Our latest cold snap has had me jumping into the bath most nights to warm myself up, so I decided to toss some essential oils in the mix and give myself an aromatherapy treatment while I was at it.
I also dug out my warming oat bath recipe, which is perfect for staving off the chill.
Essential oils for Bath Time
Here is an aromatherapy guide to elevate your bath to a healing soak. (Note: If you are pregnant, steer clear of these oils and use only lavender, rose geranium or chamomile.)
Mood setters:
Calming: Sandalwood, sage, lavender, chamomile, neroli
Energising: Rosemary, pine, lemon, orange
Intimate: Sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine
Relaxing: Neroli, lavender, vetiver
Uplifting: Geranium, orange.
To treat/combat:
Anxiety: Basil, bergamot, geranium, lavender
Depression: Bergamot, clary sage, neroli, chamomile, juniper, lavender
Mental fatigue: Basil, peppermint, rosemary, pine
Mild shock: Chamomile, melissa, neroli, peppermint
PMT: Rose geranium, bergamot, jasmine.
Spicy Winter Warming Oat Bath
Get some muslin or old net curtains to make a sachet and fill with these ingredients.
½ cup oatmeal
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
6 cloves
Tie the ends of the muslin at the top with a ribbon or string and pop it in the bath about 10 minutes before you get in. While you’re bathing, use the bag to rub all over your skin and distribute the wonderful aroma.