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What is better than a soak in the tub with aromatic bath salts? This is an easy do-it-yourself gift you can make at home. This bath salts recipe has only 4 ingredients, which you may have at home already! A thoughtful gift to give a teacher, friend, co-worker or family member. Lavender Bath Salts can easily be adapted just by changing the essential oils you use, to suit your scent preferences or to fulfill a specific need.
This simple recipe has only 3 main ingredients for the base. Then you can add essential oils to give the salts a pleasing aroma, along with health benefits.
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Three Base Ingredients
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt gets its name from the mineral-rich waters in Epsom, England where it was originally discovered.
Epsom salt is not actually a salt but is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin and both stimulate detoxification in the body.
Magnesium has a number of duties in the human body, including regulation of the activity of more than 325 enzymes, reduction of inflammation, stimulation of nerve and muscle function, improvement of oxygenation and blood circulation throughout the body.
Sulfates are essential for optimum health of joints, skin and the nervous system. Sulfates assist with the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins from the body and help ease migraine headaches.
Health Benefits of Epsom Salts
- relax the nervous system
- itch relief from sunburn, bug bites and poison ivy
- soothe pain and aches in muscles and joints
- treat colds and congestion
- improve sleep
- draw toxins from the body
- relieve constipation
- Improve heart health and blood circulation
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Sea Salt
Sea salt is salt that is produced by the evaporation of seawater. The mineral content in sea salt has long been known for its rejuvenating effects on the skin.
Sea salt has many of the same benefits as Epsom salt due to the presence of the mineral magnesium. In addition, sea salt has an antibacterial effect on the skin and can heal minor cuts. Also, it is beneficial for those suffering from acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Sea salt can hydrate skin and boost circulation at the skin level, helping the process of natural regeneration.
Baking Soda
By adding baking soda, or Sodium Bicarbonate to your bath, skin-related benefits are added. Baking soda leaves skin feeling soft and silky without added chemicals or fragrances that are found in commercial products. Baking soda neutralizes skin acidity, alkalizing the body. Not only does baking soda renew and soften skin, but it also soothes irritated skin.
Baking soda baths can soothe and relieve symptoms of yeast infection such as itching, burning, and swelling. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells that lead to yeast infections.
Adding baking soda to the bath can ease symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy/oak. It has also been touted to treat symptoms of diaper rash and chicken pox.
Easy Bath Salts Recipe
What you need for Lavender Bath Salts:
- Pint size Ball Jar (16 oz)
- 1 C Epsom salt
- 1/4 C sea salt
- 1/4 C baking soda
- *6-8 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- *6-8 drops Geranium Essential Oil
- large mixing bowl
- Spoon
- If making a double batch use a 32 oz glass jar
- Pour the Epsom salt, sea salt, and baking soda into the mixing bowl. Stir to mix.
- Add the essential oils to the dry mixture. Stir well.
- Using the spoon, scoop the contents into the 16 oz. jar. Place lid on the jar.
- Pour ~ 1/2 Cup of the salts in the bath under the warm running water to help them dissolve more quickly. Soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes. If using a large soaker tub, I suggest using 1-1.5 Cups of the salts. This recipe makes 1.5 Cups.
*In this recipe, I chose Lavender and Geranium Essential Oils. Lavender is a universal oil that has traditionally been known to balance the body and to work wherever there is a need. It is well known for its calming and relaxing effects. Lavender is a favorite in our household, read my post about The Many Uses of Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender. Geranium blends well with Lavender and is also known for its ability to invite relaxation and balance the emotions. If you would like to sign up as a Young Living member you will receive the 24% discount off the retail price. You can use my ID # during sign up #1605620 as your Sponsor and Enroller. You can also just purchase the products as a retail customer.
*You can use any combination of essential oils that you prefer. Another combo I have used as a Knock Out Congestion Blend is equal amounts of Peppermint Essential Oil and Eucalyptus Essential Oil (6-8 drops of each.) This blend is perfect for opening up congested nasal passages, treating sinusitis and colds. The scent is minty and stimulating to the senses.
If you are giving the jar of bath salts as a gift, you can decorate the jar as desired. Suggestions – tie a ribbon around the jar, use colored pipe cleaners around the lid, place a bow on top, use stickers, and/or add a personalized gift tag.
Bath salts are a gift that everyone will love. My husband is more likely to use bath salts than I because he loves to take a long bath! You can’t go wrong giving bath salts as a gift! I think most people appreciate the gesture of a homemade gift. This is an easy project that can be done in a short amount of time and is perfect for any time of the year!
Let me know how you like the recipe and what essential oil blends you tried! Leave a comment below!
Update 3/8/21 – Here are a few other essential oil blends I have made!
Hormone Balancing Blend: 4 – 5 drops of each Fennel Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil and Clary Sage Essential Oil.
Respiratory Relief Blend: 10 drops of Raven Essential Oil and 5 drops Eucalyptus Blue Essential Oil.
Congestion Relief Blend: 7-8 drops Cypress Essential Oil and 7-8 drops Eucalytus Globulus Essential Oil
Congestion Buster Blend: 5 drops Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil, 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil, 2 drops R.C. Essential Oil, 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Calming Blend: 8 drops Orange Essential Oil and 7 drops Lavender Essential Oil.
Muscle Fatigue Blend: 4 drops Cypress Essential Oil, 4 drops Marjoram Essential Oil, 4 drops Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil, 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil, 3 drops Wintergreen Essential Oil. This blend is also great for congestion!
Jaimie
March 17, 2022 12:04 pmThis is such a fun idea! I love making and giving DIY gifts and I know many people who would enjoy these bath salts so much.
Julie
March 17, 2022 12:20 pmThey are so easy to make and to customize with essential oils!! I have given this as a gift many times!!
Holly
October 28, 2020 9:22 pmI love DIY gifts!! They feel so personal and thoughtful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Julie
October 29, 2020 1:28 pmI agree, just knowing someone took the time to make something for you makes it extra special!
Nri
October 28, 2020 8:36 pmWhat a fun gift idea! I need to do this this year!
Julie
October 29, 2020 1:30 pmA gift that will bring something enjoyable into someone’s life!
Audrey
October 28, 2020 11:42 amThis looks like such an amazing gift- very relaxing!
Julie
October 28, 2020 11:47 amGreat gift and easy to make! Every month or 2 I make my husband a double batch – he loves to take a bath! Nice gifts for friends and family members! 🙂
Kimberlie
October 11, 2019 7:08 pmI have always been intrigued with the recent influx of DIY bath products. After reading your post it makes perfect sense. I have actually been gifted DIY bath products by parents/students before and was appreciative, but now learning the intent and love behind the gift, I feel even more special.
Julie
October 12, 2019 12:09 pmThat’s awesome Kimberlie!! The salts can easily be adapted to what the individual needs by changing the essential oils in the recipe, making it a gift with intention and love 🙂
Kenya
October 11, 2019 9:35 amI love diy these are awesome and since using epsom salt still will get that soothing effect unlike most fragrant bath salts
Great post with great diy recipes
Julie
October 11, 2019 4:06 pmThanks Kenya!
I also like easy DIY like this one. No toxins and health benefits, it’s a winner! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Jess
April 27, 2019 1:06 pmI love bath salts! Thanks for the wonderful post!
Julie
April 27, 2019 9:46 pmHi Jess,
Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
Debbie
October 11, 2019 1:14 pmGreat bath salt gift idea, I have never used epsom.salt this way befotre, I am going to have to make me some, just readimg this I felt so peaceful and relaxed.
Julie
October 11, 2019 4:04 pmIt’s so easy to make! We are big fans at my house, especially my husband! I am making some to take to my daughter in college, in a few weeks. Thanks for reading Debbie 🙂
Amanda
April 26, 2019 2:51 pmThank you for sharing the bath salt recipes. I will have to try it. I have some lavender on hand.
Julie
April 26, 2019 4:17 pmGreat Amanda! I have made SO many batches of these bath salts now. I make them for gifts and I have to make a new batch for my husband about once a month! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Lex
January 13, 2019 2:29 pmLove your blog and this is a great gift idea! I may have to make this for myself too!
Julie
January 13, 2019 4:44 pmThanks so much Lex!
I have made several batches for my husband with different essential oil combinations. He is the one who loves to take baths often in our house! 🙂
Alison
January 1, 2019 9:55 amI love this, I’m definitely going to give it a go! I’ve pinned the recipe so I don’t forget it! I didn’t know the benefits of baking soda before, I have some in the cupboard so just need to get some Epsom salts. Thanks for posting.
Julie
January 1, 2019 2:28 pmHi Alison!
I love this recipe. My husband loves to take baths, so I have made several jars for him already. It’s so easy to make! Enjoy <3
Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Sophie Wentworth
December 19, 2018 5:58 pmI’ve never made my own before but it sounds like a fun thing to do and great to pick your own oils. I love epsom salts for muscle pain x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Julie
December 19, 2018 9:56 pmHi Sophi,
It’s so fun and easy to make your own bath salts! I like knowing exactly what is in products that I use. Yes, it’s awesome to pick your favorite essential oils. I am an essential oil lover, I have about 80 different oils! Enjoy! Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
Miss Blogs-A-Bit
December 19, 2018 1:34 pmThis is such a great idea for a gift! I’ve used epsom salts in my bath before but I didn’t realise just how many benefits they have – this post was an eye opener. Lavender is one of my favourite scents, along with patchouli and ylang ylang. You’ve inspired me to take a nice hot bath asap!
http://www.missblogsabit.com
Julie
December 19, 2018 9:58 pmHi Miss Blogs-A-Bit,
I have made a few for Christmas gifts already and may make a few more before next week! I love experimenting with different essential oil combinations for different scents and benefits! Thanks for visiting my blog!
Rachael Hope
December 17, 2018 1:48 pmI feel relaxed just reading this post ✌🏻 I love Epsom salts. I’ve not used them in a while though. This is a nice reminder! Thank you so much for sharing your bath salt recipes 🙂 Rach x
Julie
December 17, 2018 9:12 pmAfter sitting here at my computer, I could use an Epsom salt bath too, lol! My back would appreciate it! My daughter has a bit of a cold, so I told her I would make her one tomorrow, with eucalyptus and lavender perhaps! Thank you for visiting Rachel! 🙂
Carolina
December 12, 2018 6:10 pmWell merry Christmas to me. I absolutely love it. What a excellent way to unwind. Lavander and eucalyptus here I come.
Julie
December 12, 2018 7:49 pmHi Carolina,
Yes indeed, an excellent way to unwind! And a perfect gift for yourself 🙂 I like your idea of combining lavender and eucalyptus. There are so many great oils. It’s fun to try different blends!
Carla
December 10, 2018 10:30 amI’m loving your site Julie!!
Julie
December 12, 2018 4:10 pmThanks so much Carla! Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂