5 Health Benefits of Using Bathing Oils

Essential oils have been used by several cultures across the globe for centuries. Why? Because of its cosmetic, spiritual, and emotionally uplifting properties. 

Nowadays, both essential oils and bathing oils are popular among those into self-care and caring for others. It’s not surprising, considering it has been shown to alleviate pain, relieve headaches, improve skin conditions, and promote healthy sleep. Continue reading to learn more about some of the benefits.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Stress Relief

It is estimated that 43% of people who have anxiety and stress adopt some form of alternative therapy. They believe it can be useful to reduce or relieve their symptoms. 

When it comes to aromatherapy, initial studies have shown positive results. After all, the smell of certain essential oils can be helpful to treat stress and anxiety. Yet, keep in mind this is more effective combined with traditional therapy. 

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so try to be careful when using them for the first time. Use with moderation, especially when you apply topically. 

If you’re new to essential oils, you may opt to start with the most popular one: lavender. This relaxing scent has a sweet, herbaceous, floral aroma, likely to help you feel calmer and fall asleep quicker. 

Dementia 

Approximately 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. With the continued aging of the population, this number is likely to reach 7.1 million by 2025. 

The use of aromatherapy for Alzheimer’s disease has been gaining more and more attention these days. Many essential oils are proving effective for treating symptoms of dementia, including sleep problems, anxiety, and even memory and cognitive function.

Different oils can help in different ways. Lemon balm and lavender help reduce agitation and anxiety. Peppermint can help increase appetite and support memory. Bergamot can be very soothing, helping fight depression and improving sleep. Finally, rosemary might improve cognition and memory. 

Inflammation

Some researchers analyzed whether essential oils can be used as antioxidants, aiding in reducing inflammation. While this matter requires further research, there’s some evidence suggesting that essential oils can be helpful. 

In fact, a 2010 study suggested that certain essential oils (thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel, and bergamot) had anti-inflammatory properties. They proved to be effective as they reduced the expression of the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme by at least one quarter.

Interestingly, the most effective of them all, thyme, decreased COX-2 levels by almost 75%.

Keep in mind that while essential oils are helpful, they might not be enough to treat inflammation. You can use them for your well-being but consult a doctor to figure out how to proceed. 

Sleep and Insomnia

Sleep is crucial for boosting a person’s immune system, improving memory, mood, and keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy.

Unfortunately, more than 30% of American adults don’t sleep as much as their bodies need (seven or more hours each night). Yet, more people are becoming aware of how essential oils can be beneficial to reduce insomnia and help them fall asleep.

Research shows that smell affects sleep. Therefore, adding certain essential oils into a bedtime routine can be super helpful for better sleep. 

Lavender oil, for instance, has shown to be effective in improving the sleep quality of various people. These include patients with coronary artery disease, women after childbirth, people with mild insomnia (especially women and younger individuals), and even students. 

This essential oil, commonly studied by scientists, calms the nervous system, mainly due to its chemical compounds (linalyl acetate and linalool) found within it. 

If you prefer woodsy scents, consider including cedarwood essential oil in your bedtime routine. This type of oil has a chemical compound in it (called cedrol) which has sedative effects. 

According to research, inhaling an essential oil mixture (with cedrol as one of the substances) has been suggested to improve sleep quality in older adults with dementia (as this chemical compound activates the parasympathetic nervous system) and young, healthy individuals. 

Researchers advise using cedarwood oil for at least twenty days to see results. This type of oil, along with other essential oils, might raise total sleep time and decrease early morning awakenings.

Headaches and Migraines

Three decades ago, two small studies discovered that gently pressing an ethanol and peppermint oil mixture on a person’s temples and foreheads relieved headache pain. 

More recently, similar studies also found reduced headache pain after dabbing lavender oil and peppermint to the skin. While more high-quality studies are needed, it’s worth trying it. 

If it doesn’t work, you can try a traditional Persian headache remedy by applying a mixture of sesame oil and chamomile to your temples.

Benefits of Bathing Oils 

There are so many bathing oil benefits. Whether you’re looking for a way to have a spa-like experience at home, moisturizing your skin, or simply relaxing, soothing your mind after a stressful day at work, it’s worth giving it a go. Try adding essential oils straight to your bathwater for a more relaxing experience.

Keep in mind that bathing oil uses vary. So, if your goal is hydrating your skin, it may be best to mix six drops of essential oil with one tablespoon of a carrier oil first. 

If you want to try essential bathing oils, but don’t have a bath at your home, don’t worry. Just add three to five drops to the outer edge of your shower. As soon as the hot water hits it, it will diffuse the scent. 

Try Bathing Oils

A lot of times, we neglect ourselves. Having a moment to enjoy bathing oils can help you feel recharged and ready for another day. Give it a go. 

Whether you’ll experience the power of essential oils by smelling them or applying them to your skin: do it safely and pick one according to your need. You can only win. 

Apollo Bath has been the industry leader and champion of innovation in bathing systems, infection control, and skincare for decades. We are proud of always serving the needs of Long Term Care and Senior Care professionals while delighting their residents.

Fortunately, we can accommodate our customers 24/7. Contact us to find how Apollo Bath can help your long-term care facility.