Aromatherapy has long been applied in combination with the therapeutic effects of a warm bath. The Egyptians were perhaps the first people to use it, adding extracts distilled from herbs and plants which they deemed to be beneficial to the body. Later, aromatherapy bath recipes made their way to the Greeks who attributed it to the gods, and then to the Romans who were among the first people to ever come up with public baths.

Today, aromatherapy bath recipes are popular among both men and women. More and more people are taking aromatic baths for the simple pleasure of inhaling pleasant smells while relaxing in the soothing warmth of water. Some specialists in alternative medicine are also recommending aromatherapy bath recipes to patients suffering from a variety of conditions, from superficial skin conditions to more serious medical conditions.

Why Aromatherapy Bath Recipe is Beneficial

Aromatherapy bath recipes are beneficial for two reasons. First is that water itself is a powerful compound and for many years, it has been associated with countless therapeutic benefits. Even medical doctors are recommending water therapy to patients and there is enough scientific evidence to prove such a claim.

The second reason why aromatherapy bath recipe is beneficial is the fact that the water used is warm. The warmth of the bath helps stimulate the oil, allowing it to be better absorbed by the skin. Warmth also provides an excellent moisturizing effect.

Aromatherapy Bath Recipes: Simple Solution

Aromatherapy bath recipes can include almost any type of essential oil. For better absorption of essential oils, carrier oil should be included in an aromatherapy bath recipe. The carrier oil may be anything from plain to herbal-infused and even scented.

Carrier oils in aromatherapy bath recipes offer nourishment for your skin. They are made from vegetable oils and are very beneficial, not only because they help "carry" essential oils but because they contain their own nutritious compounds. The essential oils in aromatherapy bath recipes promote various subtle effects which work in synergy with the effects of water therapy and the nourishment provided by carrier oils.

Aromatherapy Bath Recipe: Basic Solutions

For a basic oil bath, you can use this aromatherapy bath recipe: Add 1-2 oz. of plain carrier oil to bathwater. Some good choices of carrier oils are coconut, olive, sesame, or jojoba.

You can also use a blend of several oils, such as this aromatherapy bath recipe: Mix 1 oz. olive oil, 3 oz. almond oil, 1 oz. sesame oil, 1 oz. canola oil, and oz. wheat germ oil. Pour the mixture into a jar with a cap. Shake well before adding 1 oz. of it to bath water.
For those who appreciate the scent of a burning candle, using aromatherapy soy candles can provide additional benefits than just the candle's scent. Soy wax candles made with natural therapeutic grade essential oils disperse the aroma more evenly throughout a room and do not leave soot or other residue as many paraffin candles can leave.

Aromatherapy soy candles also burn longer with many burning about six or seven hours per inch of candle, and by allowing them to burn a minimum of five hours, they will burn evenly across the top of the candle instead of burning in the middle and leaving a wall around the candle holder. They are non-toxic and typically do not contain pesticides as well as not releasing any carcinogens while burning.

Soy wax is rapidly replacing paraffin wax in candles due to its clean burning, producing 90 to 95 percent less soot as well as burning cooler. When used with aromatic scents aromatherapy soy candles will disperse the aroma faster and more efficiently than paraffin wax candles. Additionally, since paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum, there is no additional smells associated with soy wax. Since soy wax is water soluble, clean up is also easier as melted wax can be removed with soap water, leaving no residue on the furniture.

Finding Candles Size And Scent For You

Aromatherapy soy candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tea light to pillars to four and even five-wick candles. Additionally, the scents available are wide ranging with many people choosing an assortment of candle sizes all in the same scent. Many companies pack aromatherapy soy candles in gift packs featuring one or two candles in as many as four sizes to offer as a gift to a friend or loved one who enjoys candles.

When burning candles it is important to remember that most soy candles burn for an hour for each inch in diameter. All aromatherapy soy candles should be burned until the melted wax reaches the edges of the candle. If the candle seems to be burning on one side more than the other, tip the wick in that direction. If it seems to have trouble lighting, it could be because the wick is too long or too short. If too long, simply trim it down to about one quarter inch. If the wick is too short, it will have to burn to melt some of the wax away from it.