How to Make Relaxing Herbal Bath Salts
There isn’t anything quite as relaxing as taking a warm bath at the end of a long day. They can help calm and relax the mind, while restoring the body. I find that my stress level goes down tremendously and that I sleep a lot better that night. While I don’t take a bath every night, it is usually one of my go to’s when I’m feeling like I want to quiet my mind and clear out the days energy. Baths are just naturally soothing and calming. Whether that be from the simple fact that during a bath, we are forced to slow down and relax, being fully present and allowing ourselves to unwind. Or maybe it’s simply being submerged in the warm water, which promotes relaxation in itself. Either way, by nature, a warm bath can work wonders on our nervous systems.
Adding in the soothing benefits of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfite) for sore and tired muscles is always something I have really enjoyed since I was young. If there is one thing that people have tried soaking in, it’s Epsom salts! I think they are universally accepted and well known for their ability to help relax sore muscles and soothe stiff joints. But there are many other things that you can add to your evening soak that have detoxifying properties, and that are also very soothing and cleansing. Adding in some simple items like baking soda, sea salt, dried herbs and essential oils, can take your bath experience to the next level of relaxation and restoration.
Benefits and How To Make An Herbal Salt Bath
Let’s first talk about the base-
Epsom salts- The Epsom salts are broken down in water to magnesium and sulfite, which are soothing to sore muscles and joints.
Pink sea salt- While the sea salt also can help ease muscle cramps and joint stiffness, it can help with circulation and skin health as well.
Baking soda- Baking soda has cleansing and detoxifying properties, and is also great for skin health. It will also naturally soften the water, giving it a luxurious feel.
These 3 provide a great soothing and healing blend together. However, I love to add in herbs and essential oils for a more magical, healing blend! This part is where you get to really make it your own personal custom blend, catering to what you have going on in your life.
While the base of the salt soaks are Epsom salts, pink sea salt, and baking soda. The herbs and oils (and even the ratio of Epsom salt, sea salt and baking soda) is up to you and what you're in the mood for. I’m giving you this classic and simple recipe that has become a staple for me, and that I love and always come back to.
For this relaxing herbal mix, I add calendula for skin health and its soothing abilities, lavender buds for its relaxation properties (also wonderful for the skin too though!), and organic rose petals for their luxurious feel and mood-enhancing properties. The natural oils in rose petals also help to maintain moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and silky. The essential oils I use for this relaxing blend are lavender and chamomile. Both are relaxation promoting oils that help with easing anxiety and getting a good night's sleep. Together, these herbs and oils create the most magical aroma.
How To Pick The Herbs And Oils
Keep in mind you can use whatever herbs and oils you want- get creative! The possibilities for relaxing and healing soaks are endless! I create many different blends, depending on what I have going on or feel like I am needing. I love making hormone supporting women's blends, skin soothing blends, and wellness vapor blends for when we’re feeling under the weather. I always use high-quality, organically cultivated herbs that are as locally sourced as possible. On occasion, I also love to add in a tablespoon of sweet almond or jojoba oil. This creates an extra luxurious bath that leaves your skin polished and silky. (* Please note that if you add an oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, it will make the tub very slippery, so be careful. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend it in a child's bath.)
Options For Use
While I feel there is something magical and luxurious about a loose herbal bath, sometimes I prefer to make a more concentrated and potent bath using a different method for the dried herbs- I do this one of two ways. I personally don’t mind the clean up of the loose herbs, and grind them pretty finely so that they easily can go down the drain and use a cup to rinse off the sides of the tub when I’m done. However, if you mind the clean up, or like me, sometimes just want a more concentrated herbal bath, you have a couple different options. You can put the herbs in a tea bag, placing that bag hanging under the running hot bath water, or boil the herbs first on the stove, taking the tea and putting it in the tub. Whichever method you decide to do, enjoy your special time for healing and restoration, we all need it. :)
Herbal Bath Salts
*3 cups Epsom salts
*½ cup baking soda
*½ cup pink sea salt
*½ cup dried rose petals
*¼ cup dried lavender
*¼ cup dried calendula
*5 drops lavender oil
*5 drops chamomile oil
Instructions-
Blend or grind the dried herbs and set aside (makes them go down the drain easier.) Place Epsom salt, baking soda, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl and stir until well mixed. Add the herbs and mix. Add essential oils and mix well. Place in an airtight glass jar and add at around one cup to bath, enjoy!
Side-notes/ tips-
* While baking soda baths are generally safe, It is not recommended to bathe in baking soda if you have high blood pressure or have a serious infection/ open wounds.
*It is most effective to grind your own herbs instead of using powders.
*Soak for 30-40 minutes to reap full benefits of an herbal salt bath.
*Label with ingredients if giving as a gift.
*I find these beautiful home-made bath salts in these gorgeous jars to make great and thoughtful gifts. So when I know I am gifting them, I prefer to make them with the loose dried herbs because they look so beautiful.