Spring Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Blends

While doing an internal cleanse essential oils are encouraged to be used in several applications such as topical blends, baths, or as a shower salt scrub.

Citrus Cleanser Dead Sea Salt Shower Scrub Makes @ 1 cup/ 8oz.

• ½ cup combination of each: fine grain Dead Sea Salt and sea salt.

• Mix in 2-3 TBSP. of organic and unrefined safflower or sesame oil.

• Essential oil blend: 5 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) 5 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) 4 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)

Apply three times a week in the shower, before you turn the water on. Apply a small amount at a time with long movements along with the natural lymphatic flow, towards the heart. Dead Sea salt scrubs are excellent to slough off old skin cells, increase the circulation and lymphatic flow, and can even reduce pain and inflammation. *When using essential oils always review the precautions. Precautions- DO NOT apply to newly shaved areas, wounds, face, or breast tissue. Citrus essential oils also have a photosensitivity precaution and are NOT recommended in the bath.

Bath Blend Mix the following ingredients together, before adding to the bathwater:

• 1 Tablespoon of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

• 4 drops Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

• 4 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

• 4 drops Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This blend of essential oils can also be added directly to 1-2 cups of bath salts or clay for additional cleansing and rejuvenation.

Hydrosols are waters containing beneficial plant compounds, a result of extraction by distillation. 'Hydro' means water and 'sol' means solution. These hydrosols or herbal distillates have many uses as medicine, flavorings, household uses, and fabulous additions to skincare products. They are generally safer than essential oils to use with children, elders, and those with sensitive skin.

Even though it is recommended not to use essential oils internally on a daily basis, many hydrosols can also be used internally in moderation. Please see complete instructions in Suzanne Catty’s book, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy.

Liver Cleansing Hydrosols:

• Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) is believed to cleanse and support the liver and gallbladder. Carrot seed hydrosol has the ability to detoxify the blood, tissues, muscles, and internal organs like the liver and kidneys.

• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) is a most powerful anti-inflammatory, a must for aftercare in any surgery, healing of wounds, reducing swelling, and a detoxifier for the liver.

• Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) Suzanne Catty in her book describes “Labrador Tea Hydrosol as being the most powerfully therapeutic of all hydrosols.” 4 She also describes Labrador Tea as being helpful for fighting addictive behaviors and suggests blending it with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) hydrosol to aid with withdrawal. It may also be helpful with allergies, liver and kidney detoxification, and it is an immune stimulant.

• Myrtle, Green (Myrtus communis) is cleansing for the liver. It also makes a good eyewash for tired, irritated eyes or allergic conjunctivitis. Green myrtle is a strong expectorant useful for bronchitis and allergies.

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a gentle tonic for all skin types. It is antifungal and can be taken internally for anti-aging, liver problems, and Candida.

• Spruce, Black (Picea mariana) boosts the immune system, respiratory system, revives the adrenals in times of stress, and it can be used in a compress to ease painful and inflamed joints.

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a good digestive aid, and it is significantly detoxifying, but in a gentle manner. Regular use of this hydrosol during cleansing can improve digestion, elimination, and calm gastric spasms.

**Please note the information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Cleansing during pregnancy or for children is not recommended. See a qualified health care provider for any acute or chronic condition requiring medical assistance.

References:

1. Haas, Elson M., M.D., The Detox Diet, Berkeley, CA, Celestial Arts Publishing, 1996, p. 31.

2. Sage Press PDF File, Technical Data Report for Chanca Piedra: http://www.rain-tree.com/chanca-techreport.pdf

3. Willmont, Dennis, Aromatherapy with Chinese Medicine, Marshfield, MA, Willmountain Press, 2003, p. 264-265.

4. Catty, Suzanne, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy, Rochester, VT, Healing Arts Press, 2001, p. 105-106.