Winter is Here, time for an Aromatherapy Bath!

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere has begun! In the five elements, this season is associated with the WATER element, the perfect time for inward reflection, rest, and restoration. The associated organs of the Water element are the Kidneys/Adrenals and Bladder. The kidneys store the Essence of Jing, the genetic foundation of an individual. They are responsible for growth and reproduction and also form the foundation of our constitutional strength and immunity.

The Water element symbolizes the deepest qualities of Yin energy. Water represents the end of a cycle, old age, and the dormancy between death and rebirth. The Water phase corresponds to the North, the darkest direction, to midnight, and to winter. Water’s Yin energy time is cold, dark, deep, and/or still. When Water becomes still, its surface reflects the world like a mirror, without distortion; it also becomes clear so that you can see into its depths. Winter is the time of meditation, from which wisdom can emerge. When we become still and go within, we can reflect upon our life and prepare for new growth ahead.

An aromatherapy bath is a perfect way to restore, integrate, replenish, relax, and let go. Adding essential oils into a bath is a fast and effective way to use aromatherapy and includes immeasurable healing benefits.

There are several effective ways to add essential oils to a bath: Mix the essential oils into your chosen emulsifier to the following aromatherapy bath blends. The suggested emulsifiers for the bath are 1-2 TBSP. of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), castile soap, or Solubol. Mix ingredients together, and then add to the running bathwater. Using the emulsifier assists the essential oils in dispersing into the bathwater, not adhering to the skin or walls of the bathtub.

Our favorite essential oil blend for a stimulating morning wake-up~ 4 drops- Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) 2 drops- Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) 2 drops- Jasmine (Jasminum officinale var. sambac)

Our favorite essential oil blend for a soothing evening relaxation~ 4 drops- Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) 2 drops- Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 2 drops- Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Carrier Oil- If your skin is dry, mix 5-8 drops of essential oils into 1 TBSP. Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis). Mix the oils together and then add to the running bathwater.

Our favorite essential oil blend for soothing skin~ 4 drops- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 2 drops- Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) 2 drops- Rose (Rosa damascena)

SALTS- Sea salt, Dead Sea salt, and/or Epsom salts. Are you feeling inflammation and general fatigue? Start by adding 2-4 cups of salt into the running bathwater. Then, mix 5-8 drops of essential oils into 1 TBSP. of vegetable glycerin and add this to the running bathwater. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with clear warm water to remove the salt from your body.

Our favorite essential oil blend to reduce inflammation~ 4 drops- Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) 2 drops- Neroli (Citrus aurantium) 2 drops- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

CLAY- Bentonite clay is detoxifying and is also useful for skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Green clay can also be used as a substitute. Start by adding 2-4 cups of clay into the running bathwater. Then, mix 5-8 drops of essential oils into 1 TBSP. of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), castile soap, or Solubol, add this to the running bathwater. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with clear warm water to remove the clay from your body.

Our favorite essential oil blend for detoxification and immune stimulation~ 4 drops- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) 2 drops- Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) 2 drops- Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara)

Precautions Choosing essential oils for your bath does require some thought to the precautions. Please DO NOT add essential oils that are skin irritants into a bath, such as; citrus oils or the spice oils like cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). Please see the list at the end of this article for a complete list of essential oils not advised for the bath.

Dilutions

Children under 1 year should have no more than 1 drop of essential oil per bath. Salt and clay baths are not recommended.
For Children between 1 and 4 and pregnant women, add only 2 drops of essential oil per bath.
For children between the ages of 4 and 12 and elderly people, only add 3-4 drops of essential oil per bath.
Adults add 5-8 drops of essential oil per bath.

ESSENTIAL OILS NOT ADVISED TO USE IN THE BATH- Basil (Ocimum basilicum), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), benzoin (Styrax benzoin), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), birch (Betula lenta), black pepper (Piper nigrum), cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi), clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lemon (Citrus limon), lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), may chang (Litsea cubeba), melissa (Melissa officinalis), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), orange (Citrus sinensis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), sage (Salvia officinalis), spearmint (Mentha spicata), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris).