The Aromatic Bath

The relaxing and remedial properties of water and massaging oils into the body were recognized in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, when bathing first became a daily ritual.

A bath with essential oils is one of the simplest and most effective aromatherapy treatments. It can be stimulating or relaxing, depending on the temperature of the water and whether you choose oils with uplifting or calming properties. In the bath, the therapeutic action of the oils is two-fold: they are absorbed through the skin, moisturizing the dermis and entering the circulatory system, and at the same time their aromas are inhaled, stimulating the brain and increasing your sense of well-being. An aromatic bath can detoxify the body, help problems like cellulite, joint stiffness, general aches and pains, colds and headaches, tone and condition skin, and relieve anxiety and tension.

Running the Bath

Bath temperature and the time spent in the tub are important. A cooler bath is more stimulating and warmer water relaxes. Very hot water is damaging, however: it causes blood vessels and capillaries to expand and increases the heart rate. You should particularly avoid hot water if you have varcoise veins, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure or are pregnant. A 15-20 minute soak is long enough before skin cells over hydrate and swell with water. Wait until the bath is almost full before adding the oils, as they evaporate so quickly.

Oils for the Bath

Essential oils are the best way of making a bath both aromatic and therapeutic. They sink into the skin easily and at the same time impart their lovely herbal or floral fragrances. You can add drops of oil directly to the bath and they will float on the surface in a fine film and evaporate, giving you the full benefit of their aromas. Or if you want to absorb them more you can dispose them through the water by mixing with a base carrier oil such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, jojoba or evening primrose (these rich base oils all nourish and rejuvenate the skin in their own right).

Mix a bath oil with a combination of up to three essential oils, five drops from each, in 15 ml (1 tbsp) of skin-softening base oil. Choose oils with complementary effects so they do not override one another.

The Relaxing Bath

To calm yourself after a fraught day or to pamper yourself for a peaceful night's sleep, turn your bathroom into a private sanctuary. Keep the light as soft as possible, using aromatic candles if the lightis harsh, or you could use an eye mask. Introducing plants into the bathroom will help create an oxygenated atmosphere. Once in the bath, support your eyes and inhale deeply. Concentrate on your breathing, empty your mind and let the oils soothe away the stresses and strains. And a 15-20 minutes soak, get out and wrap yourself in a large, warm towel and rest quietly for a few moments.

Oils for Relaxation

Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sage, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Although these oils have predominantly calming effects, some can also be used to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, in particular lavender oil and also bergamot.

The Stimulating Bath

Best for the morning to get you started or to revive you before an evening out. Keep the water fairly cool and use an invigorating bath mitt to rub down and stimulate the circulation. When you've soaked, rinse yourself with water as cold as you can bear, either by splashing directly from the tap (faucet) or shower, or by adding more cold water to cool down your bath.

As you get out, either slap yourself dry to make the skin tingle or rub yourself vigorously with a towel.

Oils for Stimulation

Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme

Showers and Cold Rinses

Invigorating jets of water are ideal for getting the blood pumping and there's no need to forego the benefits of aromatic oils. Skin tends to be sluggish in the cold winter months but sloughing off dead dead top layers can help regenerate cells and allow moisturizers to be absorbed more easily. Showers are ideal for smoothing skin with exfoliating rubs using wet salt, a loofah or a mitt to slough off the top surface of dead skin cells. A dry friction glove or loofah is too harsh for most skins so soften first in warm water. Soft bristle brushes can also help to get the circulation going with gentle massage on problem areas like hips and thighs. To keep friction brushes and mitts fresh always rinse and hang up to dry.

Essential oils can be used under the shower: try a base oil mixed with invigorating essences poured on to a clean face-cloth or sponge and rubbed all over the body. To clear the sinuses and help coughs, sponge the chest with a mix of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. A cold shower after cleaning improves the circulation and tightens skin pores.

After-bath Body Treatments

Moisturizing oils and lotions applied after the bath or shower help to nourish the skin, keeping it soft and supple. As we get older our skin dehydrates since the oil glands do not produce as much oil as in youth. Apply a body oil over, starting from the feet and working right up to the neck and the tips of the ears. Avoid talcum powders as they clog the pores and tend to have a drying effect.

Problem Zones

Hands and Nails take some rough treatment with everyday chores. The ideal time for a manicure or pedicure is after soaking in a bath when nails and skin are softened, making it easy to clean around the nail bed and to clip uneven nails without snagging. Fragile or flaky nails benefit from a rich, nourishing treatment: rub them with apricot kernel, wheat germ or jojoba oil. Restore hands with a soothing, moisturizing mix of 15 ml (1 tbsp) sweet almond oil and five drops each of patchouli, lavender and lemon.

Feet are often neglected until they hurt. Polish hard skin around heels and soles with a handful of damp salt or use a pumice stone. While in the bath, bend one knee, grip the toes and then work with the fingers massaging in an upward direction, from the toes to the heels and up the calves, in order to stimulate blood flow and relax tired feet. Massage a body oil into the feet after a bath, shower or pedicure.

For a deodorizing and soothing footbath add three drops each of cypress and lavender to a basin full of water. Chilblains can be treated with a massage blend of three drops of geranium and a drop each of lavender and rosemary in 15 ml (1 tbsp) sweet almond base oil.

Elbows can soon build up hard protective layers of grey unsightly skin. A good softener for tough elbows is a sweet almond oil and oatmeal scrub. Mix 45ml (3 tbsp) fine oatmeal and mix to a paste with fresh milk or yogurt. Smooth and rub over the elbows and any grey, goosey areas of skin around upper arms. Add six drops of fennel if arms are flabby. Another great elbow booster is the traditional recipe of cutting a lemon in half, squeezing out the juice and rubbing the elbows in the hollow of the lemon.