In this article, we will share some of our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipes. These recipes include essential oils that are known for their relaxing and soothing properties. Soaking in a tub full of these fragrant oils is the perfect way to end a long day!
Can I put essential oils in my bath?
If you're looking to take an aromatherapy bath, you might be wondering whether it's possible to add essential oils to your bath. The answer is yes, you can put essential oils in your bath. However, it's important that you understand how to do this, as it isn't as simple as simply tipping a few drops of essential oil into your bath.
Essential oils are oil-soluble, meaning that they will not disperse in water without help. This means that if you add essential oil to your bath neat, it will simply float on top of the water. You'll need to combine your chosen essential oils with a tablespoon of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or even grapeseed oil before adding it to your bath. This will enable the essential oils to disperse evenly through the bathwater, helping to prevent irritation from occurring on sensitive skin.
It’s important to note that adding oil to your bath could make it a bit slippery, so take care when getting out, and be sure to give it a good wipe down afterwards.
Which essential oils are best for an aromatherapy bath?
Choosing the right essential oils for your bath depends on what your preferences and goals are. First of all, you'll need to consider the properties of the essential oil. Some essential oils are known for their relaxing and calming effects, while others can help to improve circulation or relieve pain.
Secondly, you'll need to take into account your skin type. Some essential oils are more likely to irritate sensitive skin, so it's important to choose oils that are suited to your individual skin type.
Finally, you'll need to decide on the scent that you want your bath to have. We all have different tastes when it comes to aromas, and scents that appeal to one person might not appeal to another. It's a good idea to mix and match different oils until you find a blend that you love. Here are some of our favourite essential oils for aromatherapy baths:
Lavender essential oil
With a soft floral aroma and a wide range of holistic benefits, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils on the market today. It is also one of the most studied and recognised for its many benefits. This essential oil can promote relaxation, enhance sleep, relieve anxiety, soothe eczema, ease menstrual cramps and treat fungal infections. There's no wonder this essential oil is so popular!
Chamomile essential oil
Chamomile is a sweet, herbaceous essential oil that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. This essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it the perfect choice for an aromatherapy bath. Chamomile can help to ease stress, anxiety and tension, as well as soothe inflammation and skin irritations.
Eucalyptus essential oil
With its strong, minty, cleansing aroma, eucalyptus is a great choice for clearing the sinuses and relieving congestion. This essential oil can also help to improve circulation and relieve pain. Eucalyptus is perfect for use during the winter when colds and flus are common.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint is another essential oil that's known for its ability to help clear the sinuses and relieve congestion. With a fresh minty aroma, this essential oil can also help to soothe headaches and muscle aches, making it a great choice if you've had a tough workout, are in pain or are feeling tired.
Rosemary essential oil
This woody, herbaceous aroma is known for its ability to promote clear thinking and memory. Rosemary can help you get focused, making it ideal for use before work or study.
Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot is a sweet and citrusy essential oil that has mood-boosting properties. This essential oil can help to improve your mood when used in aromatherapy, making it perfect for use during times of stress or anxiety.
Ylang Ylang essential oil
With a sweet, floral aroma that's reminiscent of jasmine, ylang ylang is one of the best essential oils for promoting feelings of joy and happiness. This essential oil can also help to balance emotions, helping to relieve anxiety and stress and allowing you to fully enjoy the reward of your aromatherapy bath at the end of a long, stressful day.
Grapefruit essential oil
With its invigorating, citrusy scent, grapefruit is a popular choice for aromatherapy baths. In addition to providing an uplifting aroma, this essential oil can also help to relieve stress and anxiety and improve mood. Grapefruit is particularly good for those who lead busy lives or those who find it difficult to get enough sleep.
Our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipes
Now that we’ve looked at some of our favourite essential oils to use in the bath, we’re going to share some of our most beloved bath oil recipes for various purposes. We know you’re going to love them!
Aromatherapy bath oil recipe for dry skin
If you have dry skin, you may find that using essential oils in your bath can help to improve hydration levels and soothe your dry skin. Lavender essential oil is known for its ability to soothe eczema by reducing inflammation and calming irritation. Geranium essential oil helps to regulate the moisture in your skin, leaving it rebalanced and nourished.
Here is our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipe for dry skin:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
Method:
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the oil into your filled bathtub and relax in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
Aromatherapy bath oil recipe for sinuses
If you're suffering from a blocked nose or sinus infection, taking an aromatherapy bath can help. Eucalyptus essential oil is a great choice for unblocking the sinuses, as its strong, minty aroma helps to open up the airways. Peppermint essential oil is also a good choice, as it has similar properties to eucalyptus and can help to soothe headaches and muscle aches.
Here is our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relieving stuffed up sinuses:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
Method:
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the oil into your filled bathtub and relax in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
Aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relaxation
If you're looking to wind down after a long day, taking an aromatherapy bath may be just what you need. Rose essential oil is a great choice for relaxation, as its sweet and floral aroma helps to promote feelings of calm and peace. Chamomile essential oil is well known for its ability to induce feelings of relaxation and induce sleep.
Here is our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relaxation:
Ingredients:
- 100 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 8 drops rose essential oil
- 8 drops chamomile essential oil
Method:
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the oil into your filled bathtub and relax in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
Aromatherapy bath oil recipe for de-stressing
Stress can have a negative impact on your health if it's not managed properly, so if you're feeling stressed out after a long week of work, taking an aromatherapy bath may be just what you need. Sandalwood essential oil is a good choice for reducing stress and promoting feelings of calm. This essential oil has been used in aromatherapy for thousands of years, making it one of the best-known oils for de-stressing. In this recipe, we've paired sandalwood with lavender essential oil, which is well known for its ability to relax and soothe stressed minds and bodies.
Here is our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relieving stress:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Method:
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the oil into your filled bathtub and relax in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
Aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relieving sore muscles
If you've been working out or have had an accident that has left you with sore muscles, aromatherapy may be able to help.
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which has a cooling effect on sore muscles. This acts as an analgesic, whilst reducing inflammation. Both eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils have similar properties to peppermint and can also help to relieve pain and support muscle relaxation. This powerful trio can help to soothe even the sorest of muscles, leaving you feeling ready to take on the world once again.
Adding Epsom salt to your aromatherapy bath can help to further soothe your sore muscles. This is because Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is readily absorbed by the skin to ease your aching muscles. One to two cups is the standard amount of Epsom salt to add to the bathtub.
Here is our favourite aromatherapy bath oil recipe for relieving sore muscles:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Method:
Combine the carrier oil and essential oils in a glass jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Pour the oil into your filled bathtub and relax in the tub for at least 20 minutes. Add Epsom salt before the oil if using both.
