Make Your Own Herbal Bath Salt Recipes For Unwinding
As a bath-lover, I enjoy making my soaks extra special with DIY upgrades beyond Mr. Bubble. One easy, affordable upgrade is mixing up mineral-rich salts and soothing dried herbs into custom bath salt blends to make a variety of herbal bath salt recipes.
Infusing combinations of Epsom salt flakes, Himalayan salt, and calming lavender buds not only helps me feel more relaxed but leaves skin smooth thanks to natural exfoliation. And as an amateur home mixer without herbalist training, the process of blending stress-busting plants like chamomile with salts I likely use liberally anyway proves both simple and satisfying!
Whether you crave a post-work soak reboot or pre-bedtime unwind, let’s unlock the secrets of enhancing a hot bath into more blissful experiences with the addition of fragrant bath salts.
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Key Ingredients & Options
As far as must-have components, the salts form the soothing mineral base. For this, the best types of salt is a combination of affordable drugstore staples like Epsom and coarse sea salt along with fancier varieties like pretty pink Himalayan salt crystals I splurge on. Herb-wise, calming lavender and chamomile are classics for winding down. Though you likely use parsley more often, herbs’ hidden healing talents unlock through hot water infusion!
I incorporate organic essential oils purely for their uplifting aromas – lemon verbena when I need a mood boost or eucalyptus to clear stuffed sinuses. Carrier oils like olive and sweet almond oil add skin-hydrating luxury while helping to evenly distribute fragrant oils.
With simple ingredients from bath aisles, kitchen cabinets, and garden trimmings bringing big sensory enjoyment, experiment until you discover your ultimate custom relaxer scent and soak! I promise, even amateur alchemists can master excellent elixirs through natural pantry potions. Next, I’ll unpack putting the pieces together!
Tip: For extra skin-nourishing superpowers, blend in 1-2 Tbsp of antioxidant vitamin E oil which helps moisturize while calming inflammation. Or substitute lighter carrier oils if preferring a less viscous infusion – sweet almond, olive, and argan all lend hydration too.
DIY Herbal Bath Salt Recipes
Once you gather a salt selection and some herbs speaking to current needs, get creative making magic happen! For sore muscles begging relief, I’ll whip up a batch blending Epsom salt with chamomile, rosemary, thyme, and some Arnica-infused oil. Or make a relaxing lavender milk bath potion with flakes, buds, and a touch of real cream.
When seasonal stuffiness strikes, eucalyptus-spiked salt heaps help clear clogged heads fast when soaked in. The feverish family also benefits from Germ Fighter salts combining antivirals like lemongrass essential oil with Dead Sea mineral power. Irritated summer skin finds solace soothed in gentle Comfrey and Colloidal Oatmeal skin rescue soaks.
The suggested combinations make wonderful starters as you get comfortable combining bath salt ingredients. Feel free to experiment tweaking herb, mineral, and scent ratios to match your personal preferences once the basic methodology is grasped.
Tailor your own signature soak blends to channel targeted benefits – whether aiming to relieve muscle soreness, clear congestion, or simply set a relaxing mood. Let your senses guide you to ideal ingredient proportions. Common bath infusion recipes exist to provide effortless jumping off points as you explore making wellness magic manifest through the power of helpful plants and minerals. Next, I’ll share details on recreating some of those popular tried-and-true staple formulas at home but first let’s look at some suggested blends.
Suggested Herbal Bath Salt Blend Ideas
Soothing Sore Muscles:
- Epsom Salts + Rosemary + Eucalyptus Oil
- Arnica Oil + Peppermint Oil + Sea Salt
- Chamomile + Lavender + Spearmint Oil
Relaxation & Unwinding:
- Lavender Buds + Sweet Orange Oil + Himalayan Salt
- Chamomile + Ylang Ylang Oil + Epsom Salt
- Rose Petals + Vanilla Oil + Oat Milk
Skin Soothing & Healing:
- Oatmeal + Calendula + Geranium Oil
- Bentonite Clay + Tea Tree Oil + Dead Sea Salt
- Honey + Comfrey + Carrot Seed Oil
Sinus & Congestion Relief:
- Eucalyptus Leaves + Peppermint Oil + Epsom Salts
- Rosemary + Lemon + Ravensara Oil
- Pine Needles + Peppermint + Dead Sea Salt
Steps for Making Salts
Blending these pampering potions proves pleasantly simple! Start by stirring together your base salts – I prefer 2 cups total Epsom or Dead Sea then adding a half cup or so any accessory mineral types like Himalayan rocks or fancy Hawaiian black lava grains.
Next, sprinkle in a quarter cup mix of crumbled herbs like dried rose petals (making sure no sharp thorns sneak in!), lemon balm leaves, and shredded lavender buds until flecks are mixed evenly. At last add 10-15 drops of essential oils to scent the salts then continue stirring for another minute or so to diffuse them fully.
All that’s left is neatly funneling different custom infusions into pretty lidded glass jars ( a mason jar will do!) for easy access later! I reuse interesting glass bottles from other bath products but any small airtight container with a seal keeps salts perfectly potent for many months. Soon the fruits of simple kitchen crafting labor reveal themselves the minute a sprinkle hits steaming bath water!
Recipe For My Favorite Lavender & Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Bath Salts
Makes ~3 Cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Epsom Salt
- 1⁄2 cup Himalayan Salt
- 1⁄4 cup Dried Rose Petals & Calendula Flowers
- 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops Ylang Ylang or Sweet Orange Essential Oils
Supplies Needed:
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Funnel (optional)
- Glass Jar or Airtight Container
Instructions:
- Measure Salts
Measure out Epsom salt and Dead Sea or Epsom salt into a mixing bowl. Thoroughly combine salts.
- Mix in Dried Botanicals
Mix in chopped/crumbled dried floral botanicals until evenly distributed throughout the salts.
- Add & Stir in Essential Oils
Add in essential oils one at a time. Stir continuously for 2 minutes so oils fully permeate salts.
- Transfer to Storage Container
Use a funnel to transfer the finished bath salt blend into a clean, dry glass jar or airtight container. Label contents including ingredients and date, then store away from humidity and light until ready to use.
- Add to Bath & Enjoy!
To use – add 1⁄3 cup salts into warm bath water. Enjoy a relaxing soak! Stir periodically and soak 20-30 minutes for best results.
Tip: If you prefer to measure your essential oils with a teaspoon here are approximate drop-to-teaspoon conversions:
- 5 drops = 1/4 teaspoon
- 10 drops = 1/2 teaspoon
- 15 drops = 3/4 teaspoon
- 20 drops = 1 teaspoon
Adding Bath Salts to Hot Water
Application Amounts – let’s talk about getting these mineral-herbal concoctions infused into skin-soothing magic! Dosing depends on tub size of course but a typical starting point for my standard deep soaker involves about 1⁄4-1⁄3 cups of salt stirred thoroughly until mostly dissolved then entering once extra foamy.
Accounting for Residual Bath Salt Crystals – The salt crystals will mostly dissolve during a normal bath, but there still may be trace remnants present in the water. You likely won’t feel or encounter any stray salt grains following your bath since the majority fully dissolved or dispersed during the soak. Do give the tub a quick wipe down afterward as you would normally, simply to capture any lingering mineral residue along the basin walls.
Absorption Mechanisms Explained – Through some science sorcery I only vaguely grasp, the dispersed salt crystals and herbal essential oils get attracted and absorbed into the warm water and then welcomed into pores primed for opening benefits wider once bodies enter the fragrant brew. Heat also helps extra key elements permeate tired muscles dying for relief. Don’t hesitate to stir the soak throughout for full integration!
Loose Petals vs. Muslin Bags – For keeping delicate petals, spices, or herbs suspended exclusively during prep, stash portions inside muslin sachet bags secured shut before dropping in if loose floating bits might bug you later. This also allows reusing leftovers for a quick foot bath revival by just grabbing a pre-made satchel! Either loose or contained, both methods soon have you floating away!
Using Salts Beyond the Tub
- Foot Soaks – Disperse 1⁄4 cup salts in the basin of warm water for a mineral foot soak. Increase recipe oils for extra skin nourishment.
- Shower Scrub – Mix loose salts with a touch of oil to help exfoliate and increase circulation. Rinse away simultaneously.
- Targeted Compresses – For isolated back/shoulder pain, sinus pressure, etc, use the muslin bag version applied directly as a warm compress to problem areas for soothing relief.
Explore efficacy and enjoyment by repurposing your infused bath salts in smaller therapeutic applications too! The versatile mineral-botanical benefits transfer successfully supporting sore, stressed, and run-down bodies in myriad ways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herbal Bath Salt Recipes
Affordable salts like Epsom and table salt are available at drugstores for under $5 per bag. Dollar store coconut oil or olive oil also helps keep costs minimal. Check Mountain Rose Herbs or the baking aisle of your grocery store for dried herbs/petals.
Fill a drawstring cotton muslin bag with about 1⁄3 cup salts then securely close before dropping into your warm bath water to contain any loose petals, preventing post-soak cleanup woes. The porous bag still allows mineral and herbal infusion!
Yes – those with extra sensitive skin or conditions like eczema should perform a patch test with bath salt recipes containing new essential oil blends, and avoid harsh oils like cinnamon. Substitute an extra light, skin-healthy carrier oil instead if any skin irritation occurs.
A: It’s uncommon, but possible for small particles to accumulate over time, or some dense natural ingredients may initially clog if poured directly over the drain. Take these precautions to keep water flowing freely:
Use a fine mesh strainer when adding loose bath salt blends to catch stray large bits.
Opt for sachets or muslin bags to steep if concerned about loose petals.
Consider attaching a hair catcher drain cover to trap any stray particles.
Use a drain snake monthly to clear any small salt or botanical buildup.
For extreme cases, occasionally flush pipes with hot water, baking soda, and vinegar to dissolve blockages.
Properly stored, these bath salts can last 12-24 months while retaining their maximum potency in terms of mineral content and aroma. Over time, the essential oils may start losing their fragrance intensity even when kept sealed in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Oxidation also slowly reduces active ingredients on a molecular level. One year is a common benchmark for peak preservation of all therapeutic qualities. To prevent mold be sure to use important to use 100% dry herbs or flowers for bath salt blends you intend to store for later use.
Check bath salts every few months and stir them to redistribute any settled oils back into the mineral salts evenly. Discard if excessive moisture, odor changes, or darkening color occurs instead of a light aroma when opened. Then simply make a fresh aromatic batch when the current inventory expires!
Hopefully, this Herbal Bath Salt Recipes blog post gives you the confidence to start enhancing bathtime by easily blending relaxation-promoting ingredients like Epsom salts and dried flowers into custom herbal soaks! With just a few affordable pantry and bath staples, you can unwind after a long day with a good soak through the natural benefits of plants and minerals.
Experiment with different essential oil scents and herb combinations until your ideal post-work reboot or pre-bedtime routine emerges. Make some bath salt as homemade gifts packed in pretty jars! And don’t limit yourself – there are so many ways to incorporate these versatile wellness boosters into self-care moments beyond the tub too.
I hope these tips help you blend your own DIY bath salts using natural dried botanicals and your favorite essential oil tailored to your taste and needs. Finding the best ways to incorporate comforting plants through a long mineral-rich soak is self-care worth discovering. Please share your signature herbal bath salt recipes and favorite pre-bedtime infusion rituals! Here’s to peaceful, aromatic evenings ahead.
