Aromatherapy in the bathroom

Essential oils have two very different uses in the bathroom – you can use them to work on germs or use them to soothe stress whilst you bathe. The way in which we use fragrance in the bathroom needs to reflect these changing functions and our moods. In practical terms, essential oils can play a valuable role in ensuring hygiene in the bathroom if we add them to water and use it to clean the fixtures and fittings. Some of the most suitable oils are the same as those you can use in the kitchen e.g. Eucalyptus or Rosemary but also try Lavender, Lemon or Pine. These oils smell nice and clean and are also good anti bacterials.

Ways to fragrance the bathroom

It’s obviously not a good idea to use electric fragrancers or diffusers in the bathroom for safety reasons. However, you can use aromatherapy soaps, dried flowers, decorative glass stones, bowls of pebbles etc mixed together and introduce fragrance by tucking a cotton wool ball sprinkled with essential oil in the bottom of the dish. Candles are instantly effective for creating a mood of relaxation but do be careful when placing them near shower curtains or other inflammable fittings.

Useful tips for adding fragrance the bathroom

Scented toilet paper
Put a few drops of any of the recommended oils (listed at the end of this article) on the inner cardboard ring of the toilet tissue roll on a regular basis.

Laundry basket freshener
Help to keep your laundry smelling sweet by hanging a small fragrant bag just inside the laundry basket. Fill this with cotton wool balls sprinkled with the essential oil of your choice.

Fragrant towels
Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine or, if washing by hand, add 2 drops to the final rinse water. Alternatively, when storing your towels put a hanky or cotton wool ball sprinkled with 2 to 3 drops of essential oil between the towels. Be very careful though if your towels are a very pale colour and avoid the “dark” coloured oils!

Germ-free nail brushes
Firstly, use an old toothbrush to get rid of the dirt between the bristles. Rinse under cold, running water and then leave the brush to soak for about an hour in 500ml water to which you have added 6 drops of Tea Tree essential oil.

Soaking in the bath
There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a nice, hot bath – ok maybe not in the Spanish summer! However, it is an ideal way to get rid of the day’s tensions and for us to unwind…. You must remember though to add the essential oils after you have run the water otherwise they will evaporate! If you like bubbles in your bath, add these after you have spent at least 15 minutes in the bath with just the water and essential oils.

Oils good for the bathroom A top tip from holistic therapy in spain. Germ fighters: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Pine, Lemongrass, Rosemary.

Fresh smells: Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Pine, Rosemary.
Seductive fragrances: Geranium, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.