December can be a time a great happiness, family fun and let’s face it-lots of stress!  Now, more than ever we all need to make ourselves take the much needed moments to step back and care for our well being.  It need not be big amounts of time and can be as simple as twenty minutes soaking in the bathtub.  Hydrotherapy coupled with time off of our feet can be like a magic wand to erase the days stresses.  If time allows, we can also take it one step (or two) further.

     Following are aromatherapy blends and to keep things simple, the amount of drops used are based on the size of your bathtub.   

Simple formulas based on bathtub size/full capacity:

Standard Size, 5-10 drops (total)
Garden Style, 10-15 drops (total)
Larger Size, 15-20 drops (total)

Blends:

Rest & Relax Bath - Lavender, Chamomile, Neroli, Ylang Ylang

Dry Skin Bath - Cedarwood, Lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang

Stress Less Bath - Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Spearmint

Detox Bath - Geranium, Helichrysum, Lime, Juniper

Astringent Bath - Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrhh, Rosemary

     To make an aromatherapy bath, you can drop the essential oils right into the tub and use your hand or foot to swish them around just before entering the bathtub, this method however at times can produce hot spots and cause irritation.

     If you have grain alcohol on hand you can add the essential oils to a small bit of alcohol and mix, the alcohol will help disperse the EO's into the bath water.

or

     Add the EO's to a small amount of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, or one of my favorites, cold pressed sweet cherry kernel oil, stir well and add the mixture just before entering the bath.

     Whatever method you choose, be sure to fill the tub with warm water, then add the essential oils.  

     Feel free to add salts, herbs, oats, clays, etc. to complement your bath.  When using chunky style salts, it is best to add them after being situated in the bathtub.  With this method, there is no discomfort involved, should you make weight bearing contact with them before they dissolve.

     Essential oils penetrate our skin, pass into the bloodstream and circulate through our bodies.  The formulas listed here are for adults and are not intended for use with children, pregnant women or those with health related conditions, use and proceed with care.

     Enjoy the season more by taking a little time to tend to you!

Pennie Mills of Vegan Aesthetics (formerly Ladies Blend) creates cruelty free vegan jewelry and housewares, she is an avid supporter of animal rights, animal welfare and donates continuously to animal charities.