Aromatherapy For Renewal - Good Intentions

January 7, 2006

by Karen Stokes, RN

Another calendar year has passed and we look forward to a bright new year. What will it bring? Contemplate, for a moment, what you would like to experience and manifest in the new year. Perhaps your intention is to change something about the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual part of yourself. You may intend to rid yourself of the things that prevent you from experiencing true happiness. Get rid of the "crud" that you carry on all levels. Embrace the practice of rebirth by whatever means feels right and you will find that you experience a new zest for life. You will feel more positive and more productive. New beginnings are good.

A simple personal ritual may help you to carry out your intended, healthy changes. Shamans often prescribed ritual bathing as a method of spiritual cleansing to get rid of "bad energy" that may be causing dis-ease. A simple personal ritual can help to set your energy pattern for the days ahead. A re-birthing ritual can help you to feel lighter and less burdened. In many cultures a ritual bath, baptism or symbolically cleansing a person with water is a regular and accepted practice. Rituals such as these are performed to purify a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

An aromatherapy salt bath is a traditional way to detoxify the whole person. The scents created by the essential oils can be a very enjoyable part of the ritual. You feel better after a bath with salt water. The power of scent, created by using the essential oils of aromatic plants, can change the way you feel. Aromas can help us to experience pleasure. We all deserve some pleasure since we are parked in these physical bodies for the time being.

The bath salt recipe that follows is one that I find rejuvenating and energizing. Made of a blend of spearmint, lavender and eucalyptus, this aromatic combination creates a feeling of energy and renewal. As you experience the water and the uplifting aroma, see yourself changing and re-birthing in your mind's eye. Repeat your good intention out loud or silently as you incorporate it into your a new life. Here is a little more information about the three oils in this blend.

Spearmint evokes a very pleasant scent memory for me. My grandmother always had a dish of candy in her living room. Spearmint was one of her favorite flavors and she would offer those gummy leaves or hard candy swirled with green. Memories of being doted upon by a loving grandma surface whenever I smell spearmint. What's your favorite scent-memory connection? Whatever the aroma you fancy, use it to enhance relaxation and promote a sense of pleasure.

Lavender, which has skin soothing chemicals called esters, is a wonderful essential oil to add to any bath. Research has proven that the inhalation of lavender can help soothe anxiety. In a warm bath it heals the skin, helps to quiet the mind and soothes the emotions. Lavender blends well with many other essential oils, so it's a must for the essential oil collection.

Eucalyptus is refreshing to the mind, body and spirit. It helps to clear one's aura and dispel negativity. When applied externally, eucalyptus stimulates the circulation assisting the body to rid itself of toxins. Found in many analgesic (pain-relieving) salves, this essential oil can be helpful for managing muscle aches and pains. As an inhalation it also clears the sinuses. As you breathe it in, it helps to open up the breathing passages. Eucalyptus can be placed on a clean cotton handkerchief. Just two or three drops are all that you need. Gently and slowly inhale the vapor and experience the invigorating sensation. It helps one to breathe easy.

Saltwater baths heal a variety of aches, pains, skin problems and aura issues. Students often ask whether or not the type of salt used in a bath matters. The chemical/mineral composition of salt varies from location to location. Salt from the ocean is different than salt from deep within the earth. I am particularly fond of the Mediterranean Sea salt from France. Dead Sea salt is nice too (especially if you have skin irritations). As you relax in the bliss of the warm water, enjoy the inspiring aroma of spearmint, lavender and eucalyptus that is rising up around you. Take a moment to empty the mind. Try to feel that connection between you and everything else that is vibrating along with you in the universe. Perhaps you will be inspired to stop that bad habit or change those destructive thought patterns.

Make this the year that you tap into your creativity and strive to become the spiritual being that you really are. Touch the divine spark within yourself and discover what your higher self has to teach you. There's joy along the path of becoming who you were really meant to be. Happy new year and blessed new beginnings!

Renewal bath Salt

Ingredients (for three baths):

24 drops spearmint e.o.

12 drops lavender e.o.

6 drops eucalyptus oil

One tablespoon vegetable glycerin or honey

8 oz. salt (you can use sea salt,

Epsom salt, kosher salt or dead sea salt

(or any combination of these)

Measure the honey or glycerin into an eight ounce glass jar. This is a base to which you can blend your essential oils in order to combine them thoroughly. Next add the salt. The mixture will be thick so you will need the handle of long wooden spoon in order to combine the essential oils and the salt. This recipe makes two to four baths, depending on the amount of water in your tub. For small tubs use one tablespoon and up to four tablespoons for the large one. *If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to decrease the number of essential oil drops by half.

Karyn Stokes is a Holistic Nurse and Herbalist. She can be reached at

(248) 651-8636 or via email at karyn_stokes.

"A clean house is a sign of a misspent life"

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