Benefits of Using Essential Oils in the Shower

I’ve recently purposed to begin my days — every morning — with a deeper connection to the plant world!

And I want to share with you how I’m accomplishing that goal…

…oiling in the shower!

Applying essential oils to the skin while showering is an extremely effective way to reap the therapeutic benefits of herbal aromatherapy.

Not mention…

…it’s super easy!

Most of us are aware of the common essential oils that can be used and applied to the skin directly from the bottle (without dilution in a base/carrier oil). It’s only these oils that I ever use on wet skin. And to be honest, ever since oiling in the shower has become a ritual for me…I truly believe this sort of casual use of essential oils may be the most beneficial to my health!

And by that I mean, applying essential oils in this manner has more of a gentle, playful, prevention, immuno-maintenance characteristic – rather than medicinal.

Method for Oiling in the Shower

Requirements :: 5-20 drops essential oils

Here’s my method for using essential oils in the shower ::
*This method I learned from The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils

1. Turn off the shower after washing your hair + skin.
2. Begin application of oils to wet skin. Please note :: If you have never done this before, start with just a couple (2) drops behind each knee and then work the oil upward. Only when you are 100% confident that an oil is well tolerated (and does not cause any signs/symptoms of sensitivity), increase to the usage amount given below.
3. Let’s start with the feet! Apply 1 drop to each the top + soles.
4. Continue upward on the shin and calf by putting 1 drop just outside the shin just below the knee.
5. Then 1 drop each over the lymph nodes — both left + right — in the groin area.
6. Then 1-2 drops are put over the solar plexus, over the liver, and 2-5 drops over the abdomen and chest. Please note :: When I use an oil associated with women’s health + my moon time — i.e. clary sage — I like to take time to focus on the application over the uterus and ovaries.
7. Apply 1-2 drops over the lymph nodes under the arms and 1-2 drops on the throat area.
8. If you like the way the oil feels on your skin, you can make a quick sweep over your face. *Don’t apply another drop, simply use the oil already on your hands. 
9. Breathe deeply.
10. Turn the shower back on and give the body a quick rinse.
11. Take caution when exiting the shower, gently towel skin by patting dry.

Please Note: Applying essential oils to wet skin allows for greater, more immediate, absorption into the fatty skin tissue. Little to no reminiscent oil film will remain after rinsing + toweling off.

Essential Oils for the Shower

So how do we know what oil to use in the shower?

The most meaningful + appropriate answer to that question is…

…learn to trust your intuition!

It’s not necessary that we always have a specific reason or symptom to treat when using oils in the shower. Do you know what I do?!? Most mornings, I look at the oils I have available to me, and I choose the one that feels the most attractive…the one I’m drawn to for that day.

With that said, lavender is probably one of the best oils for the beginner. It’s super mild and has fewer known sensitivities. So if you’re a novice essential oil user…I’d say start with an oil like lavender. And for the more experienced user, the following are some examples of the oils I use regularly ::

For the purest value available, choose the superior organic or wild harvested oils from Mountain Rose Herbs or Plant Therapy… these are the brands I trust to provide the ultimate in health + safety for myself, my family, and my friends.

• Lavender — Purifying, balancing, and soothing. It provides remedy in difficult times and helps to release bottled up negative emotions. It can reduce stress and aid in peaceful sleep. I like to use it when I want a calm, relaxed, and healing vibe.
• Bay Laurel — Stimulating, lymph-moving, general tonic. Wow! Do I love this oil! The feeling after a shower with bay laurel is incredible! Note :: Bay Laurel can cause sensitivity if used for longer than 7 consecutive days. Easy does it! 
• Clary Sage + Geranium — Balancing, relaxing, nurturing. There are no better oils for women’s health than clary sage and geranium. These two are by far a couple of my favorite oils for the shower. With the ability to level the emotions, lift depression, and balance hormones…they are appropriately classified as the “feelgood” oils.
• Sandalwood — For thousands of years sandalwood has been known for it’s ability to soothe anxiety + insomnia, assist in inducing a meditative state + calm, and helps us to release the past. A great oil to use in the evening shower.
• Citrus oils of Lemon, Grapefruit, and Orange — Lift Your Spirits!!! Excellent for the morning shower, and perfect when you need to deal with stress but also need to keep alert + stimulated.
• Ylang Ylang — Soothing, calming, aphrodisiac. Perfect for those times involving love + intimacy!!! Partner shower massage anyone!
• Ravensara — A friend in need if you want to keep yourself free from infection + illness. I use this oil in the shower when I want to avoid catching a cold when other people in my home are already sick.
• Cypress, Eucalyptus radiata, Niaouli, Rosemary, and Thyme — Cleansing, immuno-boost, decongestant. These oils are my go-to’s for any type of sinus or cold/flu concerns. Thyme is especially wonderful for use in the shower if candida is a concern.

How Often Should I Apply?

Just as choosing an oil for use should be guided with intuition…

…so should it’s frequency of use.

Forgetting or simply not using essential oils everyday in the shower — to me — is a sign that my body is content.

Yet there are those days I can’t wait for the shower!

There’s no need for rigor here.

In fact, and on/off approach is better for our body’s immune system — rather than continuous, daily application.

So tell us…do you use essential oils in the shower? If so which ones!?!

Questions? Feel free to ask in the comments!

Note: Excessive use of essential oil on the skin can lead to certain sensitivities and irritations. Discontinue use immediately if problems start to develop. And seek medical attention.Naturally the results will be different for everyone. This is by no means a cure-all. I’m just happy to share with you my experience with these plants and/or oils. Please use conventional wisdom and consult with your medical professional prior to using this or any other herbal remedy. And as we know all too well the FDA doesn’t like any type of claim…therefore, take it for what it is, and remember, this information is purely educational in its purpose.