The relaxing hydrotherapy bath technique will greatly aid in stress reduction and allow the body to fall into a deeper rest. Choosing your additive can be as basic or scientific as you wish. I always recommend the use of Lavender. Lavender is the safest essential oil and can be applied directly to the skin where others cannot. Lavender has a very relaxing effect.
Many plants produce an aromatic substance that are the essential oils.
The volatile compounds are extracted from the plant material by various methods of distillation and held in sealed containers. Herbal extracts are the dissolving of compounds found in the herb by means of solvents, usually an alcohol and water combination. Many herbs do not contain essential oils, and this method extracts the beneficial substances found in the plant. In order for the body to benefit from the essential oils and herbals used in the bath they must be uniformly dispersed in the bath water. Soft water, or water deactivated of dissolved metals like iron, calcium and magnesium are the most ideal for a full dispersion of the botanicals.