Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy Baths

Holistic aromatherapy bathing is the application of essential oils in the bath for the improved health of body mind and spirit. Essential oils can be defined as concentrated tiny droplets extracted from various parts of plants including fruit, flowers, resin, wood, leaves, seeds and roots. It is the vital essence of the plants. Each drop is volatile and extremely potent.

Soaking in warm water is relaxing all on its own. With the addition of essential oils the bath has the potential to heal your body, mind and spirit. Holistic aromatherapy baths can be a natural way to relax or alleviate specific health conditions such as stress, insomnia, PMS, headaches, and muscle fatigue.

Six essential oils that are most effective for healing stress, insomnia, PMS, headaches, sore muscles and joints include: Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens); Neroli (Citrus Aurantium); Red Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata); Rose (Rosa Damascena); Sandalwood (Santalum Album) and Sweet Marjoram (Origanum Majorana). The most economical choices are cypress, sweet marjoram and red mandarin. Visit a natural bath and body store or herb store and take the opportunity to sniff each oil to determine your favorites. Each essential oil has a unique aroma. Cypress is fresh, spicy, and woody. Neroli is sweet, floral, and slightly citrus. Red mandarin is sweet and orange-like. Rose is intense and floral. Sandalwood is exotic and woody. Sweet marjoram is warm, slightly spicy, and herbaceous. Once you invest in a few or all of the suggested essential oils it will be very important to take good care of them. Store them in a cool dark place out of children's reach.

Following safety guidelines is extremely important when learning to prepare aromatherapy baths. Do not overestimate the power of each drop of essential oil. More is not better when using essential oils. It is important to dilute the essential oils in a carrier. There are many common carriers you can find in your own kitchen. Measure 1 tablespoon of milk, honey, sea salt or epsom salt and pour into a little cup. Add 3 drops of essential oil to the carrier for the elderly and children. Add 8 drops of essential oil to the carrier for healthy adults. Fill the tub with warm water. The water temperature should be only a degree or two warmer than your body temperature...never more. Hot water dehydrates the skin and strips it of its natural oils. Toss in the carrier/essential oil mixture and agitate the water to fully disperse the essential oils. Before stepping into the tub make sure you are hydrated or have a glass of cold water near by to sip. Lay back and enjoy the luxurious soothing soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Although very tempting avoid the urge to soak longer. After 20 minutes your skin will begin to dry out. Apply a body oil or lotion while the skin is slightly damp to seal in moisture.

There are five common health conditions that can be successfully treated with most of the six essential oils. The chart below lists the health conditions and the essential oils that can help alleviate the problem.

Black Pearl Botanicals offers a line of prepared aromatic bath products. Choose from Indulgence Bath Oil, Vitality Bath Salts, and Recovery Foot Soak. We are continually adding new Bath Products. To view our current collection visit our webstore at http://www.blackpearlbotanicals.com

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BlackPearlBotanicals LLC