Hippocrates, father of medicine once said: “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day”. Luxuriating in a bath filled with healing herbs and soothing scents is truly one of life’s most delicious pleasures. But a long soak in the bathtub can do much more than cleanse the body. It can have a healing effect on the mind and heart.
Aromatic Baths
Aromatic baths may affect us in a variety of ways. They activate cell division, increase the intake of oxygen and stimulate the drainage of waste products from the body’s tissues. Adding aromatic herbs and/or essential oils exercise a direct influence on the limbic brain, a part of the brain responsible for emotions, moods, feelings, and memories. Their aromas stimulate the release of neuro-chemicals and hormones. There are over 400 essential oils to choose from. The right essential oil for you will be the one that pleases your nose. For an aromatherapy bath, add 5 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil to the bathwater.
Colds, Flus And Sinus Congestion
The simple addition of eucalyptus, pine or spruce essential oil to your bath can be very effective to combat colds, flu’s, bronchial problems, hay fever, and asthma. Do not add the oil until you are in the water, and then begin by slowly adding from 3 to 6 drops at a time. Swish the water around to disburse the scent. Breathing in the aromas can break up congestion, open the sinuses and breathing passages.Melting Away Stress And Tension
Take a bath in a lavender and marjoram scented bath for stress, high blood pressure and insomnia. Lavender was once used to calm wild animals. It calms the aggressive instincts in humans, relaxing the mind and body to induce sleep. Marjoram has been used to treat heart conditions. Add 10 drops lavender and 5 drops marjoram to your bathwater and soak in it for about 20 minutes.
Arthritis, Rheumatism And Painful Joints
Here is a formula used by many herbalists to soak away aches and pains:
Steep the herbs in hot water for 30 minutes; strain and add liquid to the hot bathwater along with the Epsom salt and eucalyptus. Soak for about thirty minutes, and feel your joints un-kink and unwind. Do not dry off when you get out; put on a robe and get straight into bed.
Beautiful Skin
To improve your skin, enjoy this bath twice a month. Mix ½ cup of fine organic cane sugar with enough sunflower oil to dampen the mixture. Vigorously massage this exfoliating scrub all over your body and face. Now slip into your warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes. Shower off with a light soaping.
Sea Water Bath
In many European countries, doctors send their patients who are recovering from an illness or accident to the seashore for healing and recovery (paid by their insurance). Why? Sea water is healing. It is rich in minerals and other ingredients that strengthen the body, allowing for speedy recovery. If you can’t go to the sea, try this substitute. Add one cup of each Epsom salt and unrefined sea salt to your not too hot bath water. Soak for about 30 minutes, and then follow with a cool shower.
Before And After The Bath
It is beneficial to skin brush before a bath, as it increases circulation and detoxification. Drink plenty of water, tea or fresh juices while soaking in the tub, then rest and stay warm for about one hour after your bath. Moisturizing the skin after a bath is very important. Use a natural lotion containing aloe vera. It will leave your skin glowing.