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 the day. 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 herbal 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. 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 posts 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 slow things down.
What you’ll need:
- Epsom salt
- Kosher salt or sea salt
- Dried herbs
- Essential oils
- A resealable container
- Decoration like ribbon or gift tags if giving as a gift
What herbs should I use?
I made lavender and mint versions. Lavender is a commonly used herb because it calms and relaxes as well as helps you sleep. Mint is one of my favorite scents! Use mint if you want an energizing bath or a soak to boost your mood. You can also use chamomile, rosemary or even dried rose petals.
Instructions
1. Combine 2 cups of Epsom salt with 1 cup of kosher salt in a Ziploc bag.
2. Add 8-12 drops of essential oil and squish around to distribute the oil.
3. Pour the salt into a resealable container and top with a couple of tablespoons of dried herbs. Or you can mix in the herbs if you like.
4. Decorate container with ribbon for an easy homemade gift.
5. To use, add a few spoonfuls to a hot bath and enjoy!
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.
3. Moisturizing: Add a couple of tablespoons of almond oil when mixing the salt together and you’ll add serious moisture to your bath.
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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!
It’s simple and quickly made. Thank you for sharing nice idea. It is useful to me and my family.
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