Scent of the Pine

Whilst listening to Nina Simone “Feeling Good” one of the lyrics reminded me of a product that I have not used for a long time, but which definitely promotes the feel good factor -Dr. Hauschka Spruce Bath.

This is a wonderful product made using the essential oil of Norway Spruce needles and it is suitable for all skin conditions.

Sizes Available

150ml @ £17.11 It is also included in the trial size bath care kit (along with Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary & Sage baths) which retails @£12.77

Ingredients

Sulfated Castor (Ricinus Communis) Oil, Glycerin, Picea Excelsa Leaf Oil, Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Chlorophyllin-Copper-Complex (Cl 75810) Note: these ingredients are produced either by biodynamic or certified organic agriculture whenever possible, or are wild-harvested.  Further details are available on the ingredients page of the website.

The trouble with pine fragrances is that they have been somewhat hijacked by the household cleaning industry and tend to conjure up images of toilets, disinfectant and floor mops – not really a sexy image for a skin care preparation!  Worse still, as is the case with Lavender, the synthetic version is nothing like the genuine article but harsh, overpowering and one dimensional. The commercial perfume market requires consistency of aroma, which to me is a shame because the subtle differences between crops grown in varying locations, soils and weather conditions imparts a certain magical je ne sais quoi, breathing uniqueness and life into every bottle.

Spruce Bath is also a product that suffers somewhat from not sounding particularly glamorous.  We are often told that less is more, but that doesn’t seem to be reflected in the products on offer, even fabric conditioner seems to considered dull unless it contains two tropical orchids, lotus blossom infusion and extract of diamond (I’m exaggerating of course, but I’m sure you get the picture!). 

So why choose the seemingly dull Spruce Bath?  For me it captures the regenerating essence of a walk in a forest, where the air is clear and you can breathe calmly and deeply.  If you consider that trees are the lungs of the planet it is not surprising that essential oils derived from trees have a deep affinity and action on our lungs.  This is a good choice of bath when you are suffering from a cold, as it clears congestion. It is also excellent for when you feel uptight and stressed. Like the roots of a tree, it can be anchoring and grounding; like the branches it can be uplifting, so is a good choice both to awaken the senses and to help restore a sense of calm.  For me it is somewhere between Lavender, which is deeply sedating, and Rosemary which is deeply invigorating.  The aroma is truly beautiful and full of character (unlike some toilet cleaners I could harpic on about).

How to use?

How to use

Add 1-2 teaspoons to your bath water. There is no need to add a base oil. Keep the bathroom door closed, stopping the aroma from escaping, and envelope yourself in the invigorating aroma. Get into the bath (it must not be too hot), relax and breathe in deeply!

Tips

Use in a footbath

I find this is a wonderfully refreshing start or end to the day.

As part of your cleanse

Add a few drops to the water for washing your face, again morning or night.

After showering

After washing yourself, soak a flannel in the warm spray, put a few drops of Spruce Bath onto the flannel and rub it over your body, inhaling the aroma.  Do not rinse off.

So go on, take time to see the wood for the trees and please give Pine Bath a whirl…..

“Stars when you shine

You know how I feel

Scent of the pine

You know how I feel

Yeah freedom is mine

And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn

It's a new day

It's a new life

For me

And I'm feeling good”