DIY Bath Salts for Deep Body Relaxation

Aromatic baths are one of the most effective ways to help your body and mind relax.  The combination of the warm water, with the mineral packed salts and aromatherapeutic properties of essential oils, can instantly melt away emotional stress and physical tension.

The history of bathing in waters infused with medicinal and aromatic plants can be traced all the way back to ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans often prescribed bathing for healing skin ailments, relaxing the nervous system, soothing muscle aches and pains and purifying the spirit.

Today we can lean on this ancient practice, and create a healing bathing experience right in the comfort of our own homes.  All you need are some mineral rich salts, like epson, celtic, himalayan or from the dead sea, essential oils and a tiny bit of a carrier oil of your choice.

Taking 10 minutes to sit in a warm tub of scented water can offer long lasting health benefits and greatly improve our overall well-being.  Research has been showing again and again, how detrimental consistent stress has on our bodies.  And bathing regularly can instantly relax our nervous system, release muscle tension and quiet an overactive mind.

Here is a list of our top 5 essential oils for a DIY Bath Salts

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata):

Steam distilled from the resin of a craggy ancient tree found growing in India.  This species smells different from the Frankincense we may be more familiar with that is from Oman and Somalia, but it shares many similar healing benefits.  Calming to the nervous system, soothing to strained muscles, and easing inflammation, bathing in Frankincense can offer an experience of deep calm and relaxation while supporting the health and well-being of the skin.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia):

Squeezed directly from the Bergamot citrus fruit peels. Bergamot essential oil offers a very deep and quieting experience to our emotions. It is both uplifting and sedating, and can help us calm our nerves so we can sleep, while also encouraging us to feel more positive. Bergamot is a wonderful oil to help improve mood, and help us feel calmer and more in balance. It shares a unique molecule with Lavender which can be attributed to its powerful sedating properties.

Geranium (Graveolens asperum):

Steam distilled from the leaves of a fragrant bush that also has some beautiful pink flowers. The oil is loaded with molecules that encourage us to release worry and anxiety, and feel more balanced and calmer. The lightly grassy floral aroma immediately echoes in our hearts, and helps us to better navigate and regulate our emotions. It also shares similar molecules with Bergamot and Lavender, and helps enhance and support the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of Frankincense.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):

Steam distilled from the flowering tops of the Lavender herbaceous bush.  There have been countless studies over many years showing how Lavender reduces stress levels, soothes muscle aches and pain, and offers the experience of deep relaxation.  When blended together with Bergamot, Geranium and Frankincense, these sedating and anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties are further elevated.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea):

Steam distilled from the leaves of this earthy smelling herb that is a botanical relative of lavender, peppermint, and sage. Its aromatherapeutic properties include relaxing muscle tissue, deeply sedating our nervous system, helping us sleep and hushing away worry and over thinking.  Adding Clary Sage essential oil to an aromatic bath will instantly help create a powerful experience of relaxation.

Read below for How to Make DIY Bath Salts, for deep relaxation:

Makes one 4 oz jar of bath salts, that is good for 2 baths

What you’ll need:

• Measuring cups and spoons, or glass beakers
• A small mixing bowl
• Small metal spoon, or wooden popsicle stick for stirring
• 1 empty glass 4 oz jar
• Blank Labels
• Parchment Paper
• Paper towel

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of Bath Salts.  You can use epsom salts, celtic sea salts, dead sea salts or himalayan pink salts.
• 1 TBSP of Jojoba Oil
• 7 drops of Bergamot Oil
• 4 drops of Frankincense Root Oil
• 7 drops of Lavender Oil
• 3 drops of Geranium Oil
• 4 drops of Clary Sage Oil

Steps:

1. Before starting to make the recipe make sure the area where you will be blending is very clean.  That means wiping down counter spaces with rubbing alcohol and putting away any food items and extra clutter.  Once your counter space, or table top is clean, line the area with some parchment paper, pull your hair back and thoroughly wash your hands.
2. Set out all blending tools so they are easy to grab when needed.
3. Bring out all of your ingredients so they are accessible.
4. Using your measuring cups and spoons, measure out each ingredient separately into their own beaker or small bowl. Place the essential oils close by.
5. Pour your ½ cup of bath salts into a small mixing bowl. 
6. Next, add your essential oil drops (as listed above) into your 1 TBSP of Jojoba OIl which should be measured out separately in its own small glass beaker, or bowl.  Once all the essential oils are added into the Jojoba Oil, mix them together well.
7. Slowly pour your blended Jojoba Oil and essential oils into the bowl that has ½ cup of bath salts, and mix thoroughly.
8. Once everything is well combined, carefully spoon the mixture into your empty glass jar and cap tightly
9. Make up a name for your bath salt, and write the name and the ingredients on the label and attach to the jar.
10. Use half the jar per bath.

How to take an aromatic bath:

To reap the most benefits from your DIY bath salt recipe, it’s important that you prepare your bath correctly.

First run the bath water until you get the desired temperature. Plug the drain, and let the bath fill to the point where you are almost ready to get it.  But before you actually step into the water, pour in ½ your jar of bath salts and swish around, helping to dissolve the salts.  Next, slide into the tub and close your eyes!  And let the relaxing aromas and the mineral packed slats do their job in relaxing your body and mind.

It’s recommended to soak in the tub for at least 10-20 minutes, or until the water starts to cool. Try sitting in silence, avoid looking at your devices, or any screens, dim the lights and get as much of your body under the water as possible.

Aromatic baths are recommended for the evening, before going to sleep, as they can have a powerful effect on soothing the nervous system especially after a hectic work day, and help the body and mind prepare to rest.

Enjoy your bath and let us know how deeply it relaxed you!