. Pine needle oil has been shown to have a lot of benefits, among them reducing everyday stress (HELLO LIFE!). Tangerine lifts mood, but also helps with muscle soreness and spasms. I put these two together with a carrier oil (jojoba – which feels so smooth on the skin), some epsom salt, and loved it. I put in about 5-10 drops of each oil with about a teaspoon of jojoba oil. I found the scent bright but not overbearing. It was certainly relaxing. By blending the oils with jojoba and waiting to drop them in the bath into almost full, I feel like I got more out of the experience than my previous attempts.
This is definitely one blend that I’ll come back to and continue tweaking to find out what works best for me. I encourage you to do the same if you’re interested in using essential oils as a part of your wellness routine. Always consult with a licensed medical provider if you’re concerned about any wellness practice’s complications with any medical or emotional concerns you may have. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Until then, happy bathing!
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Author: Jor-El
Jor-El is Co-founder of Viva Wellness and a foodie and film buff. He most often writes about mental health, relationships, food and mindfulness. When he’s not busy working, he typically can be found lounging or walking around NYC with his pup Nomi.
