The only way I have ever found a shower relaxing is to stand under the hot water as it blasts out at high pressure. So I was rather sceptical when I discovered there is a new way to relax in the bathroom.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil plopped itself on my desk two weeks ago in its stylish purple box all tied up nicely with a silk ribbon, very classy right from the start.

The bath oil, it claims, is a “welcome relief for tired, heavy limbs” and helps boost circulation to soothe tender muscles. It can be used in both the bath and shower so suffice it to say, we tried it both ways.

Given the claims that this oil can relax even the most stressed individual, the first ideal candidate to try it out was mother of two Marie Derry:

“Usually, my evening bathing experiences would involve running into the bathroom, turning the taps on, getting my head wet because of forgetting to switch the lever from shower to bath, cursing whilst feeling for a towel, grabbing the nearest bottle of bubble bath and dolloping several blobs of some ghastly coloured syrup-textured liquid into the gushing water and then settling into the bath at the same time that bubbles took over the bathroom, cursing yet again!

However, when I was asked to try out some aromatherapy bath and shower oil made of natural ingredients, things all changed. Anything that presents itself in a lovely stylish purple box with a bow on it and mentions ‘De-Stress Muscle’ is already on the right track to win me over, as it immediately makes you want to take a few seconds out of your busy life to appreciate something so pretty that promises to do so much.

Unusually for me, I actually took the time to read the box, including the ingredients and the instructions. It said that I should empty one capful of the oil into a full bath. When I removed the cute bottle from the box, I didn’t believe that one capful would achieve a great deal. However, given that I was testing out this product, I stuck to the instructions and I am happy to say that I was proved wrong.

Once my bath was full, I trickled a capful of the oil over the surface of the water. Immediately, the aroma of the oil diffused through the bathroom; a lovely blend of lavender, rosemary, coconut and ginger oil. At the same time as infusing my body with some fantastic aromas, I was also visually intrigued by the droplets that were now sitting like small, crystal-clear lily pads glistening on the surface of the water.

I stepped into the bath and as I settled back, I watched as the little lily pads dispersed to infuse the water with their little pockets of magic! It was fascinating. As I lay there, focused on watching this transformation, tensions in my body started to subside. I began to drift off into my own dreamy world as I inhaled the pleasant aroma. I would have stayed in the bath for a lot longer than half an hour but unfortunately the water was cooling; my time was up. As I towel-dried, I noticed that my skin felt really smooth and it had a gorgeous smell to it which lasted through until the next morning.

I was very impressed by this bath oil and it certainly does what it says on the box: ‘Helps your body relax in a warm bath’. I will definitely be throwing out my old bubble bath now that I have sampled such as sophisticated aromatherapy product.”

In the shower

I have to agree with Marie. After reading her review I was determined to experience this for myself and find out if I could sample the same relaxing soak.

Unfortunately we only have a shower in our bathroom, so one evening I opted to borrow my friend’s bath. Clutching a towel in one hand and the bath oils in another I set off on the ten minute pilgrimage to bathtub heaven. It was certainly worth it.

But this oil states it is for bath and shower. Seen as I was the one without a bath I had to settle to try the De-Stress Oil in the shower, a prospect that I didn’t think would achieve the same effect as Marie’s soothing soak.

The instructions state to add one cap full to a bath or to apply before you get in the shower, so dutifully I poured out a meagre amount of oil and wondered how on earth I could apply this drop everywhere. The answer is I couldn’t. No matter how sparing I was I only succeeded in covering my shoulders and the bottom of my back, the two areas I get my aches and pains.

Stepping into the shower I wasn’t expecting much, after all once under the water it would surely just wash straight off. Then the wave of scents hit me and I instantly changed my mind.

While it’s not as relaxing as laying in the bath and soaking away you worries, the oils did have an aromatic effect in the shower which was filled with the beautiful scents of lavender, rosemary and ginger.

The soothing scent envelops you and I certainly felt relaxed as my bathroom was full of sensual smells and lots of steam, a deadly combination that made me wish I was lying down instead. I felt tension in my shoulders begin to ease as I breathed in the sensual steam.

Being in a shower meant that the scents didn’t last as long as a bath would and it wasn’t long before I was stepping out. Yes I felt refreshed and relaxed, but standing up really isn’t the best way to enjoy this product.

You want to be soaking in hot water, a few candles dotted around and a glass of wine in your hand. Now that’s the way to do it.

Score for shower: 7/10

Score for bath:  9/10.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Bath and Shower Oil (55ml, £37) is available at www.aromatherapyassociates.com