Thinking about a nice long, hot bath is what gets me through some days. Escaping the children with a magazine and a glass of wine is the reward for surviving a looooong afternoon. You know, the days when one kid has the flu, another one has a ridiculous homework project, and, oh, here comes another school holiday.
Homemade bath salts were one of my very first DIY projects. I made them for my mom and sister for Mother’s Day and was so ridiculously proud of myself. Like I had solved world peace or something. We might not be saving the world, but taking a few minutes to make yourself these lavender bath salts might help you keep your sanity.
I need to get back into the habit of making gifts for holidays and birthdays. Recently I went down the rabbit hole of zero waste Instagrammers, and every post looks so calm and serene. My son just had his 8th birthday; I felt guilty because it was insanity and now we’re drowning in Legos. The holidays and special occasions need to slooow dowwwn.
Okay, enough internal angst. Back to bath salts. Maybe just the thing I need to pause for a moment of zen.
How to make lavender bath salts
You’ll need:
- Epsom salt
- Kosher salt or sea salt
- Dried herbs
- Essential oils
- A resealable container
Lavender is a commonly used herb because it calms and relaxes. The scent of fresh lavender soothes your mind and body, promoting better, deeper sleep. You can also use chamomile, rosemary or even dried rose petals.
Epsom salt makes an excellent bath salt base because it has so many bath benefits for aches and pains. I start with 2 cups of Epsom salt and 1 cup of another salt. You can also add 1/2 – 1 cup of baking soda or Bentonite clay.
Mixing up the salt and oils in a Ziploc bath really helps distribute the scent. If you’re avoiding plastic, a large bowl will do. I usually mix up a big batch and keep it by the tub so it’s easy to scoop in.
More homemade bath salt ideas
1. Vanilla: I made another version with vanilla extract and a vanilla bean. It smells amazing!
2. Colors: You can make colored bath salts by adding a few drops of food coloring when you combine the salt in the Ziploc. This wasn’t food coloring, but my kids loved the green color.
3. Aromatherapy: Essential oils do more than just add relaxation. Try one of these aromatherapy bath salt blends for for cold and flu, sore muscles, allergies and everything in between.
4. Energizing: A post-lunch bath is the a perfect way to perk up energy levels. This refreshing mint and lime recipe is perfect for summer soaking!
Lavender Bath Salts
Equipment
- Ziploc bag
- Container with lid
Materials
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup Kosher salt or sea salt
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil or other carrier oil
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- A resealable container
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups of Epsom salt with 1 cup of kosher salt in a Ziploc bag.
- Separately, combine the carrier and the essential oils.
- Add the oils to the bag and squish around to distribute the oil.
- Pour the salt into a resealable container and top with a couple of tablespoons of dried herbs.
- Add 1/2 -1 cup to a warm bath and enjoy.
I’ve made this recipe previously with pink salt and rose petals and rose Otto oil. Smelt and felt heavenly snd if houbaff Oil I can have an rxgoliator for your hands/feet as well
Thanks
Do you need to use essential oils or can you just use the herbs? How long does it need to sit together with salt for the aroma to be absorbed? Thanks!
Super simple and great results! Thank you!
these are great recipes. Trying to make up some of my own fragrances and these have helped.
the vanilla bath salts recipe sounds great. I just wanted to know about quantities for that and where you can buy epsom and kosher salt from. Are there any subsitutes? I can only really work with what I’ve got in my own kitchen…
Thank you!
I know this reply is long after you question but I was just passing by. For a couple of $$$ you can buy epsom salt anywhere. You can also buy some nice salt at San Francisco SAlt company. Join their email list and wait for a sale.
Just looking through your amazing recipes and the vanilla bath salts recipe sounds great. I just wanted to know about quantities for that and where you can buy epsom and kosher salt from. Are there any subsitutes? I can only really work with what I’ve got in my own kitchen…
Thank you!
On your vanilla salt bath how much salt and how much vanilla extract? I want to make a vanilla orange one. Thanks your salts look amazing.
Do you worry or have you had problems with it clogging your drain?
This is one of my favourite things to gift up! Especially with lavender.
wow, this looks like such a treat! i really need to indulge more in baths. i somehow never take the time (maybe I should hop off this computer and go for it!).
ps: loved your last post. I remember during pregnancy it was ALL about the maxi!
Funny you should ask about the dining room table…my husband commented just tonight about that. Was thinking maybe I was the only one with that problem. WHEW! So nice to know I’m not! Still, I’m working on cleaning it up, if I HAVE to. Love your recent jewelry posts, by the way…one of my dining room table projects.
I have a huge bunch of lavender drying in the kitchen right now. I was going to bake with it, but I’m a little scared to, so this is perfect timing! And I have the essential oil too–just need the epsom salt.
I’ve been meaning to give scrub making a try for awhile now. I might just make some as favors for my sister’s baby shower!
Oh, this sounds so nice! I would LOVE to have a nice bath with those. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Love these ideas! Its so cool that you can make your own bath salts and I love how they look in the jars. My dining room table is barren right now…I am feeling uninspired in the crafty department.
Oh, I love these Stephanie. I could go for a soak in one of them right about now. I’m really hurtin’ after my Personal Training session on Monday and treadmill today. I’m ready for bed too so I’ll save this for the weekend I think.
Anne xx