The Aromatherapy Bath

Much has been written about Aromatherapy in the bath setting, including numerous books. Of course not without controversy. The use of essential oils in the bath may never have been more important. More and more people in the Eastern US have been coming down with a strange, deadly illness that mimics TB. It has been found to be a non-tuberculoses type of bacteria. Women, described as thin and Caucasian, appear to be the most frequent victims. How people are contracting it isn’t known for certain but the going theory is that showers are the main cause. Specifically when a house has plastic plumbing (a fine breeding ground for bacteria), water heaters set low to conserve energy and glass enclosed shower stalls. Stalls that allow a build of steam with aerosolized particles of the bacteria which can then enter the lungs and cause a great deal of damage. Both the condition and damage is very hard to cure or reverse. When you think about it, showers are virtually nonexistent in nature and a very modern invention. Perhaps some sort of hot spring can mimic it but many of these have water that reached temperatures that killed any and all bacteria at one time.

Baths on the other hand have been long used and allow you to add bath oils, herbs, etc., that can purify the water. With a shower the water is straight from the heater many times with no filtration. Any steam will naturally dissipate in a bath setting and won’t be forced into the lungs, as can happen with a shower. Essential oils can float on the surface of the water, not fully blending with it which can cause adverse effects on the skin. This can even occur with diluted, bath oils. Instead you may wish to use a hydrosol or floral water. Even a tea made a few hours before your bath can do wonders for the water quality and your skin or hair.

Botanicals frequently used include lavender, chamomile and tea tree. These oils can kill harmful bacteria and funguses. They also have a beneficial effect on ones skin and Olfactory system. Washing ones hair is the most frequent use of a shower head but you can do the same by using pots of water in your bath tub. You simply alternate pots and slowly pour the water over your hair. This method was frequently used with various types of hair rinses. Chamomile was used for light hair. Carrot oil for red heads and vanilla used for brunettes.

-MAM

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