by: Kerris Samson

Long before the term alternative medicine was being used, aromatherapy was being practiced by the Egyptians for over 5,000 years. When being used by the Egyptians oil was being extracted from the many aromatic plants around them through infusion and then used for their not only cosmetic and medicinal purposes but also for embalming as well. They then passed the knowledge they had gained on to the Greeks and it served as the beginning of their research into how to use the oils and fragrance of some flowers for their relaxing and stimulating effects. In fact when looking back further in history we find that ancient man depended very much on his environment for their basic needs and to survive which led them to discover the more natural ways of preserving food and how certain conditions could be treated using herbs and aromatics.

First of all we will look at Eastern Roots. The use of aromatics are shown in a Chinese Herbal Book by Shen Nung dated 2,700 BC and which provides specific details on over 300 plants and how they can be used. Also the ancient Chinese would burn incense and wood as part of their religious beliefs and practices and even in today’s modern society many Chinese still observe these practices today. You will also discover that the Chinese used aromatics in relation to the acupressure, massage and other therapies that they used.

Whilst now in modern society many people place a very high premium on their health and well being but due to the high cost of traditional and conventional medicines available (surgery and Medicare) more and more people are turning to aromatherapy and essential oil therapy as well as other forms of alternative medicine.

The basics of using essential oils in an aromatherapy bath are as follows:

1. It facilitates equilibrium of both the physical, mental and spiritual health of a person through natural means.

2. In some cases it has been found that alternative treatments are considered as strong and effective as complementary treatments to regular medical practices.

3. The main component of aromatherapy is the essential oils and are highly concentrated essences which are known for their healing effects.

Essentials oils are aroma producing oils which come from flowers such as the rose, from leaves such as basil, twig, bark, fruit rind and many other parts of plants. Although experts say that extracting the oils can be quite time consuming and complex and requires a large amount of patience on behalf of the person carrying out the work the benefits at the end are great. Certainly you need to recognize and accept that if you want to get about 5 tsp of oil from rose petals it will take about 220lbs of petals to do it and this is why pure essential oils are so expensive. Although the effectiveness of the oils is not comprised as it only takes a few drops to generate the effect required. However there is a cheaper alternative namely synthetic oil, however they do not offer the person the same healing properties as their natural counterparts.

Essential oils work by stimulating a person’s olfactory system and later on the brain or limbic system. The fragrance along with other properties and effects relating to the oils will determine how a person’s body system and its parts are stimulated. Whilst having a massage using these oils they are not only absorbed by the body but are inhaled at the same time and eventually when being absorbed through the skin they will reach the organs and body system of the person being treated. The time it takes for the oils to absorb through the skin can be from as little as 20 minutes and take as long as 2 hours or more and there it is wise to avoid taking a shower or bath straight after any massage so that the maximum effect is received from the massage therapy.

The time that the effect lasts on a person can vary from 3-24 hours to 2-3 days or even as long as week. Oils that have a short live time span in regard to their scent are Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Thyme and Bergamot whilst Hyssop, Lavender, Balm and various other oils can last between 2 to 3 days. The oils that take as long as a week to completely evaporate are Jasmine, Sandalwood, Ginger and Cedar Wood.
Many people when using aromatherapy are looking to achieve a sense of calm in their lives and these people will look to using a combination of three types of oils to help with this and they will base them on how long they last. They can be used by mixing them into a warm bath and will help the person to become relaxed and calm, they will help to eliminate the stress and depression that they are feeling as well as both energizing and soothing the body of any aches that they are feeling. Certainly by using essential oils during a massage will help increase the healing and calming effect that the person is feeling. However any massage carried out using essential oils must also include a carrier oil to help prevent irritation and skin reactions on the person being treated. Such carrier oils that are used to help dilute the essential oils are avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil.

About The Author

Kerris Samson a work from home mum who has carried out extensive research in all forms of alternative medicines, treatments and therapies over the last year. She has now set up a site dealing with all aspects of baths and if you would like to learn more please visit http://www.bath.letsgetpampered.com.

Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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MAKE YOUR OWN COLLOIDAL OATMEAL BATH

1 cup oatmeal (quick or slow-cooking)

Blend or process the oatmeal in your blender or food processor until you have a very fine powder (pulverized). This helps the oatmeal absorb liquid.

To test the colloid property of your oatmeal, gently stir 1 tablespoon into a glass of warm water. If the oatmeal readily absorbs the water and give it a milky look and a silky feel, you’ve processed it enough. If the oatmeal simply sinks to the bottom of the glass, it needs to be processed further.

Sprinkle the oats into a tub of running water and stir the water with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. For babies, use 1/3 cup.

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OATMEAL MILK BATH

3 cups dried milk
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup ground oatmeal
EO or FO

Use 1/2 cup in your tub or tie in muslin.

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OATMEAL SOAK

In blender, mix: 3/4 cup oats
1/2 cup Lavender Buds
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup Sea Salt
EO or FO

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Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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MOISTURIZING BUBBLE BATH

1/2 cup soap flakes

1 cup boiling water

3 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil

A few drops of EO (optional)

Dissolve the soap flakes in the boiling water, stirring gently. Immediately add almond oil, then essential oil (optional). Stir constantly while you add 4-5 tablespoons to running bath water. The rest can be used later, but you will need to stir prior to using again.

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*BIG BUBBLE* BUBBLE BATH

1 cup soap flakes

1 cup water

2-3 tablespoons Vegetable Glycerine

A few drops EO, if desired

Mix all ingredients together and store in container or glass bottle. Add 1-2 tablespoons under rapidly running water to create large bubbles. This mixture can also be used as a shower gel. Shake before using.

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Bubble Bath Drop

Bubble Bath

Cherry Berry Bubble Bath

Lavender Dreams Bath

Lilac Sensation Bubble Bath

Solid Bubble Bath

Violet Days Bath

Always consult your physician if you have high blood pressure, are pregnant

or have other medical concerns before using essential oils or herbs.

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HERBAL BATH BAG

2 tablespoons dried Chamomile
2 tablespoons dried Rose Petals
2 tablespoons dried orange blossoms
1 coffee filter (large)
8 X 8 inch piece of lace fabric (if giving as a gift)
ribbon

Combine the herbs ina bowl, stirring until well mixed. Spoon mixture into coffee filter and secure closed with embroidery thread or ribbon. Place filter in the center of the lace. Gather together the edges and secure by tying and knotting the ribbon around it. Tie the end of ribbon in another knot at the top so that the ribbon forms a large loop that can be hung from the bathtub water spout.

To use, hang the bag from the water spout and let it steep in warm bath.

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SCENTED BATH BAG

1 ounce rolled oats
1 ounce dried Lavender
1 ounce dried Lemon Balm or Lemon Verbena leaves
1/2 ounce dried Orange Peel
1/2 ounce dried Lemon Peel
2 dried bay leaves
2 dried rosemary sprigs
8 small muslin bags

In large bowl, mix the oats, lavender and lemon balm. Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the oranges and lemon peel and bay leaves and add to mixture in bowl. Break up the sprigs of rosemary and add to mixture. Divide mixture between the 8 bags and fasten with string. To use, hang the bags from the hot tap of running water. You can continue to use the bag until fragrance is no longer evident.

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ON-THE-GO BATH TEA

Try this treatment for an energy boost. It is very stimulating, so don’t use it before going to bed or when you’re trying to relax.

1 tablespoon dried or fresh Rosemary
1 teaspoon dried or fresh Sage
1/2 tablespoon dried of fresh Eucalyptus
1/4 cup oats

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MUSCLE-SAVER BATH TEA

The oil in juniper berries helps break down the surface tension of the skin. Oil of peppermint adds to the aromatic pleasure of this bag, and lavender is relaxing. People with arthritis will enjoy this bag.

1 teaspoon Juniper
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Peppermint
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Spearmint
2 tablespoons dried or fresh Lavender Flowers and leaves

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REFRESHING CITRUS BATH

1 teaspoon dried Comfrey
1 teaspoon dried Alfalfa
1 teaspoon dried Parsley
fresh lemon peel
fresh orange peel

Put above into muslin bag. Tie under tap and let water flow through. After tub is filled, put bag in water and steep.

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