Celebrating Parent’s Day

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        Parents' Day is a day to celebrate parenthood and to honor all parents, including mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers, stepmothers and stepfathers, foster mothers and fathers, and the "parents" of companion animals.

        In Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Chapter 5 describes how to create unique and personally meaningful ceremonies to celebrate special occasions and events. Ceremonies can motivate us, help us manifest and integrate changes in our lives, deepen our experience of the present moment, evoke memories, and bring us together in community. Appendix IV lists the essential oils that represent appreciation and gratitude. It includes Orange, Neroli, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, and Jasmine.

            

A Ceremony for Parent’s Day: Blessing Your Parent Heart

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        There are different ways that we experience "parenting" and they have roles in developing our parent heart. First, we have parents, and we have experiences with them from childhood. We may also have people in our lives that parented us as we were growing up. Second, we parent our children and sometimes others' children. We may parent young people seeking support and mentoring. We are also parents to our dear companion animals. In this Parents' Day ceremony, you will have the chance to reflect on your experiences of being parented, to reflect on your experiences as a parent, to offer a blessing to the one(s) you have parented or are currently parenting, and to appreciate and bless your parent heart.

 

1. Find a quiet place where you will be undisturbed.

2. Choose an essential oil: Orange, Neroli, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lavender, or Jasmine.

3. Choose a picture or object to represent your parents, your experience of being parented, what parenting means to you, or who you have parented or are parenting.

4. Have ready a piece of paper or journal and a pen. 

        To begin, take three relaxing breaths and look at your picture or object. Notice what emotions you feel. Can you describe them? What thoughts or memories arise for you? You may want to jot these down.

        Now, put 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose (without touching your skin). Visualize the aroma moving into your heart center. Notice your feelings as the aroma enhances your awareness of what it is to be a parent. Become aware of the gifts and the challenges of parenting. What are they for you? What have you learned from parenting? What have you learned from being parented? Is there something you can teach about parenting?

        Inhale the aroma again and ask yourself: How has being parented affected me? How has parenting others affected me? Has it changed me in any way? What has been the easiest part of parenting for me? What has been the most difficult? What has parenting taught me about myself and about love? You may want to jot these down.

        As you look once again at the picture or object, is there anything you want to say? If so, do that now, internally or out loud. What would you say to those who have parented you, or those that you have parented or are parenting? Is there something you imagine they would say back to you? 

        Now, one last time, inhale the aroma through your nose and allow a heart-felt blessing to emerge. It might be a blessing for your parents, such as "May my parents be blessed for all they have done for me." It might be for those you parent, such as, “I bless my children and all of their endeavors” or “May my children be a blessing to others.” You might, instead, bless your own heart in gratitude, such as, “I bless the day I became a parent” or “I give thanks for all the ways in which I have grown by parenting.” 

        Spend some time, if you'd like, writing down anything that you have discovered in doing this ceremony, so it is available for you to review later.

        Place the picture or object somewhere that you can see it for the next few days, and every time you see it, sense the gentle and powerful energy of parental love flowing through you, strengthening your capacity for deep caring and nurturing.

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Celebrating Kindness Day

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        Kindness Day celebrates the acts of kindness that have been bestowed upon us and encourages us to be kind to others and to ourselves.)

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        In Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Chapter 5 describes how to create unique and personally meaningful ceremonies to celebrate special occasions and events. Ceremonies motivate us, help us to manifest and integrate changes in our lives,

deepen our experience of the present moment, evoke memories, and bring us together in community. Appendix IV lists the essential oils that represent kindness and compassion. They include Bergamot, Chamomile (German or Roman), Frankincense, Lavender, Patchouli, and Rose.

 

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A Ceremony for Kindness Day

 

        Celebrate Kindness Day by remembering someone who was kind to you, remembering their act of kindness, and honoring them by practicing acts of kindness to others.

 

1. Find a picture or object that reminds you of the kind person or the act of kindness that you want to remember and honor.

2. Find a quiet place where you will be undisturbed.

3. Choose an essential oil. Rose is the premier essential oil for kindness, but if f you don't have it, you can use Bergamot, Frankincense, or Lavender.

4. Place a drop of the essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose (without touching your skin). Pause and inhale again. 

5. As fully as you can, focus on the kindness--both the person and the act--that you are honoring today.

6. Speak or write a few words of gratitude for that kindness.

7. Inhale the aroma again and make a commitment today to look for opportunities—both large and small—to be kind to others, including animals and plants.

8. At the end of the day, inhale the aroma once more and remember the kindnesses you were able to practice today. Notice how it makes you feel.

9. Feel gratitude for the person you honored today for their kindness and inspiration.

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Honoring Earth Day​

 

        In honor of Earth Day, which is celebrated on the spring equinox, we are sharing a practice taught by Brooke Medicine Eagle that comes from the first people's wisdom—teaching that Spirit is always speaking to us and it is often through nature. This ceremony is a way of honoring Mother Earth as a teacher, guide, and companion for both our physical and spiritual journeys.

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1. Choose a spring essential oil that resonates with you for this celebration: Lemongrass to clear and cleanse, Juniper for protection from negativity, Orange for joy, Bergamot for hope, Geranium to honor the feminine, or Eucalyptus for inspiration. 

2. Put 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose (without touching your skin), holding the intention in your mind.

3. Then, go outside. Keep the tissue with you. You can travel to a favorite place or just be in your own yard or neighborhood. Nature is all around.

4. Begin to walk with your intention in your mind. Notice what is around you, keeping an open mind and heart. Inhale the aroma from the tissue again.

5. Allow your intuition to bring your awareness to something that draws your attention. Spend a few moments with it. If it is possible, pick it up, and closely observe it. Inhale the aroma from the tissue again and ask yourself, “How might this object be responding to my intention? What message am I receiving? What is Mother Earth saying to me through this symbol?”

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Examples:

a. A woman is wondering what would help her to be more creative. She is drawn to a small stone that looks like a woman in meditation. She understands that a quiet meditative practice could help open her creativity.

b. A man asks how to deal with unwanted interference from his family about an important decision he needs to make. He is drawn to a worn, wooden gate that is not properly closed. He realizes he is not setting consistent personal boundaries to protect himself from the unwanted intrusion.

 

6. Give thanks to the object and your surroundings. Inhale the aroma from the tissue again, being aware of your intention.

7. When you return home, continue to spend time reflecting on the symbol that you were drawn to and how it might guide you in regard to your intention.

8. Think about how you might thank Mother Earth for her guidance and companionship in a direct way. You many choose to donate to an organization that picks up trash in your neighborhood or you may plant something that feeds the birds.

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Celebrating Summer Solstice

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          On this day, we celebrate the life-giving summer warmth and light of the sun. It is a time to acknowledge and support focused and energized attention to manifest goals.

 

          One way to celebrate the summer solstice is to mindfully spend time outside and bless all the seasonal beauty that surrounds you. This connects your body, mind, heart, and spirit to the essence of the summer solstice.

 

          Another way to honor the solstice is to have a candle ceremony that pays tribute to this time of creative manifestation and fulfillment.

 

A Ceremony for the Summer Solstice

You will need:

1. A small unscented candle, such as a votive, placed in a safe candle holder

2. A summer essential oil that resonates with you. Choose from Rosemary for mental clarity, Lemon for objectivity, Basil for concentration, Peppermint for mental energy, Pine for willpower, Tea Tree for vital energy, Ginger for manifesting, or Ylang Ylang for enthusiasm.

3. A tissue

4. A piece of paper and a pen

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Directions

1. Place the candle in its holder and in a place that is safe for a lit candle.

2. Put 1 or 2 drops of your chosen essential oil on the tissue. Inhale the aroma from the tissue (without it touching your skin). Set intention that amplifies the characteristics of the essential oil. For example, if you chose Rosemary for mental clarity, you might say: “I am mentally clear and focused on my ability to know and manifest my goals.” Pause and inhale the aroma again. Set the tissue down.

3. Light the candle.

4. Write down 5 positive personal goals that you are currently manifesting--bringing to reality--in any aspect of your life. It may be giving up eating sugar, preparing meals for a neighbor who is ill, finishing a degree you have long wanted to complete, or regularly meditating.

5. When you are finished writing your list, read each item out loud saying “I am manifesting ________ and I give thanks. May this be a blessing for all.”

6. When you are finished, fold the list and place it under the candle holder. Inhale the essential oil's aroma from the tissue one more time and say, “May it be so.” 

7. Sit with your candle for as long as you like. Think about how this magnificent season of summer supports you. When you are ready, blow out the candle.

8. You may want to save your list to remind you of your manifesting process or you can bury it in the earth as a way to complete and ground your intention.

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Our Animal Helpers

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        There may be a time that you notice your attention is being drawn to a certain animal. It may be showing up in your environment, on a trip, in a movie, or in your dreams. Do you notice yourself listening to the songs of birds watching the playfulness of chipmunks?

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        Traditional peoples refer to the unique characteristics and gifts of an animal as its “medicine,” and if an animal is showing up for you, you might want to consider the abilities of this animal and imagine what gift it might be bringing to you. Are you being offered the enthusiasm of robin, the energy of bee, or the focused attention of birds of prey?

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        Using your intuition or conscious mind, choose an essential oil that relates to the animal’s gifts, such as Ylang Ylang for robin, Peppermint for bee, and Rosemary for birds of prey. Find a picture or something that represents the animal and place it where you can see it. Anoint the picture or object with a drop of the essential oil to link the two. Any time you want to remember or enhance the gifts being offered to you, put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue and smell its aroma as you name the gifts and give thanks.

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        For more information on animal symbology and essential oils, see Appendix VII in Daily Aromatherapy.  

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Honoring An Ancestor

 

        In many traditional cultures, honoring ancestors is a treasured and respected practice that acknowledges that a society cannot know who they are or where they are going if they do not know and embrace their heritage and history.

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        In this fall season, there are three opportunities to honor your ancestors: Samhain/Halloween, All Soul's Day, and Day of the Dead. These celebrations are dedicated to family members who have come before and have passed on. Following is a ceremony to pay homage to one of your ancestors. It celebrates the gifts they have given you as you offer your gratitude.

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A Ceremony for Honoring an Ancestor

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1. Find a picture or object that represents the ancestor you want to honor and set it near you.

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2. Make this essential oil blend:

     5 drops Bergamot for easing grief and connecting with ancestors who have passed

     5 drops Orange for gratitude and joy

     5 drops Rose for abundant love

     1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil (FCO) or jojoba oil

     Mix together in a small glass jar with a cap. 

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3. Sit comfortably. Have a paper and pen at hand. Have the essential oil blend and a tissue by your side.

4. Place 2 drops of the essential oil blend on the tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose (without touching your skin). Pause and inhale again as you hold in your mind the intention of honoring your ancestor.

5. Take 3 slow, relaxed breaths. Begin to speak (internally or aloud) to you ancestor. Tell them what is on your mind and in your heart. Thank them for the gifts they have given to you and/or your family in the way of capabilities, such as creative talent, athleticism, or financial wisdom or in the way of personality traits such as generosity, kindness, courage, or independence. Express your gratitude. Ask if there is anything they would like you to be doing with these gifts. Ask if there is anything they would like you to know.

6. Imagine what you ancestor might say to you in response. If it would be helpful, write down your interaction.

7. Keep the picture/object and essential oil blend available for as many days as you like—until this ceremony feels complete. Store the blend in the closed jar in a cool, dark place. Each time you wish to reconnect, place a drop of the blend on a tissue and inhale the aroma. Hold the intention of honor and gratitude in your mind and heart.

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Grounding

 

        “Grounding” is a term and concept that is used throughout the 3 subtle aromatherapy books on this site. “Grounding” means connecting your body and mind to the earth’s energy. It is also known as “earthing” and has become popular in recent years in the alternative health field. Grounding manifests as being fully present in the moment, aware of your body, fully in your body, and energetically connected to Mother Earth. It promotes feeling safe and secure in the world and enjoying earthly life and experiences.

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        The practice of grounding is not new and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and by indigenous people for thousands of years. Benefits can include improved mood, immunity support, pain relief, improved sleep, increased energy, and a sense of peace and contentment.

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        Grounding is simple and there are a variety of ways to do it—both outdoors and indoors. Grounding exercises are done mindfully, holding the intention of the exercise in your mind and heart.

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        Some outdoor grounding techniques include:

1) Walking barefoot on dirt, grass, or sand

2) Pressing your bare hands into grass or earth

3) Lying on your back flat on the ground with the skin of your forearms arms and calves contacting the earth

4) Gardening with your bare hands

(Notice that it is important that your skin touches the earth.)

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        Some indoors techniques include:

1) Putting your hands in water or under running water for a few minutes

2) Picking up an item and noticing and focusing on its color, weight, texture, and design

3) Sitting comfortably and describing your surroundings in your mind, using all your senses, one at a time—what you see, smell, hear, taste, and are touching

4) Deep, slow, relaxed, mindful breathing

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        Grounding is a practice that you might choose to do daily. When grounded, the connection with Mother Earth provides the energy that supports and revitalizes your First energy center, the foundation of health and well-being. It supports being in the present moment. You might benefit from it when you want to shift your consciousness away from feeling confused, anxious, restless, out-of-body, or spacey.  

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        Essential oils especially wonderful for grounding include: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. When you are going to do a grounding exercise, put 2 drops of your chosen essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose, without touching your skin. Hold the intention in your mind. Pause and inhale again. Proceed with the grounding exercise. If you like, you can inhale the aroma again during and/or after the exercise.

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An Aromatic Practice Exercise for Grounding

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1. Sit in a comfortable position and relax. Close your eyes. Take 3 slow, deep breaths. Open your eyes.

2. Put 2 drops of your chosen grounding essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose, without touching your skin. Pause and inhale again.

3. Imagine yourself as a strong and stable tree. What kind of tree are you? Notice your roots, bark, the way the branches extend and lift up into the air. Sense your foliage.

4. Visualize your roots embedded deeply into the earth. Now inhale the aroma again and feel your roots. Discover how deeply and broadly they root the tree--and you--into the earth. 

5. Let yourself experience what it is like to be well grounded.

6. Sit with this intention for as long as you like. When the exercise feels complete, gently return to your day.

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Welcoming the New Year

 

        The beginning of a new year is a time to explore your hopes for the coming months. In this exercise, discover what your inner wisdom and Spirit are offering you as a gift of support and sustenance for this exploration. You will need Frankincense essential oil, a tissue, pen and paper, and a quiet place where you will be uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.

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1. Place 2 drops of Frankincense on the tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose, without touching your skin.

2. Exhale thoroughly, while you drop your shoulders and sigh....

3. Inhale the aroma again and then take 3 slow, relaxing breaths.

4. In your mind's eye, imagine that you are walking in a winter garden. Look around and notice what you see--whatever comes to mind is right for you at this moment.

5. Notice what is beneath your feet. Is it dirt? Mud? Snow? Notice if there are any trees or bushes that are still green. Now notice the temperature of the air against your skin. Discover if there are any sounds. Are there any aromas? Spend a bit of time in this garden familiarizing yourself with what is present through each of your senses.

6. Now notice that your attention is being drawn to an object here. It is a container of some kind. Where have you found it? What does it look like? What is its size? What is it made of? Take a moment to understand that this container holds a special gift for you, offered from your inner wisdom and Spirit for entering the new year. 

7. When you are ready, open the container and discover your gift. What is it? What does it mean to you? How do you feel as you see it? Do you want to receive it? If no, place it back in the container and return it to where you found it. If yes, then discover how you are to accept it. Perhaps it is something to eat or drink, to put in your pocket, to hold to your heart, or to carry in your hand. How are you inspired by this gift?

8. Find a comfortable place to sit and rest. Perhaps it is a bench that is pleasantly warm to sit on. In the next minute or so allow yourself to experience receiving this gift, if you have chosen to do so. What are your thoughts? Feelings? What is happening in your body? If you have decided not to take the gift simply notice what that is like for you--no judgement,

simply notice.

9. When you are ready, give thanks to Spirit, to the garden, and for the offering of the gift. Take 3 re-orienting breaths and return to ordinary consciousness. Inhale the aroma of Frankincense again from the tissue and then write about your experience for as long as you like, with as much detail as possible. Then look forward to how this gift will support you in this new year.

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Simple Aromatic Practices to Help with Stress

 

        Stress is a fact of life—whether it comes from desired experiences (eustress) such as the birth of a child or from painful experiences (distress) such as the loss of a job. It can also be a chronic, low-level stress that simply wears us down. Stress is a part of modern life, and it can cause a variety of stress-related ailments.

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        Sometimes, we can reduce the effects of our stress when we identify and let go of stressors. For example, some people downsize to reduce the demands of a large home. Another example is saying “no” to requests that we don’t want to do. However, knowing that stress is unavoidable, our on-going task is to learn how to manage and cope with the stress in our lives to maintain our health and balance.

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        If you feel that you cannot release a stressor, you may find it helpful to create an intention/affirmation that acknowledges this. The practice is to release what can be released. Say your intention out loud or to yourself before you begin the exercise. For example, “This vacation will not be perfect, but it will be fun. I let go of my grasping for perfection and am open to experiencing joy.” Another, “I release the stress that prevents me from dealing with my life from a clear, grounded, and empowered place.”

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        Developing simple and regular stress management practices that work for you is fundamental to managing stress. To that end, aromatic practices can become a part of your daily, self-care routine. 

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        There are several essential oils that can help with stress. The two types that are especially useful are those that are calming and those that are uplifting. Calming oils include Lavender, Rose, Frankincense, and Chamomile. Uplifting oils include Orange, Lemon, Bergamot, and Geranium. In the morning, you may want to include both types, and in the evening, use those that calm and relax. 

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        It may be important for you to find a stress management practice that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine so that doing it does not cause you more stress! One of the easiest ways is to combine the aromatic practice with something you already do, such as when you take a shower or when you wash your hands.

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        #1. For a shower, put 4 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) on the perimeter of the floor of your shower. Perhaps, one drop in each corner. Breathe in the aroma. Try Lavender and Orange (2 drops each) in the morning to calm and uplift—a great way to start the day. Try Frankincense or Chamomile in the evening to help you wind down. As you shower, imagine your stress going down the drain with the water.

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        #2. When washing your hands, first rinse the soap off, then put 3 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) in the palm of your hand and then spread the oil to cover both hands. Breathe in the aroma. Pause and inhale the aroma again. Then, rinse your hands with water and as the water goes down the drain, imagine your stress going with it.

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        #3. Another simple practice is to place 2 drops of the essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose (without touching your skin). Pause and inhale again. Allow the calming and/or uplifting energy to move through you and intend that it is serving its purpose. To enhance this experience, include the following breathing exercise. Give a name to what you want to let go of on an exhale and give a name to what you want to hold onto as you inhale. For example, (exhale)“I release my worry and (inhale) I embrace the freedom it brings” or “(exhale) I let go of the stress that current events are causing me and (inhale) I embrace trust and ease.

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        Yes, stress in a fact of life, but with a regular aromatic stress management practice it is possible to respond to stress with a grounded, energized, and calm presence in the midst of whatever we are experiencing.

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Aromatic Facial Compress

 

        An aromatic facial compress is a cloth dipped in warm water with an essential oil added to it. It combines the beneficial properties of both water (hydrotherapy) and essential oils (aromatherapy). The cloth is wrung and then held against your skin. This technique hydrates and conditions the skin and the aroma uplifts and refreshes the spirit.

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        A facial compress can be used to prepare your skin for the rest of your skin care routine, or it can be done any time of day for the pure enjoyment of it. When calming essential oils are used, it can help you wind down at the end of the day. It is a most delightful way to use essential oils as a part of your self-care. 

 

You will need:

1. A sink or basin to hold water

2. A clean washcloth

3. An essential oil chosen from the suggestions in the following list.

4. ½ teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil (FCO, also known as MCT oil)

 

Directions:

1. Mix 1 to 3 drops of the essential oil in the FCO and set aside. The amount of drops you use depends on the sensitivity of your skin and whether you want the action to be delicate or stronger.

2. Fill your sink (half-way) with warm water.

3. Add the essential oil mixture to the water and stir well.

4. Dip the clean washcloth into the water, wring, and apply to your face, holding in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Keep your eyes closed.

5. Repeat dipping, wringing, and applying, 3 to 5 times---to your preference.

6. When finished, pat your skin dry. If you are using the facial compress to begin your skin care routine, continue with cleansing, toning, moisturizing, etc. If you are using it at another time, after you pat dry, apply a moisturizer.

 

Choose Your Essential Oil

Choose one that has the properties and aroma you want.

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Chamomile, German (aka Chamomile, Blue) (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile German soothes the skin, calms allergic reaction, reduces inflammation, and supports hydration. It calms and comforts the psyche. The aroma is sweet, warm, and herbaceous.

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Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Frankincense tones, rejuvenates, conditions, and soothes the skin. It has an astringent action. It calms and comforts the psyche. The aroma is balsamic, earthy, warm, and sweet/spicy.

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Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Geranium tones, rejuvenates, conditions, and balances the skin. It supports hydration and tones circulation. It calms and balances the psyche. The aroma is soft, green, and slightly floral.

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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender tones, rejuvenates, conditions, balances, and soothes the skin. It calms, comforts, and steadies the psyche. The aroma is fresh, soft, and herbaceous/floral.

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Neroli (Citrus aurantium): Neroli tones, rejuvenates, and conditions the skin. It calms, comforts, and uplifts the psyche. The aroma is a luxurious, semi-sweet floral.

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Rose Otto (aka Rose Bulgarian) (Rosa damascena): Rose tones, conditions, soothes, and rejuvenates the skin. It supports hydration. It calms, quiets, and comforts the psyche. The aroma is elegant, floral, deep, rich, and a bit spicy.

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Aromatic Bath

 

        A warm, aromatic bath combines the beneficial properties of both water (hydrotherapy) and essential oils (aromatherapy). Hypocrites, a celebrated Greek physician, wrote that having “aromatic baths” regularly was a good way to health.  

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        A warm bath offers accessible benefits. It cleans and hydrates the skin. It stimulates circulation and can ease sore or tight muscles. Because it relaxes the body and mind, when taken about an hour before bedtime, it can promote a good night's sleep. A warm bath can also increase your levels of serotonin—the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well-being. Immersing yourself in a tub of warm water is self-care at its best—offering a bit of an escape and a private, quiet, comforting, and restorative time. It is no wonder that baths are often referred to as “healing waters.”

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NOTE: If you have dry skin, it is suggested that you do not bathe too often because it can aggravate the dryness, especially if the water is too hot. Also, if you are allergic to any of the suggested ingredients, do not use them.

 

You will need:

1. A place to take a bath

2. An essential oil chosen from the suggestions in the following list. Choose one that has the properties you want and an aroma you like.

3. Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) OR fragrance-free moisturizing lotion

 

Essential Oils for a Bath

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Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis): Chamomile Roman soothes and calms the skin. It relaxes the body and eases muscle tension. It calms and comforts the psyche. The aroma is sweet, hay-like, and herbaceous.

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Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Frankincense rejuvenates and soothes the skin. It relaxes the body and promotes relaxed breathing. It calms and comforts the mind. The aroma is balsamic, earthy, warm, and sweet/spicy.

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Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Geranium rejuvenates and tones the skin. It supports skin hydration and eases muscle tension. It calms the psyche and encourages a sense of emotional balance. The aroma is soft, green, and slightly floral.

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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender tones, rejuvenates, and soothes the skin. It relaxes the body and eases muscle tension. It calms, comforts, and steadies the psyche. The aroma is fresh, soft, and herbaceous/floral.

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Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum): Sandalwood tones, soothes, and rejuvenates the skin. It relaxes the body and eases muscle tension. It calms, comforts, and quiets the mind. The aroma is warm, smooth, deep, rich, woody, and a bit green.

 

NOTE: If an essential oil irritates your skin in a bath, stand up, rinse off, and get out of the tub. Pat dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizing lotion. Next time, use a different essential oil and/or decrease the number of drops used. Avoid warming/stimulating essential oils, such as Black Pepper or Ginger. 

 

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix 6 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil into a carrier: 1 teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil (also known as MCT oil) OR 1 tablespoon of fragrance-free lotion. Because essential oils do not dilute well in water, using the carrier will help to dilute and disperse, helping to prevent "hot spots" of essential oil in the bath water. The number of drops of essential oil you use depends on the sensitivity of your skin and whether you want the action and aroma to be delicate or stronger. Set the mixture aside.

2. Fill the bathtub with warm water. If it’s too cold, it will not be relaxing. If it is too hot, it can irritate and dry your skin.

3. Immerse yourself into the tub of water.

4. Add the essential oil mixture, stirring the water around you to mix well. Relax and enjoy the aroma.

 

 

 

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