Using Aromatherapy in the Bath to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
If you-like most of us-arrive home at the end of a long day at work with tired, tense muscles, a good way to relax is to soak your anxieties away in a tub full of scented warm water. Depending on the particular aromatherapy fragrance you choose, you can either invigorate yourself, making it possible to catch your "second wind" and continue your day, or add a calming fragrance to help you relax and enjoy a deep, restful sleep. Adding fragranced candles or aroma bath salts to your tub can lead to an enchanting bath experience. Although stress is a natural reaction to our environment, and, to a point is a healthy response, chronic stress can have detrimental effects to your physical and mental well-being. We live in an incredibly fast-paced world, and an aromatherapy bath can be a safe, natural and effective way to soothe your anxiety.
Lavender is typically associated with relaxation and calming, therefore is a very popular scent, however tangerine, rosemary and peppermint are also known for their soothing properties. Bath soaps come in a variety of fragrances which can complement your bath salts and candlelight, ensuring you are totally surrounded with aroma and ambiance. If you want to take your bath experience a step further, consider a calming tea to sip during your bath, and a towel warmer which allows you to step from your bath into a warm, fluffy towel.
Essential Aromatic Oils for Dry Skin
Excessively hot water, and the act of vigorously towel-drying your skin following your bath can further dry already-dry skin. One way to counteract this drying ritual is to use moisturizing oil in your bath, fragranced, of course! Essential oils are extracted essences from flowers, herbs and leaves-when the active phytochemicals enter your body, stress is washed away. When your nose inhales the particular scent, a reaction in the brain is triggered, releasing neurochemicals which offer an overall nurturing effect on your body, bringing peace and serenity. The aroma of your essential bath oils will soothe your senses while the oils will moisturize your parched skin. Ginger oil is a particularly nice aromatherapy oil as it can spark your senses while easing the pain in your muscles. For tired muscles, try peppermint oil-besides offering a lovely bath experience, peppermint has been shown to aid in concentration and memory.
Specific Aromatherapy Oils to Try
As stated, Lavender is one of the most relaxing and fragrant essential oils, helpful in treating insomnia, headaches and depression as well as improving your overall immune function. Clary sage has a yummy floral scent, and is great for perking up your mood, and reducing stress. Linden has a sweet lime blossom aroma, is a good choice for dry skin, and also has a gentle sedative effect for those who want to go from bath to sleep. Jasmine can treat both stress and depression, and has a sweet, floral aroma. Choose sandlewood if you prefer a slightly sweet woody aroma which can calm your nerves, act as a skin moisturizer and an aphrodisiac as well. Marjoram can not only reduce anxiety but help with pain and stiffness, perhaps that of arthritis, bringing a clean, herbal aroma to your world. You could try Ylang Ylang if you are looking to overcome a traumatic experience or deeper emotional stress. It's soft, sweet, floral aroma can relieve stress, depression and insomnia as well.
You can try a variety of aromatherapy products in the form of essential oils, shower gels, body scrubs, shampoos, scented candles and moisturizing oils and lotions to make your bath the relaxing highlight of your day.