Doctor explains how lavender oil reduces stress and anxiety
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Hanging plants in your bathroom is the ultimate form of self care because they not only look and smell lovely, they have multiple health benefits. Dubbed ‘bath bouquets’ on TikTok, lots of people are hanging plants in their showers and baths to release essential oils and reap the calming benefits of this. Express.co.uk chatted to bathroom expert at Drench.co.uk, Dominic Lees-Bell, to find out which plants YOU should hang in your shower, and why.
The term ‘bath bouquet’ sounds expensive and wasteful, but it takes minutes and won’t break the bank.
TikToker @diosaemporium demonstrates how to make a eucalyptus bath bouquet.
All you have to do is roll out eucalyptus with a rolling pin on newspaper in order to release the oils and then bind the ends together with some natural twine or rubber bands.
Finally, hang it on the shower with a rubber band and shower with the water flowing through the leaves.
The 5 plants to hang in the shower
Fancy making your own bath bouquet? Now is the time to do it.
Dominic said: “The colder months are approaching and we have found the best plants to pop in your shower to relieve congestion, sore throats, boost blood circulation and even repel the spiders that start to come out of hiding at this time of year.”
Here are the five best plants to hang in the shower now.
Eucalyptus
The essential oils from eucalyptus help relieve congestion, making it perfect for winter when cold and cases of flu peak between December and February.
Dominic said: “Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, and it’s even good for your heart.
“According to a study, inhaling air infused with eucalyptus oil can significantly lower your blood pressure.
Last but not least it is effective in helping you de-stress, which is exactly what you want at shower time!”
Peppermint
An infusion of peppermint essential oil in your shower can boost energy while alleviating feelings of nervous tension, stress, and irritability.
Dominic added: “With anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint in the shower will also increase and improve circulation in the body.
“Blocked up? It clears the respiratory tract, too.
“Menthol is an extract of peppermint and when inhaled, it creates a cooling sensation that soothes and numbs a sore throat.
“A 2013 study suggests that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help to relax the muscles of the windpipe, known as the bronchial muscles.
“This may explain why this essential oil can ease breathing in people with coughs.”
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil helps relieve fatigue and boost mental activity, and we could all use some of this in our morning showers to start the day off more alert.
This is thanks to its benefits of enhancing concentration and eliminating negative moods, Dominic said.
He added: “In folk medicine, rosemary has been associated for centuries with having a good memory.
“Rosemary oil is also fantastic for your lovely locks as it stimulates the roots, improves hair growth, and increases circulation in the scalp.”
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils, known for keeping us relaxed and aiding sleep.
Dominic said: “Much like rosemary, lavender also has fantastic benefits for your hair.
“Lavender oil deep conditions the hair keeps it shiny, and even helps control dandruff.
“However, one difference to lavender is that it’s an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality.
“Use this plant in your nighttime shower to help you get to sleep quicker.”
Lemongrass
When you next want to reduce overpowering feelings of nervousness and mental fatigue, pop some lemongrass in your shower.
Dominic said: “Lemongrass is used as a folk remedy for a number of digestive problems, ranging from stomach aches to gastric ulcers.
“According to a 2012 study on mice, lemongrass essential oil helped prevent gastric ulcers, a common cause of stomach pain.
“Another study uncovered that lemongrass may help slow diarrhoea.
“Not only that but the oil that is found in lemongrass, citronella, repels spiders and prohibits them from coming back. Perfect for this time of year!”
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