Since the start of my second trimester of pregnancy I’ve been using essential lavender oil to act as an anchor to trigger relaxation and confidence. If you have followed the blog for a while you will know that in the summer months I enjoy visiting lavender fields, due to this I chose lavender oil as my anchor as it transports me to moments of calm, walking through fields of purple bliss and buzzing bees with the warm sun on my face. I use the oil in my diffuser when I practice relaxation techniques and also add few drops when I run a bath.
It’s important to point out at this stage that during pregnancy essential oils should only be introduced in the second trimester and its key to understand which oils are safe to use in pregnancy as not all are.
As someone who’s always enjoyed spending a little “me time” relaxing in the bath, with all the aches and pains that can come with being pregnant my enjoyment of baths has only increased, (as has our water bill I am sure) as this is the place I feel my aches begin to soothe away.
I’ve been enjoying my luxury lavender bath blend so much I wanted to share with you the blend I use, as pregnant or not this is such a lovely way to soak and relax after a long day and relieve any aches and pains.
The blend I use includes:
- Dissolving 2/3 handfuls of Epsom bath salts
- Dissolving 1 handful of magnesium flakes
- 3/4 drops of essential lavender oil – I use this one
- A large tablespoon of coconut oil melted in the warm bath water
- If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I add a handful of dried lavender
Epsom Salts are beneficial to support general wellbeing as they are packed with minerals. These minerals help to fight against inflammation and soothe away aches and pains, aid relaxation, support with regulating blood sugar levels and act as an excellent skin exfoliator.
Magnesium plays an important role in maintaining a healthy brain and body; there are a variety of ways to get a Magnesium boost, I personally love to dissolve flakes of Magnesium in the bath. Absorption of Magnesium through the skin is a highly effective way to bolster relaxation, support with getting a better night’s sleep, improving skin and relieving muscle tension.
Lavender oil is possibly one of the most versatile of all essential oils linked to both its health and beauty benefits. When used in a bath lavender helps with relaxation which in turn induces sleep, it also keeps skin healthy and relieves achy joints and soothes sore muscles.
Coconut oil is another an extremely versatile oil, and one of which we are always stocked up on in our house as not only do I use it as part of a beauty routine I also cook with it. For skin it acts as a natural moisturiser resulting in super softness, (surely this can only help to reduce stretch marks too).
Why not give this luxury bath blend full of health benefits a try when you next take a bath?
Love for now
Emma x