I have written about bathing before, [1] but it's time to revisit the pleasure and luxury of bath time. Up until a few months ago, I had never used my bathtub for anything more than a vessel for a daily shower. Now I've turned my tub into a veritable hydrotherapy spa. I've stocked my shelves with a variety of irresistible essential oil bath treatments and even as the warm months approach I continue to bathe — just in cooler water.

Currently, my favorite bath time treat is Dr. Hauschka's Spruce Bath. [2] Spruce relaxes the mind and spirit and the Norway spruce used in Hauschka's [3] concoction also encourages deep breathing and is excellent for periods of emotional and/or physical exhaustion. The oil also infuses vitality to pale, worn out skin and offers relief for colds and respiratory conditions.

Another divine German bath enhancement — the Germans excel at creating a soothing, organic [3] bath — is Kneipp's (pronounced "K-nipe") Sparkling Rosemary Bath Tablet. [4] Like an herbal Alka-seltzer [5] for the bath, the tablet turns ordinary water into an aromatherapy vacation.

The ultimate finale to bath time is an essential oil rubdown. Weleda's Wild Rose Body Oil [6] is my spring moisturizer of choice. The organic oil contains essence of rosa mosqueta and jojoba and sweet almond oils. For those who choose not to smell like a rose — albeit a delicate and exquisitely scented rose — Weleda's Citrus Body Oil [7] is a refreshing alternative. Weleda has mastered the body oil. They go on smooth and silky and absorb quickly.