Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for treating physical and psychological conditions and has been employed for thousands of years. It can help ease common complaints such as sleeplessness, stress, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, depression, insomnia, asthma, flu and anxiety. Essential oils can have relaxing, energizing, antifungal, antibacterial and/or cleansing properties.

 

How are essential oils made?

Oils are extracted from aromatic plants (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit)) through heating and condensing. It takes several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil.

 

How are essential oils used and how do they work?

The scent of an essential oil is inhaled travelling from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain impacting the amygdala, which is the emotional center. These oils can also be mixed with a carrier oil (olive, jojoba or coconut oil) and massaged into the skin where they are absorbed into the body.

 

How do I use essential oils in my hot tub?

High quality modern hot tubs are designed with advanced water care systems that are compatible with aromatherapy. Your hot tub is actually the perfect place to use essential oils! Adding them to your spa allows you to both inhale and absorb them. The jet and whirlpool action of the hot tub disperses and breaks up the oils so that a concentrated dose is not directly placed on the skin. The heat of the hot tub evaporates the oil and the steam carries the molecules to your olfactory nerves. Depending on the size of your spa, you will need about 6-10 drops of essential oil.

 

How do I know which essential oils to purchase for my hot tub?

The most important consideration when using essential oils is quality. Many companies erroneously claim their essential oils are pure and therapeutic grade but there is no agency that monitors these claims. To find a high-quality essential oil to use in your hot tub:

 

• Check the label: It should include the Latin name of the plant, information on purity, any added ingredients and the country where grown. Look for 100% essential oil with no fillers. Make sure it does not contain a carrier oil.
• Research the company: Purchase products from only well known and reputable companies that have been around for several years.
• Consider the container: Essential oils can dissolve plastic bottles, tainting the oil. Purchase oils in brown or blue glass bottles.
• Avoid fragrance oils as they are made from essential oils combined with chemicals or entirely from chemicals.
• Compare prices: If you find a rock-bottom price for an essential oil, it probably isn’t pure.

 

What essential oils should I use in my hot tub?

There are many essential oils that are great for your hot-tub! Consider what you wish to accomplish and what scents you like.

 

• • Lavender is a sleep agent that calms the mind and body and helps treat depression, anxiety, cramps, headaches and muscle pain. It lowers blood pressure, is calming and soothing.
  • Ylang-Ylang has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for arthritis sufferers. It can enhance relaxation.
  • Jasmine is used to treat stress, anxiety and depression and is a good sleep aid.
  • Eucalyptus has a pungent scent and is great for clearing sinuses, soothing a sore throat and easing body aches.
  • Lemon stimulates the mind improving concentration, memorization, alertness and decision-making abilities. It also calms the emotions. Lemon is good for the skin and can help reduce and soften wrinkles as well as repair and strengthen skin.
  • Peppermint relieves tension, stimulates the senses, eases muscles, soothes headaches and makes you feel fresh and alert.
  • Geranium uplifts your mood, de-stresses and relaxes.
  • Clary Sage is an antidepressant, mood balancer and relieves nervous tension. It can induce euphoria and joy. It lowers blood pressure, reduces your breathing rate, increases focus and boosts memory and attention span.
  • Rosemary boosts brainpower, increases the ability to process mental tasks, refreshes, stimulates, boosts energy and lowers fatigue.
  • Bergamot reduces stress and lowers cortisol (your fight or flight hormone).

 

 

 

Just a whiff of essential oil can lift your mood and/or alleviate symptoms of various conditions. Try a different oil each time you use your hot tub! Experiment with mixing oils and scents. Putting essential oils in your spa is a quick way to shift your mood!

Want to try aromatherapy in a hot tub? Need help making a hot tub purchase during the pandemic? The experts at RnR Hot Tubs and Spas are here to help. With over 200 hot tubs available for sale, we’re the spa shop for you. Owned by service professionals with over 30 years of experience, we help make your hot tub purchase exceptional. Please call 403-203-0860 to set up an appointment.