Homemade bath salts are a snap to make. The muscle soothing magnesium in the mix makes them a perfect way to end a hard day of gardening.
Originally published August 2020; this post has been updated.
How to Make Homemade Bath Salts
It’s EASY. These DIY bath salts are just that — salt. What makes them special is the addition of fragrances that can give you that spa-at-home experience!
A combination of Epsom salt and sea salt, coupled with your choice of essential oil will make your next soak epic!
Use these in your next bath or as a foot soak to soothe your tired feet.
Why Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is one a naturally occurring mineral salt, high in both magnesium and sulfate.
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Hard day in the garden? Long day at work? The magnesium in an Epsom salt bath can help relax muscles, making it a perfect addition to a soothing soak.
And according to Cleveland Clinic:
Integrative medical experts commonly recommend Epsom salt to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and cold intolerance.
Ingredients
Epsom Salts — The key ingredient in this bath salts recipe, you’ll find Epsom salts at most drug stores or pharmacies.
Sea Salt — Yep, the same salt you cook with is used in bath salt recipes! Pink Himalayan salt is another option.
Essential Oils — These highly fragrant oils will add a lovely aroma to your bath water!
Fragrances for Homemade Bath Salts
Combining different essential oils allows you to create a signature scent. Here are some to try:
- Patchouli + vetiver + cedarwood = earthy
- Jasmine + rose + bergamot = floral
- Ginger + orange + cinnamon = spicy
- Cypress + white fir + sandalwood = woodsy
- Lemon + orange + rosemary = citrusy
- Peppermint + eucalyptus = decongestant
- Tea tree + orange = brisk
- Clary sage + lavender + lemon = calming
Optional Ingredients
Adding dried flowers and herbs is optional, but can make your bath salts look extra special, as well as intensify the aromatics. Try adding dried:
- Rose petals
- Lavender buds
- Mint
- Citrus peel
- Calendula
The addition of color does nothing to improve the experience, but can make for a lovely gift aesthetic.
Ideas for Gift Giving
- Pair herbal bath salts with a jar of this coconut oil salt scrub.
- Make up a batch of these bath fizzies and put them together in a gift basket.
Soothing Bath Salt Recipe
Homemade bath salts are easy to make -- make up a batch for you and one for a friend!
Materials
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup sea salt
- 10 to 25 drops essential oil (see notes)
- Food coloring (optional)
Tools
- Jars with lids
Instructions
- Measure the salts into a small mixing bowl.
- Add essential oil and stir well.
- If desired, add 3 to 6 drops of food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly distributed. (Be aware that too much food coloring can cause the salts to harden over time.)
- Optional: Add dried flower petals.
- Transfer salts to decorative jars and seal.
Notes
Combining different essential oils allows you to create a signature scent. Here are some to try:
- Patchouli + vetiver + cedarwood = earthy
- Jasmine + rose + bergamot = floral
- Ginger + orange + cinnamon = spicy
- Cypress + white fir + sandalwood = woodsy
- Lemon + orange + rosemary = citrusy
- Peppermint + eucalyptus = decongestant
- Tea tree + orange = antimicrobial
- Clary sage + lavender + lemon = stress relief
Thanks for sharing. I’ll leave an additional comment after I make the baths salts. One question. If I use food coloring on my salts, will it discolor my bath tub or my body when I soak?
I don’t think a drop or two would, but to be free of worry for that and your towels perhaps look into colorants for DIY beauty products that are made to not stain. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
This looks so good! What a great gift to make for friends or enjoy yourself!