Pre-bath body oils are something I’ve been exploring lately as they have a ton of uses. Simply put, these oils are applied before getting in the bath and are usually infused with herbs and essential oils in order to promote relaxation, stimulation, increased circulation, detox, better sleep, and uplifting emotional support. They are nourishing for the skin and extremely effective.
How to Make a Detoxifying Pre-Bath Body Oil
I feel like pre-bath body oils aren’t well known. Most of us who use body oils will typically apply them after a bath to help moisturize the skin.
Pre-bath oils help soften and moisturize the skin just like regular body oil except they offer a further advantage – the healing power of water.
When applied to the body and then exposed to a nice hot bath, the essential oils not only penetrate deeper into the skin through osmosis, their scent also permeates the air as you lay back and relax. This gives you an amazing aromatherapy experience you can’t get just using a body oil.
As a side note, applying a pre-bath body oil and then getting into the shower does not offer the same results. I’m not entirely sure why this is, but I’m thinking it may have to do with the more relaxing qualities a bath can offer. Nowadays, showers tend to be rushed without a focus on mental health. Taking a bath is usually languorous and relaxing which allows our body to let go of emotions and toxicity.
Detoxifying Pre-Bath Body Oil Recipe
I like to make my pre-bath body oil in a 4oz sized dropper bottle that I can keep on the bathroom counter for easy use.
The essential oils in this blend are wonderful for promoting detoxification and will help stimulate your body’s elimination pathways by supporting the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Here’s what you’re going to need:
• 4oz dropper bottle
• 4oz of carrier oil like sweet almond, fractionated coconut, etc.
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil – known for its ability to stimulate the digestive system, detox heavy metals, purify the blood, and cleanse the cells.
• 2 drops helichrysum essential oil – an amazing hepatic (liver supporting) oil that stimulates the secretion of bile. (can sub rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, or Roman and German chamomile)
• 2 drops pine essential oil – stimulates healthy circulation and tones the skin.
• 2 drops thyme essential oil – a warming oil that stimulates healthy blood flow, the liver, and good digestion.
• 3 drops cypress essential oil – a well-known oil for circulation and draining the lymph. It’s excellent for bruising.
• 3 drops juniper essential oil – an overall detoxifying oil, juniper helps the body cleanse the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and skin.
• 3 drops lemongrass essential oil – one of the best EOs to use for vein health and stimulating healthy circulation. It also cleanses the colon, liver, kidneys, bladder, and pancreas.
• 4 drops palmarosa essential oil – a great oil for healing the skin and acne legions. It’s anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and helps uplift emotions.
• 10 drops petitgrain essential oil – an anti-spasmodic oil that also helps relax the nerves in those with nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions.
Many of these oils are also great for soothing post-workout muscle soreness.
You can also divide this recipe to fit any dropper bottle size you need.
Loving Preparation – Pre-Bath Body Oil
• Begin by adding each essential oil to the 4oz dropper bottle.
• Next, pour in your carrier oil until you reach the shoulder of the bottle.
• Cap closed, and roll between your palms to mix.
• If possible, allow the mixture to “cure” for a few days before use as the essential oils with get to know one another better and create a nice synergistic blend.
To Use
While filling the bath, massage your entire body with this detoxifying pre-bath oil to help stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, tone the skin, and help you release toxic emotions. For best lymphatic flow, try to massage towards the heart.
Once the bath is full, carefully get in and soak away toxicity for 20 or more minutes. This goes well with a glass of wine, some good music, and a lit candle for the perfect ambiance.
Try to do this 2-3 times a week.
Don't miss out on my other detox articles:
Detoxifying Essential Oils and How to Use Them
Essential Oils for Detox
ENERGIZING AND DETOXIFYING CHARCOAL LEMONADE
How to Take an Epsom Salt Detox Bath
Liver Cleanse Recipe and How to do a Liver Flush
Liz says
Hi there,
I am totally new to EO and Very interested to try the pre-bath oil. Just curious how long this blend will expire? I heard that activated charcoal is good for detox too. Can it be added to the oil? Any idea how much we can put into the blend? Thanks!!
Tash says
Hi Liz!
it depends on the carrier oil you use. If you use something like sweet almond, grapeseed, etc., they won't last as long as say, jojoba oil. I've used all sorts of carrier and this blend has lasted for at least 3 months. If you use coconut oil or jojoba, it will last 6 months or more. 🙂
Rehne Burge, C.A., M.A, NAHA La. Director says
It depends on the shelf life of your product, dependent on the item with the least shelf life in the product.