Foot, Hand and Hip Baths For Aromatherapy

These can be used to ward off chills as well as rheumatic aches and pains, excessive perspiration, athlete's foot and other skin disorders of the hands or feet - or just for the sheer joy of it! If you have not already tried it, a foot bath at the end of a tiring day can be as relaxing as a soak in a full-size bath and can even alleviate tension headaches. Foot and hand baths are also beneficial following reflexology treatment (pressure point massage to the feet or hands) or before ordinary foot or hand massage.

Sprinkle five to six drops of the appropriate essential oil in a bowl of hand-hot water. You could dilute the essential oil in a couple of teaspoonfuls of vegetable oil if you wish, or in one teaspoonful of honey, or in one dessertspoonful of cider vinegar. Soak feet, or hands, for about ten minutes. Dry thoroughly and massage a little vegetable oil containing a few drops of the same essence(s) into the skin.

The hip bath is a simple way of treating vaginal thrush and healing the perineum after childbirth. Run a warm bath to hip level or use a bowl which is large enough for you to sit in. Add two or three drops of essential oil and swish around to disperse the fine droplets. Sit in the water for about five minutes. Carry out two or three times daily for several days as necessary.