Essential Oils and Hot Tubs

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Essential Oils and Hot Tubs

Many people add essential oils to their baths in order to relax. Using essential oils in a hot tub works on the same premises, except that hot tubs can give additional benefits through their jet, whirlpool and bubbling actions. Combining these additional tactile pleasures with essential oils is a wonderful addition to the body’s senses. Although they are a wonderful addition, it is important to note that essential oils are not for everyone. Some people may not like the aroma, or they may have an allergy to it that they are not even aware of. Because of this, it is important to never use essential oils in a hot tub with people who have not had a previous patch test to the oil.

Essential oils are volatile. When exposed to air, they begin to evaporate at a quicker rate than many other liquids such as water. Although essential oils are not water soluble and will tend to float on water, because of the jet and whirlpool action of the hot tub the oil will tend to disperse and break up throughout the water so that a concentrated dose is not directly placed on the skin. The heat of the hot tub will also help to evaporate the essential oil quicker as the steam carries the molecules with it. This can lead to a very relaxing experience that not only a pleasure to your touch sense, but your sense of smell as well.

When using essential oils, it is almost always recommended that you dilute them in a carrier oil before any sort of topical application. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause adverse effects on some individuals. This recommendation does not apply when using essential oils in a hot tub. Hot tubs utilize plumbing, and although the essential oil is volatile and will evaporate, carrier oils will not. They can stick to the sides of the tubs in parts of the plumbing.

Jacuzzis and other hot tubs only require a small amount of essential oils in them to appreciate the aromas. Smaller hot tubs made for 1 to 2 people can use as little as 5 to 10 drops while larger hot tubs and Jacuzzis can that can accommodate up to 4 people can use up to 12 drops. Be sure not to use more than necessary to appreciate the aroma as using too much essential oils can waste your product unnecessarily and may have adverse effects.

If you’d like more information about Essential Oils you can contact Robyn Ladwig at robynladwig72@gmail.com she is our local Young Living Oils representative, an Essential Oils user and well educated herbalist. She can offer you advice on blends of oils for aroma therapy, topical pain relief, special oil blends for stress, headaches and muscle aches.