When the weather starts to cool down heading into winter, it makes me glad I have a giant bath tub to slide into on the chilly nights. It is definitely the kind of weather that is perfect for soaking in the tub.
I’m usually a bubble bath kinda girl, but sometimes I like to mix it up and use plain bath salts instead. This is a super easy recipe to whip up and you can store the bath salts in a jar or resealable pouch until you need them.
Key Ingredients
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt also known as magnesium sulphate have many benefits:
- Muscle Relaxation: Epsom salts are often used in baths to help relax muscles and relieve pain or cramps. The magnesium in Epsom salts is absorbed through the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and improve muscle and nerve function.
- Stress Relief: Taking an Epsom salt bath can promote relaxation and reduce stress by increasing the levels of magnesium in the body, which helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain.
- Improved Skin Health: Epsom salt baths can help to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother, softer skin. It can also be beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Detoxification: Epsom salt baths are believed to help draw out toxins from the body, although scientific evidence supporting this is limited.
- Improved Sleep: Magnesium helps to regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, potentially aiding in better sleep quality.
- Pain Relief: Epsom salts can help to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt, often pink in color and mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan, is prized for its potential health benefits and diverse uses:
- Mineral Content: Himalayan salt contains trace amounts of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for various bodily functions.
- Electrolyte Balance: Due to its mineral content, it can help maintain electrolyte balance in the body, which is crucial for muscle function and hydration.
- Detoxification: Some believe that Himalayan salt can help detoxify the body by drawing out toxins through the skin when used in baths.
- Respiratory Health: Inhaling salt-infused air from Himalayan salt lamps or salt caves can help improve respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
- Improved Digestion: Himalayan salt can stimulate digestive enzymes, potentially aiding in better digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Skin Health: When used in baths or as a scrub, it can help exfoliate the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve conditions like eczema and acne.
Macadamia Oil
Adding a little bit of macadamia oil takes these bath salts up a notch to more of a luxurious feel.
Macadamia oil is an excellent emollient, meaning it can deeply moisturize and soften the skin. It helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss. The oil is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, providing long-lasting hydration and a smooth feel.
Lavender Essential Oil
No relaxing bath would be complete without the addition of some lavender essential oil. This is my “go to” essential oil. I use it in everything from face creams, soap, candles, diffusers, and of course in the bath.
Other essential oil options for a relaxing bath include geranium, ylang ylang and rose geranium.
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Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil$12.00 – $149.00
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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil$15.00 – $329.00
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Rose Geranium Essential Oil$15.00 – $359.00
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Geranium Essential Oil$22.00 – $369.00
Bath Salts Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups of Epsom Salts
1 cup of Himalayan Salt (finely ground)
1Tbsp Macadamia Oil
4ml Lavender Essential Oil (there are approximately 20 drops per ml – so 4ml would be 80 drops)
Step One:
Combine the Epsom and Himalayan salts into a mixing bowl. Mix with your hands to work out any clumps.
Step Two:
Add the macadamia and essential oils. Mix well.
Step Three:
Pour into your container of choice. I like to use an old fashioned glass bail jar with a cute wooden scoop. But I also have a few bags tucked away in resealable pouches which I use to refill my jar.