The Modern Herbalist: Making Bath Salts

The Modern Herbalist had been paying up to $12 for 16 oz. of bath salts, when she realized she could make them herself out of salt and essential oil. A cheap and easy solution for the person who likes a warm, soaking bath on a regular basis.

If you're not yet sold on bath salts, consider this. The salts are detoxifying and softening to the skin, the essential oils smell great, and the mere process of relaxing into a warm tub of water is therapeutic even without aromatherapy oils. But it's nicer with all the trimmings so don't forget soothing music and candlelight.

You will need:

1 cup epsom salts
1 cup sea salt

OR

all epsom salt or all sea salt
10-15 drops, in all, of one or more essential oils
A widemouth half-pint mason jar

You can use any number of different essential oils to perfume your salts. I chose lavender and lemon balm because a) I had them lying around and b) they are both relaxing, stress relieving herbs. It also helps that they smell great together. Check out any inexpensive aromatherapy guide for more on which oils are good for what, and how to blend them.

How to Make the Salts:

1. Measure the two cups of salt into the mason jar.
2. Measure in your 10-15 drops of oil.
3. Stir thoroughly with a chopstick.
4. Cover the jar and shake vigorously.
5. Keep tightly covered when not in use to prevent sticky, moist salt. Otherwise, it's ready to use.

Now, pour yourself a warm bath, light the candles, and take a long, relaxing soak. Then see Making Herbal Candles for another fun project...

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