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.
Or pair some with a jar of this coconut oil salt scrub for a lovely gift of pampering!
How to make homemade bath salts
It’s EASY. 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!
Why Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is one a naturally occurring mineral salt, high in both magnesium and sulfate.
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.
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And according to Cleveland Clinic:
Integrative medical experts commonly recommend Epsom salt to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and cold intolerance.
Fragrance 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 = antimicrobial
- Clary sage + lavender + lemon = stress relief
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.
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.)
- 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