When I’ve had a long day, I like to soak in a hot tub, with a glass of wine in one hand and music drifting in from the bedroom. And part of this incredibly relaxing ritual is scented oils.
Aromatherapy experts are right: certain smells can calm and refresh the spirit.
Here are some great bathing oils and herb sachets that you can add to your bath time ritual. They’re a great way to manage stress and a cheap treat that can turn a simple bath into a wonderful ‘me time’ activity.
Spring herbal sachet
Mix half a cup each of lavender flowers, chamomile flowers and leaves, oatmel powder, rose petals, and skim milk powder. Tie all of the ingredients into a muslin bag or cloth and secure with a ribbon or string. Then tie this under the tap so that the warm running water runs over the bag. The water will smell divine and the fragrance will cling to you.
Relaxing rosemary sachet
IF you feel so sluggish in the morning, this will help you stimulate your senses and prepare you for a heavy day ahead. Just pick two cups of fresh rosemary and bruise them. Place in a muslin cloth or nylon stocking and attack to the bath tap. The smell may seem initially overpowering but that is what your senses need. (Read our article on energy boosters.)
Muscle Oil for Bath and Body
This is great for aching muscles and a wonderful treat after a workout. Combine 50 ml of apricot kernel oil, 12 drops of juniper oil, 8 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of rosemary oil and 5 drops of wintergreen oil. You can use this as a massage oil or add about 25 drops to your bath water. The oil will also help moisturize your body.
Great gift idea
You’ll need to invest in buying several kinds of herb and mineral oil before you can make these mixtures on your own. But these herb sachets and mineral oil mixtures are great gifts. Make them in bulk right before the holidays and just add pretty packaging; a ribbon and a small tree ornament tied to the sachet, or in a beautiful gift box. Everyone gets a little stressed during the holidays so your gift will be very welcome!
Photo from ifimages.com