Aromatherapy baths

[lezah]

Do you need to mix the essential oil with a base oil before adding to the bath? Some books say 5 drops into the warm water than agitate, and another said 5 drops with carrier oil then put in bath and agitate.

Thanks!

 

[Vixen]

Some people do prefer to blend the essential oils with a carrier, but this can make the bath slippery. I have known one company to sell a bath dispersant or milk can be used.

As an aromatherapist, I add my drops (usually about 6-8) straight to the bath, but remember to do it just before you are about to get in, as it can evaporate quite quickly.

There are also some oils which can cause a skin reaction when used in hot water, so always start with less drops.

Lesley

 

[Re Dempt]

[link=http://www.likismaaromatherapy.com/]Likisma[/link] sell a good bath carrier, made from dead sea minerals and its good for the skin and bubbles!

i have used simple bath stuff, as its unscented, and was always under the impression that as oil and water do not mix, something should be added with the oils to help disperse through the water and stop blobs from forming that can *burn* the skin. a carrier also helps the skin to absorb the oils.

 

[tgeevnlg]

Essential oils need to be mixed with an emulsifier to help them disperse in the water rather than just sitting on the surface of the bath. You can either use a small amount of milk, a plain shampoo or a specialised bath oil which usually contains a base oil and an emulsifier. These can be bought from any good aromatherapy supplier, such as [link=http://www.amphora-aromatics.com]Amphora Aromatics Ltd[/link] who do both retail and wholesale mail-order.

 

[Stuart S]

I mix mine with a blob of shampoo and then let the tap run over it. As already said, any emulsifier works well.

 

[KRae3899]

Hello, I always use 6-8 drops of essential oil and a teaspoon of milk.

 

[blueflamex171]

I always advise clients to put essential oils in carrier oil or milk if they are at all worried about slipping.

Essential oils float on the surface of the water and when you get out of the bath they coat the skin, which particularly with citrus oils, can cause irritation. The oils can also attack the surface of the bath and damage it.

yasmin x

 

[BrokenEye, No Star Nation]

Yes i was always told never to use oils neat (obviously this doesn't apply to lavender and tea tree)
and that if diluting with milk it should be full fat milk......or you can use gin or vodka ( a bit of an expensive bath then though).

[link=http://www.denisebrown.co.uk/]Denise brown[/link]also does a lovely bath foaming base, which is quite reasonable.