DIY: 5 Bath Salts

Nothing beats combining self-care activities with nourishing acts.

Epsom salt is the name of a naturally occurring magnesium and sulfate mineral compound. This compound is one of nature’s many remedies for us. Having been used throughout the world for hundreds of years, Epsom salt has many benefits, including:

• Alleviating stress by relaxing the body
• Easing muscle pain and tension
• Detoxing the body
• Soothing sprains and bruises
• Antifungal properties
• Exfoliates skin
• And more!

Most of us have a container of Epsom salts in our closet. If that is you, it is time to pull it out, dust it off, and start embracing the many benefits of using the salts. If not, it is very affordable to purchase.

A very simple way to incorporate the many benefits of Epsom salt is through a weekly bath. Simply add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and relax for at least 15 minutes.

Additionally, adding oils and herbs to your Epsom salt will create simple bath salts with even more specific benefits.

Essential oil notes:

When you mix essential oils with Epsom salt first, the oil coats the salt crystals, which helps distribute the oil more evenly in the bath water, reducing the risk of skin irritation from concentrated oil droplets. If you are very sensitive to EOs, mix with glycerin or jojoba oil first.

Bath notes:

Do scoop out the herbs when done with your bath to avoid plumbing clogs.

5 Bath Salt Recipes

Try one of these 5 easy bath salt recipes to improve your mental and physical health!

1. Relaxing Bath Salt Recipe

If you feel overwhelmed, simply grab 2 cups of Epsom salt, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil and dried lavender, and dissolve in a warm bath. The lavender will work with the salt to relax your body and mind. Add some peaceful music or read an enjoyable book during your much-needed break.

2. Stress-Eliminating Bath Salt Recipe

If you are having a stressful week, 2 cups of Epsom salt mixed with peppermint and/or orange essential oils dissolved in a warm bath can help to eliminate some of that stress. Epsom salt by itself alleviates stress; adding these oils to the mix will intensify that. Relax, forget the stress, and just soak in the moment with peppermint and orange.

3. Calming Bath Salt Recipe

Some days are filled to the brim with intensity; for those days when you need to rest and be calm, try this recipe. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt, some vanilla extract, and vanilla bean to your warm bath. The aroma of the vanilla will help bring you to a calm state.

4. Refreshing Bath Salt Recipe

For those days you feel completely run down, add spearmint essential oil and dried spearmint leaves to 2 cups of Epsom salt. Add this to your warm bath and soak in it. Spearmint can help you feel refreshed and renewed.

5. Uplifting Bath Salt Recipe

When feeling down and out of sorts, this recipe can help to uplift your mood. Take 2 cups of Epsom salt, add lemon and rosemary essential oils, and dissolve in a warm bath. The oils of lemon and rosemary have a way of focusing your mind and uplifting your thoughts.

Tips:

• For extra moisture, add some jojoba oil.
• If you want a little fun, just add some natural food coloring to the salt before adding oils or herbs.

Told you they were simple! Try them out. Mix and match different oils for different benefits. Soak up the benefits, literally.

*If you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned, please substitute them for something else. Also, breastfeeding women may want to avoid mint essential oils as they may decrease milk supply.