The healing properties of the bath have been known for a long time. During this time, many methods and means have appeared, thanks to which it is possible to significantly increase the positive effect of the steam room on the human body. One such remedy is bath essential oils.
What are essential substances used for?
The aromatic liquids used during the bath procedure can have the most beneficial effect on a person. Physiologists draw an analogy between the effects of essential oils and hormones on the body.
In combination with water and high temperature, steam bath oil improves mood. It creates a feeling of bliss, lightness, joy. A person experiences a surge of strength and energy.
In addition, aromatic oil for the bath and sauna is able to have a healing effect on the human body. Depending on the product used, it is possible to achieve antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects. Some types of oils have a relaxing effect, while others have an invigorating effect. Starting to use essential oils, a person should know all about the properties that they possess.
Where did the tradition come from?
The experience of using natural concentrated liquids has a long life. More than ten thousand years ago, people already knew how, using essential substances, you can protect yourself from illness, increase efficiency, improve clarity of thought.
Nobody will be able to name the exact place where the tradition came from, as a result of which the use of essential oils for the bath began. The reason for this is simple - the miraculous properties of plant odors were used wherever a person lived.
Ancestors of Europeans used cedar oil to make the product . Scythians soared, throwing seeds and flowers of various plants on hot stones. Women, grinding the sawdust of cedar, received a substance also used in aromatherapy.
The true connoisseurs who perfectly mastered the art of using aromatic oils can be called the ancient Greeks, Romans. The healers of China, India, and Tibet became famous in this.
Rules for using essential oils
Having become acquainted with the properties that oils possess, it is necessary to observe the rules for their use in a sauna or bath.
- Bath essential oil should be used in strict dosage. For one liter of hot water, it is enough to take no more than 10 drops of oil. Using the product in large quantities can lead to a negative result.
- The prepared solution is poured over hot stones, brooms, shelves.
- Scented liquid can be used to wipe the body during bath procedures.
- A container containing oil-flavored water should be placed next to a preheated oven.
- It is strictly forbidden to drip bath oil directly onto a red-hot stove.
Flavored Recipes
There are a huge number of recipes for cooking, which include essential oils. The choice of one or more of them depends on the result that a person strives for.
- To prepare the product you will need 5-10 drops of essential oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 liter of water. All parts are combined and thoroughly mixed.
- Instead of honey, you can use whey, fresh milk or sea salt.
- You need to take 1 liter of water, add 4 drops of lavender and lemon oils and 3 drops of rose oil. The resulting aromatic liquid is able to give the body a pleasant fragrance and freshness.
- The composition prepared from 4-5 drops of essential substance and one liter of water will fill the bathhouse with the aroma of needles. Suitable for this is both pine and fir oil. For the regiments of the bath, walls, benches, this tool can also be used. It is enough to spray the prepared liquid with their surfaces, and the coniferous aroma will remain in the room for a long time.
What are oils made of?
The production of essential oils is a complex process. For this, natural raw materials are used, as which some types of plants are taken.
Their processing during the preparation of the product can be different - distillation, pressing, extraction. No matter what method the plant material is processed, the concentration of essential substances in the resulting product is always higher than in the plant itself.
The most popular was bath oil, prepared on the basis of fir, mint, sage, geranium, rosemary. The aromas of chamomile, lemon balm, lavender also have their fans. Oils with the smell of orange, lemon and bergamot are in good demand.
The list of plants used for the production of aromatic essential oils can be continued for a long time. You need to know that in the manufacture of various varieties of oils several types of plants can be used. In this case, not only the aroma will change, but also the medicinal properties of the product.
Types of oils, their use
Indisputable is the fact of the therapeutic effect of bath oil. What are the best to use for this tool and how to combine them - read below.
The following oils give freshness to the body : peppermint, clary sage, rosemary. Allowed to use one of the oils or their combination.
Oils of lavender, lemon balm, chamomile effectively clean the pores, giving the skin the opportunity to breathe freely.
Oils made from lemon, bergamot or orange will help relieve stress, relax, and enjoy.
Oils of rose, jasmine, cloves, sandalwood will fill the steam room with aromas that can enhance mood, evoke pleasant memories.
Pine, anise, eucalyptus, chamomile, juniper, and sage oils will help cure a sore throat or a cold, and eliminate cough. As you know, these same plants are used when a water bath is being prepared to get rid of an ailment. Oil made from them is characterized by great efficiency.
Oil classification
For the convenience of using essential oils, a system for their classification was compiled. The groups included liquids, for the manufacture of which plants with similar properties were used:
- camphor;
- Herbal
- citrus;
- Floral
- spicy;
- resinous.
Modern folk and official medicine recognizes the positive effects of essential oils on the human body. Their use when visiting the baths and saunas, of course, is welcome. But compliance with the rules and a sense of proportion must not be forgotten.
In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that essential oils can have an unnatural, synthetic composition. Their smell is not inferior to those made from natural raw materials, but the therapeutic effect after their use will be completely absent.
Everyone has the right to choose what suits him.