I’ve gotten in the habit of making a jar of bath salts with essential oil every few weeks. It’s the perfect self-care treat after a long day. These bath salts are easy to make and inexpensive compared to what you might find on-line or at the store.
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Do you prefer a bath or shower? I used to say shower! .. but over the past year or so I’ve enjoyed the physical and mental benefits to a long soak in the tub. A bath can be a long or short soak and you will still benefit from the process. Just 15 minutes in the tub is luxurious and a wonderful way to end the day.
What are the benefits of bath salts?
- Easy and inexpensive to make – Honestly, do NOT buy those fancy bath salts. Usually they are filled with fragrance and other proprietary ingredients that may or may not be good for you.
- Take care what goes on your skin–While we can’t eliminate all toxins, I am mindful what goes on my skin. I read labels and use natural ingredients when possible.
- Relaxation – Among other things, Magnesium in the Epsom is said to relax our sore and achy muscles. Ready more about it here.
- Give bath salts to your friends and family – This makes a great DIY gift idea. Add to a wicker basket filled with your favorite self-care products and give to someone that needs it!
Q & A
Can you use table salt instead of Epsom Salt to make bath salts?
Table salt is Iodinized and not be used for bath salts. It is refined and has a trace amount of added iodine. When soaking in the tub, some of the salt is absorbed by the skin and can cause a skin reaction from the salt.
What’s the difference between Epson salt and bath salt?
Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate, while bath salts may contain other ingredients as part of that particular blend.
Can I add flower petals to my bath salts?
Yes! you absolutely can. Try dried rose or lavender flowers! The only thing I”ll caution you about is that although pretty floating in the water, you will need to clean the flowers out of the tub after your bath.
Can bath salts explode?
The baking soda can on rare occasions build up pressure in an airtight jar and explode. It’s recommended that you punch a few holes in the top of your lid to prevent air pressure from building up. Here’s what can happen: Baking soda can react with citric acid and moisture and release gasses. The gas can build up pressure in your container and cause it to explode. When you store your bath salts in an air-tight container the salt remains dry so there is usually no need to worry about this. That said I am giving you the information so you can make your own decision.
What you’ll need to make bath salts
- Container: I use Ball® canning jars for bath salts, storing beans, dried fruit, and for my sourdough starter.
- Coarse sea salt
- Epsom salts
- Baking soda
- Essential oils (Vitruvi, Grounding Essential Oil Blend, 100% Pure Pine, Fir, Spruce and Cedarwood Oil )
Which essential oils are best for sore muscles?
Here are a few of my favorites!
peppermint — revitalizing, invigorating, cools
lavender — soothing, normalizing, balancing, aids in relaxation
eucalyptus — revitalizing, invigorating, clarifying
rosemary — purifies, has anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties
Taking a 15 minute soak in this combination of essential oils helps relax both the mind and body. This recipe makes a great DIY gift for a busy mom, athlete, or anyone that could use a little R&R. Make a jar or two and add to a gift basket for Mother’s Day or a special birthday.
How to make bath salts
The recipe is below and you can print it out and save if for reference. It’s easy though, you’ll be mixing 3 cups Epson salt, 1 1/2 cups coarse salt, and about a 1/2 cup baking soda in a bowl and then using a funnel to pour it into your jar. The essential oils are optional but I highly recommend adding them! I use about 1/2 to 1 cup of bath salts in my bath.
You might also be interested in DIY whipped pumpkin body scrub!
How to properly store bath salts
I recommend storing in an airtight container to keep moisture out. Alternatively you can make a few small holes in the lid of your container to allow air to escape (preventing gas build up from the baking soda).
DIY Bath Salts with Essential Oil
Simple and inexpensive bath salts with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- BALL® canning jars that I keep on hand for jams, jellies, and keeping veggies fresh in my refrigerator.
- BALL® funnel or something that is equivalent
- 3 cups Epsom Salt
- 1/5 cups course sea salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 8-10 drops essential oil (rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint)
- 1 or 2 tablespoons of dried flowers optional
Instructions
- Combine baking both salts and baking soda into a medium size bowl.
- Add baking soda and stir.
- Add essential oils and stir.
- Using a funnel, pour the bath salts into a tight fitting jar.
- Poke a hole in the top (optional)
Use 1/2 to 1 cup bath salts in each bath. Enjoy!
Notes
Change up your essential oil blends. I also like to use rose oil!
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