Fall is the perfect time for bath soaking as the air gets drier and skin cries out for exfoliation and hydration. I love taking baths albeit sparingly given the amount of water needed, so when I do make the effort I want to give my mind and body a memorable experience.
When my kids were little, bath time was such a special time and I would notice how their challenging days would float away with the bath water. Moods would be completely shifted with new attitudes of calm and relaxation. Although I never found time in my earlier years to use this resetting practice, I now can't imagine not having bath time. It has become a healthy practice that I look forward to twice a month.
Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil (EO) therapy, is the use of naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to promote the health of body, mind and spirit. As many of you know, essential oils can be used to improve mood by diffusing them in the air or by direct use on skin as long as it is mixed with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, olive, or other).
Baths are a great way to reap the benefits of aromatherapy however, because oils and water don’t mix, adding undiluted essential oils to your bath could potentially burn your skin. Those who have experienced this have related it to the feeling of putting Capsicum (e.g. Icy-Hot) on skin and then taking a shower (do NOT try that, I repeat do NOT try that!).
Baths are great for relaxation but also create a perfect time to exfoliate skin. Exfoliation can make skin more sensitive, so to avoid unnecessary burning it is suggested to mix essential oils with a carrier oil and then a bath salt to make sure essential oils are being dispersed in your bath safely.
Here are some great natural bath soaking products that wont ruin your bathing experience. Also included are some of my favorite essential oils and aromatherapy products.
For DIY recipes: