Give your bathtub a natural edge

Everytime you watched a movie and saw the actress walking out like a goddess after a relaxing bubble bath, would you sigh a little, thinking, "Wish I could do the same?" Well, here's good news. These rejuvenating sessions can be enjoyed at home and you can make a bubble bath with natural ingredients. Bubble bath is the technique of bathing by using foam on the surface of water (essentially in your tub). Bubble baths are not just about spending a fortune on liquid soaps and bath mixtures to add to your tub. One might not be very familiar with this, but by using the right kind of essential oils and natural ingredients, you can make your own mixture of bubble bath. Cosmetic physician Jamuna Pai says, "An important ingredient in bubble baths is essential oil. Essential oils add the scent to your bubble bath. Use these sparingly, as you only need to use several drops to get a pleasant effect. But one should be careful before using them. For example, there are some essential oils such as marjoram that should never be used by pregnant women. It is best to consult a dermatologist before using them, in case of skin allergies." Various essential oils can add different fragrances to your bath. Dr Pai suggests that coconut oil, when used in bubble baths, provides a wonderful nutty and floral fragrance to it. Even almond oil for that matter is virtually unscented. Adding half-a-cup of either almond oil or coconut oil to your bubble bath will soften your skin tremendously. Ways to enjoy a bubble bath: - Make sure the ambience is right. Decide to have a bubble bath on a day when you are not tied up and aren't expecting guests at home. Switch off your phone, burn aromatic candles, and play some music in the background. - Turn on the water in your tub. Make sure you choose the right temperature for the water. You wouldn't want to scald yourself by stepping into a tub of boiling water. - Put the mixture of your bubble bath accordingly so that it can create the right amount of foam for you to enjoy your bath. Once the tub is filled, turn the water off. - As you are in the tub, breathe slowly and try relaxing. Please be careful that you do not sleep off in the tub because of this rejuvenating mode! Natural ingredients like essential oils may prove to be extremely useful for the skin. But even then, make sure you don't always use them. Not only is it time consuming but also, if used incorrectly, they can ruin the experience for you. Dr Pai says, "There's nothing wrong in using the natural 'kitchen wonders' for having a bath. But for hygienic purposes, it is better to use a soft wash with a soap-free shower gel on a daily basis." Natural bubble baths you can try at home Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath This bubble bath has lavender and patchouli oils to relax you before bedtime. Use soft music and lighted candles in your bathroom for a soothing effect. 6 drops of lavender oil 3 drops of patchouli oil 1 quart of distilled water 2 tbsp. shower gel 4 ounces liquid glycerine Cold Season Bubble Bath This bubble bath will help you breathe easier, with eucalyptus oil to ease congestion. This is perfect for the cold season. 6 drops of eucalyptus oil 3 drops of spearmint oil 3 drops of peppermint oil 1 quart of distilled water 4 ounces liquid glycerine Pure Sunshine Bubble Bath This citrusy bubble bath will cheer you up and energise you. Perfect for a morning bath or use after exercising. 6 drops of orange oil 4 drops of grapefruit oil 3 drops of lemon oil 1 quart of distilled water 2 tbsp.shower gel 4 ounces liquid glycerine Love Potion Bubble Bath This bubble bath will put you in a romantic mood. All of the ingredients are considered aphrodisiac! It is also good for a sensitive skin. 6 drops jasmine oil 3 drops rose oil 3 drops vanilla oil 6 drops ylang ylang oil 1 quart of distilled water 2 tbsps. shower gel 4 ounces liquid glycerine Directions: Mix water, soap and glycerine together and stir. Then, add your essential oils to the mixture.