Reviewed by Judith Thompson, ACHS Dean of Herbal Medicine, and Amanda Lattin, ACHS Dean of Aromatherapy
There’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm, fragrant bath after a long day. But did you know that adding essential oils and herbs to your bath can create an even more soothing, natural way to relax, ease sore muscles, and nourish the skin? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own customized oil and herb bath soaks at home to support your personal wellness needs.
Beyond relaxation, incorporating essential oils and herbs into your bath routine offers a range of therapeutic benefits. Dried herbs like lavender and chamomile promote a sense of calm and help support stress and essential oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint can help maintain a healthy respiratory system, making your soak even more refreshing. If you’re looking to unwind or give your skin some extra care, an oil or herb bath soak can make a simple yet powerful addition to your self-care routine.
Best Practices for Your Bath Soaks
To get the best results for herbal bath soaks, add the ingredients to warm water and allow them to steep for a few minutes before getting in. If using dried herbs, place them in a muslin, organza, cheesecloth, or cotton bag to prevent clogging your drain.
For essential oil soaks, never add the oils directly to bathwater because essential oils are potent and may cause skin irritation. Instead, first dilute them in a carrier such as jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut oil.
Make sure to clean your tub after each use to remove any leftover oily residue or herb remnants.
Herbal and Essential Oil Bath Soak Recipes
1. Lemon Balm Tension Soak
Ideal for post-workout recovery or a long day on your feet.
- 1 ounce Lemon balm leaves Melissa officinalis
- ½ ounce Chamomile Roman flowers Chamaemelum nobile
- ¼ ounce Catnip herb Nepeta cataria
- ¼ ounce Lavender leaves and flowers Lavandula angustifolia
This blend can be placed in a pouch (muslin, organza, cheesecloth, or cotton) for use in the bath. You can also steep it and use it as a facial steam.
2. Relaxation Lavender Essential Oil Soak
Perfect for winding down before bedtime, this blend is calming and skin-nourishing.
- 5 drops Lavender oil Lavandula angustifolia
- 3 drops Ylang ylang oil Cananga odorata var. genuina
- 2 drops Bergamot oil Citrus aurantium var. bergamia
- 2 teaspoons Sweet almond oil Prunus amygdalus var. Dulcis
Blend the essential oils and sweet almond oil and add three drops to a full bath. You can also add this formula to liquid soap if you prefer a shower.
3. Skin-Soothing Chamomile Soak
A great option for nourishing your skin, especially in the colder months.
- 1 ½ pints Boiled water
- 1 ounce German Chamomile flowers Matricaria recutita
- 1 ounce Marshmallow root Althaea officinalis
Bring the water to a boil. Add the marshmallow root and lower the flame to a low simmer. Allow the marshmallow root to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. While the marshmallow root is simmering, place the chamomile in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Once the marshmallow is done simmering, strain it and pour the water into the bowl with the chamomile flowers. Infuse for 15 – 20 minutes. Strain and cool. Pour into a warm bath and soak. Store for no more than 24 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Uplifting Morning Rosemary Soak
Energizing and refreshing, great for an early morning or post-travel bath.
- 4 drops Rosemary oil Rosmarinus officinalis
- 2 drops Peppermint oil Mentha ×piperita
- 10 mL (2% dilution rate) of carrier oil such as Sweet almond oil Prunus amygdalus var. Dulcis
Run a warm bath. Just before you step into the bath, add the oil mixture. Take care not to use more than two drops of peppermint, as it is very potent. Swirl the water with your hand. Step in, relax, and enjoy.
5. Breathe Easy Eucalyptus Soak
An airway-opening soak to invigorate your senses.
- 6 drops Eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus globulus
- 3 drops Pine oil Pinus sylvestris
- 3 drops Thyme oil Thymus vulgaris
- 2 drops Lavender oil Lavandula angustifolia
- 2 drops Lemon oil Citrus limonum
A Treat for Yourself or Your Loved Ones
With just a few natural ingredients, you can create personalized herbal and essential oil blends for yourself or as gifts, offering relaxation, rejuvenation, and skin-nourishing benefits. For organic, premium quality ingredients for your soaks, visit the Apothecary Shoppe, the ACHS college store. Try one of these recipes or mix and match ingredients to create your perfect bath soak!
Explore programs in Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy at ACHS to learn more ways to incorporate herbs and essential oils into your daily life.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
