THE AROMATIC SHOWER

Using essential oils under the shower is not quite as therapeutic as using them in the bath. Since the water is always running, a lot of the aroma and oil goes down the plug hole!! It is best to use aromatic showers to wake up your mind and body, because it is quite difficult to relax deeply when you are standing up!! The best way to avoid wasting essential oils in the shower is to mix them first with a carrier oil, then massage them into the skin before you get under the spray. Or, you can dip a sponge into the mixture and rub it over your body whilst in the shower. If you have a deep base to your shower, you can make it more aromatic by blocking up the plug hole, so that the oils vaporize in the warm water in the bottom. The aroma will then rise with the steam. A choice of carrier oils with which to mix your essential oils are available but, I would recommend the following.

Almond Oil. Grapeseed Oil. Sweet Almond Oil.

To each 100mls of carrier oil I would add the following amount of Essential Oils.

Basil = 5 drops.

Bergamot = 5 drops.

Lemongrass = 5 drops.

Lime = 4 drops.

Mandarin = 4 drops.

Orange = 4 drops.

Peppermint = 5 drops.

Pine = 5 drops.

These oils are all invigorating and quick acting and that is the reason that I have chosen them for use in the shower. They are ideal as a 'wake-up' in the morning. Also as a refresher after a long day at work and you are perhaps going out for the evening. Please note that the more pungent citrus oils need less drops added to the carrier oil. Citrus oils are ideal for use in the shower as their beneficial properties are not as long lasting as other oils. When mixed with other oils such as Geranium, rose or Jasmine, their properties are prolonged. These three oils, when used in conjunction with the citrus oils, give a calming influence on you. The benefit of this being that you are 'soothingly invigorated'!! The choice is yours....

I have researched oils to use in the shower as more and more homes do not have bath tubs these days and people sometimes prefer to shower but would still like to benefit from the wonderful properties of Essential Oils. The vast majority of us prefer to take a quick shower in the morning as what I like to term a 'wake-up call'!!!