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Relaxing baths play a crucial role in relaxing muscles and calming the mind after an active day, whether through sports or summer leisure activities. Summer is a time when our bodies are challenged in a variety of ways: hiking, water sports, long walks, and more. Therefore, it's essential to find effective ways to promote recovery and prevent muscle aches and tension.
Using essential oils for restorative baths is a natural and powerful way to improve the quality of recovery. These aromatic essences possess unique therapeutic properties that affect the body and mind. By incorporating them into your post-workout routine, you can benefit from their relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects.
In this article, I guide you through the specific benefits of these essential oils, so you can maximize your well-being after summer activities.
Ready to dive into the world of aromatic baths?
4 essential oils for relaxing baths
True Lavender: Relaxing Embrace
True lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ) is one of the most popular essential oils in aromatherapy due to its many beneficial properties. It is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, two biochemical compounds known for their calming and anti-inflammatory effects. These components work synergistically to soothe the nervous system and relax tense muscles.
- Helpful Hint: Mix 3 to 4 drops of true lavender essential oil with a neutral base like Epsom salt. This bath will help reduce stress and tension that builds up after a busy day.
- Precautions: Not suitable for pregnant women under 3 months, or infants under 3 months.
Camphor Rosemary: Muscle awakening
Camphor rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis camphoriferum ) contains powerful biochemical compounds such as camphor and 1,8-cineole. These substances are known for their stimulating and relaxing properties, ideal for relieving muscle and joint pain after intense physical exertion.
- Helpful Tip: Mix 2 to 3 drops of Rosemary Camphor essential oil with a neutral base like Epsom salt to soothe tired muscles. This bath will help you recover faster after exercise.
- Precautions: Prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12 years old - Prohibited for people with epilepsy due to its camphor content.
Petit grain bigarade: Zest of calm
Petitgrain bigarade essential oil ( Citrus aurantium ssp amara ) is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, components that have soothing and regulating properties for the nervous system. It is particularly effective in calming nervous tension and promoting relaxation.
- Helpful Tip: Add 3 to 4 drops of Petitgrain Bigarade essential oil to a neutral base like Epsom salt for a relaxing effect. This bath soak is ideal for relaxing the mind and body after a stressful day.
- Precautions: Not recommended for women under 3 months - Not suitable for infants under 3 months
Wintergreen: Muscle Relief
Wintergreen ( Gaultheria procumbens ) essential oil is primarily composed of methyl salicylate, a compound known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is particularly useful for soothing muscle aches and pains.
- Helpful Tip: Add 1 to 2 drops of Wintergreen essential oil to a neutral base like Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain after intense activity.
- Precautions: Not recommended for people allergic to aspirin, pregnant women, and children under 12 years old. Not recommended for people taking anticoagulants.
Synergy Recipes for Relaxing Baths
Using essential oils in synergy maximizes their benefits by combining their properties. Here are two recipes for a 15 ml bottle, perfect for multiple uses in your relaxing baths after sports and summer activities.
Relaxing bath after sport
Ingredients
- True Lavender essential oil 5 ml (approximately 150 drops)
- Petitgrain bigarade essential oil 3 ml (approximately 90 drops)
- Rosemary Camphor Essential Oil 4 ml (approximately 120 drops)
- Wintergreen essential oil 3 ml (approximately 90 drops)
Preparation
- In an opaque 15 ml bottle, pour the essential oils respecting the proportions.
- Close the bottle and shake it gently to mix the oils.
- Label the bottle with the name of the synergy and the date of preparation.
Use
- Add 6 to 8 drops of this synergy to a tablespoon of Epsom salt.
- Pour the mixture into a warm bath.
- Relax for 20 minutes to benefit from the relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties of the synergy.
Post-hike restorative bath
Ingredients
- True Lavender essential oil 6 ml (approximately 180 drops)
- Petitgrain bigarade essential oil 5 ml (approximately 150 drops)
- Rosemary Camphor Essential Oil 4 ml (approximately 120 drops)
Preparation
- In an opaque 15 ml bottle, pour the essential oils respecting the proportions.
- Close the bottle and shake it gently to mix the oils well.
- Label the bottle with the name of the synergy and the date of preparation.
Use
- Add 6 to 8 drops of this synergy to a tablespoon of Epsom salt.
- Pour the mixture into a warm bath.
- Relax for 15 to 20 minutes to enjoy the restorative and soothing benefits of this synergy.
General precautions
- Dilution: Always dilute the synergy before applying to the skin to avoid irritation. In the bath, always dilute in a neutral base, such as Epsom salt.
- Tolerance test: Before use, carry out a skin tolerance test by applying a small amount of the diluted synergy to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours to check for an allergic reaction.
- Medical consultation: In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or specific medical conditions, consult a health professional before using the synergy.
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is essential to follow the precautions specific to each essential oil.
Incorporating essential oil baths into your post-activity recovery routine is a pleasant and effective way to care for your body and mind. The synergy recipes presented offer natural solutions to relax muscles, soothe pain, and promote deep relaxation. By following the practical advice and specific precautions, you can fully enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and transform your baths into true moments of well-being.
Essential oil baths are more than just a relaxation ritual. They're a natural and effective way to promote recovery after summer physical activity.
To discover more tips on aromatherapy and the benefits of essential oils, continue exploring the MJ blog. Your well-being is my priority, and I'm here to support you in your quest for relaxation and natural health.
Sources of information (bibliography):
Danièle Festy, My Bible of Pain-Relieving Essential Oils, Éditions Leduc, May 10, 2022, 408 p. ISBN: 9791028523237
Roger Jollois, Pierre Franchomme, Daniel Pénoël, Aromatherapy exactly, Edition Roger Jollois, March 15, 2022, 490 p. ISBN: 9782878190014
Video: “ Gaultheria Couchée - the essential oil for athletes” with Dr. Françoise Couic-Marinier
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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