How to Make Bath Salts

Homemade bath salts are one of the easiest gift items to make. They are also one of the best alternatives to the commercial bath products not to mention cheaper. Especially for those who have allergic reactions or just don't like how the more commercial products dry out their skin. Homemade bath salts are viable because it is YOU who decide what goes into the salts.

The basic ingredients are table salt, baking soda and Epsom salt. Some also like to use Borax such as 20 Mule Team.

Add salts to a large bowl in these amounts:

3 parts Epsom

2 parts baking soda

1 part table salt or Borax

Mix well. This is now your base to make any variety of bath salts that you desire. If you want to make 2-3 different types, just divide base into parts and place in separate bowls.

Use plain food coloring to add color to the salts. Let it drop in slowly and stir with a spoon. If using several colors, mix in a large spoon before adding it to the salts. Add many drops for a darker color. Mix until evenly distributed. Now add EO's, drop by drop until scent seems right. Mix until all of the salt is moistened.

Place in a tightly sealed jar. To use: add 2T-1/2C in a full, warm bath. Mix with your hands.

Here are some examples:

Flower Bath Salts

3 parts Palma Rosa

2 parts lavender

1 drop Rose

Color: Pink

Healing Bath Salt

3 parts Niaouli

2 parts Eucalyptus

1 part sandalwood

Color: Dark Blue

Herbal Milk Bath Salts

* This recipe has dulse, a type of seaweed that can easily be found in health food stores.

2 cups rock salt
1 cup of table salt
2 cups baking soda
1 cup finely ground oatmeal
2 T of your favorite dried mint
4 T of crumbled dulse (sea weed)

Crumble the mint and dulse and then add to the remaining ingredients. Fill a muslin bag with this recipe so that cleaning the tub is less of a chore. Package in decorative jar.

Fizzing Rose Petal Bath Salts

1-cup baking soda
3/4-cup citric acid
3 T cornstarch
1/2-cup sea salt
handful of gently crushed dried rose petals (you can buy these or use your own fresh from the garden)

Combine all of the above ingredients and pack in a jar. It is really important to keep these ingredients extremely dry or the fizzing will take place without you. How much you use per bath is completely up to you, but I suggest a filter in the drain to catch the rose petals.