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Using Essential Oils in Bath Water for Relaxation and Healing

Using essential oils in bath water can help you relax and heal. The best essential oils for a bath depend on what results you want and personal preference. However, avoid "hot" or skin-irritating oils such as cinnamon or oregano. Otherwise, feel free to experiment while being prudent!

Aromatherapy Bath Oil

A basic way to make a bath soak with essential oils is to blend an aromatherapy bath oil in a small dark bottle: add 25 drops of essential oil(s) to 2 tablespoons carrier oil. Use 1 teaspoon for one bath.

Lavender essential oil is a great choice for general relaxation. You can get imaginative with your essential oil choices (remember to avoid irritating oils) or try one of the following blends suggested in Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art:

Relaxing: lavender, marjoram, neroli, and Roman chamomile
Stimulating: grapefruit, peppermint, and rosemary
Balancing: geranium, lavender, and orange
Aphrodisiac: jasmine, sandalwood, and ylang ylang

For an extra relaxing boost, also add 2 cups Epsom salt to your bath water. Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is a natural depression reliever and muscle relaxer.

Essential oil recipes for bath enjoyment in this article:

Also, learn how to make aromatherapy bath salts, use essential oils for bath bombs, and use essential oils for the shower.

Healing Blends of Essential Oils in Bath Water

Blend the ingredients and add them to your bath.

To ease depressed feelings:

1 drop melissa essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil
2 drops jasmine oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil

See more aromatherapy for depression suggestions.

To reduce anxiety:

3 drops roman or german chamomile essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop mandarin essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil

To help you sleep:

4 drops marjoram essential oil
2 drops roman or german chamomile essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil

See more blends for insomnia.

To reduce fluid retention or edema:

4 drops juniper essential oil
2 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil
2 cups sea salt

To reduce heat and inflammation:

4 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil
2 cups apple cider vinegar

To relieve muscle soreness and stiffness:

3 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops juniper essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
1 teaspoon carrier oil
2 cups Epsom salt

Sources: Healing With Aromatherapy and Pure Scents for Well Being.

Sleep-Promoting Essential Oil Bath Recipe

If you need help sleeping, try this blend of essential oils in bath water before bedtime:

1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup almond oil
1 tablespoon brandy
1 tablespoon honey
3 drops rose essential oil
2 drops jasmine oil
1 drop neroli essential oil
1 drop patchouli essential oil
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Pour into a small, dark glass bottle.
Shake before each use, and add up to 2 tablespoons to a bath.
Store away from heat and damp.

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Best Essential Oils for Bath Detox

This detox bath is adapted from a recipe by aromatherapist KG Stiles:

Add 5 to 8 drops of cypress essential oil (or other detoxifying essential oil or blend) to one teaspoon carrier oil.
Stir the oil blend into 1 to 4 cups of sea salt.
Fill your tub with warm/hot water and stir in blend.
Relax in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water cools. As you soak, imagine any toxins or negative emotions being drawn out and cleansed completely from your body and mind.

Stock Detox Bath Blend

To a 15ml dark-color glass dropper bottle add: