Jeanette from Scranton Pennsylvania writes,
Pros – Everyone tells me I should try aromatherapy oils for my hot tub. I do like to have a scented candle burning in my house. What should my expectation be for likely benefits should I decide to give it a try?
Wikipedia defines aromatherapy as,
a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person’s mind, mood, cognitive function or health.
That said, the bar is set pretty low for the benefits you could enjoy. The Pros use a more simple test. Try it. If you like it – no matter what the reason – continue to use it and even explore other scents and/or mixes.
Essential oil example
Distilled essential oils have long been employed as medicines, with records of use dating back to the eleventh century. The concept of aromatherapy was founded by some European scientists and doctors, around 1907. In 1937, the word first appeared in print in a French book on the subject: Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a chemist. In 1910, Gattefossé burned a hand very badly and later claimed he treated it effectively with lavender oil. A French surgeon pioneered medicinal uses of essential oils, used as antiseptics to treat wounded soldiers during WWII.
Some essential oils have shown anti-microbial effects, but there is a lack of clinical evidence. All in all, evidence remains poor for clinical evidence. However, most hot tub users do not add these scents to the hot tub water for any clinical reason. Most use fragrant oils to enhance their tubbing experience and to add in relaxation.
Imagine the perfect outdoor temperature for you, and your hot tub bubbling away in the corner, set to just the perfect temperature. Imagine your ideal tub companion has already set the scene, with candles and wine. Imagine the wonderful scent of a new oil you are trying out. We have created a delight for every sense!
Happy Tubbing
Ethel Elliott
