Indulging in essential oils is fairly common practice in the bathtub, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fantastic benefits of aromatherapy even during an everyday shower. If you don’t have a bathtub or simply don’t have the time to devote to a good soak, you can still make aromatherapy a daily part of maintaining the health of your body, mind, and spirit.
- Steam it up.
Before starting your shower, turn the water on full blast as hot as you can make it. Filling your bathroom with steam will trap the essential oil as it is vaporized, allowing you to inhale it effectively and achieve the greatest benefit.
Once the steam has started to rise, it’s time to add your oils. Then, turn the water to a more desirable temperature and enjoy your very own at home steam shower.
- Use the right carrier.
To fully benefit from using an essential oil, you need to ensure it can be effectively dispersed in the shower. By placing a few drops on a cotton ball, face pad, or even a wash cloth, you can bring a carrier right into the shower with you as you deeply inhale the healing steam of aromatherapy.
You can also flick a few drops of your essential oil on the walls of your shower, after the steam and water have gotten them sufficiently wet. This helps ensure the oil can be vaporized properly.
- Keep it damp.
After saturating your carrier with approximately 1o to 12 drops of the essential oil of your choice, place it carefully on the floor of your shower. You want it to stay moist, so make sure you’ve put it somewhere water can reach. However, keeping it directly under the stream will cause the oils to flow right down the drain.
The heat of the shower and the steam you’ve created in your bathroom will also help vaporize the oil. Adjust the placement of your carrier until you can find the right balance to enjoy a steady diffusion.
For a more direct application, you can turn your body so the flow of water is at your back and press the wash cloth or cotton ball to your chest.
- Choose appropriate oils.
Different essential oils will offer different effects, and it’s important to use the right ones at the right times. If you’re showering first thing in the morning, an energizing, stimulating scent will help you prepare for the day. But if you’re hoping to unwind a bit before bed, you’ll be better off using a more soothing aromatherapy option.
For energy, choose eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint. If you’re looking for a little extra cheer or to reduce anxiety, consider spearmint, sweet orange, lime, grapefruit, bergamot, or clary sage. And to relax at the end of the day and enjoy a more restful sleep, turn to lavender, ylang ylang, sandalwood, roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, vetiver, or patchouli. If you’re suffering from sinus congestion, cypress or pine can also provide additional healing benefits.
Remember, though, aromatherapy is a deeply personal experience. These recommendations may not work for you, so try out a variety of oils until you find the ones that help you achieve the benefits you’re looking for.
- Follow up with additional care.
After your shower, spend a few more minutes inhaling the fragrant steam as you apply a skin care oil that will provide even more healing benefits. Use movements that point toward your heart, which encourages circulation and lymph movement while stimulating your immune system.
When your skin is still damp, use a few drops of sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grapeseed oil to add moisture and allow you to continue your aromatherapy experience even outside of the shower. You could even use the same cloth you used as a carrier to spread the oil across your body.
You don’t have to invest in an expensive, luxurious steam shower to enjoy the many benefits of essential oils – and you also don’t need to spend hours soaking in the bathtub. These quick tips will allow you to make aromatherapy a valuable part of your daily routine, keeping you healthy and happy.
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