Need some relaxation, some down-deep thawing of frozen extremities, some relief from soreness or tired muscles?
It might be time for a nice, hot soak!
Because the way our bathrooms are situated, I’m usually a quickie-shower gal, but whenever I have time and access, I love a long, fragrant hot soak in the bathtub. Candles, music, phone off the hook, the works… it’s one of the more basic and affordable luxuries to be had right at home.
About a year ago, I ran across the “recipe” for homemade bath salts, and it was so easy I decided to give it a try. My skin is very sensitive to detergents and certain fragrances, but seems to do fine with sea salts and such, so I gave this a try, and really loved its ease and end result.
Here’s the simple formula:
1 cup sea salt (not iodized regular table salt)
1 cup epsom salts
2 teaspoons baking soda (optional, for skin softness)
10 or more drops your favorite essential oil
That’s really how simple it is!
(After a nice soak in salts, I usually do a quick shower rinse.) The bath salts don’t produce any bubbles, so if you want them just add your favorite foaming gel or sudsing soap.
Or you might do like my Grandma and add a squirt of Palmolive liquid dish soap we used as bubble bath when we were at her house as kids ( “Madge, I soaked in it,” indeed). She had a hard time getting me out of that warm bathwater after I’d filled it with a lot of hot water and drifts of suds. (the bubbles were great for pretending we had old man beards or bodacious bosoms, ha!)
Water temps should be monitored for anyone with a physical condition it might aggravate…possible cautions are in place for those with heart or vascular conditions, blood pressure issues, pregancy, etc…according to your own doc’s recommendations.
Personally, I love my water as hot as comfort will allow 
Anyway, the epsom salts/sea salt combination is wonderful for detoxifying the skin and really taking the ache out of sore muscles…there’s almost nothing like a warm soak in them before bedtime, sipping a favorite beverage and bundling up clean and fragrant and relaxed. Playing around with the choices of essential oils is the fun part of stirring up these bath salts…last year I made patchouli (you either love it or hate it) for a friend and peppermint for my daughter. With my next batches, I’d like to layer more herbal scents, citrus, green tea in the future.
Do you have a favorite fragrance? Happy soaking!
Oh yes…and Happy New Year!
I’m actually not much of a bath person.
I love baths but don’t get to take them often: my butt’s so big I have to sit sideways in the tub which isn’t particularly comfortable. When I go to my mother in law’s I often bathe there though she has a jacuzzi tub so no bubbles just nice jets of hot water.
Oooh, this sounds nice. I love, love, love a hot bath. I love to be red all over when I get out. This will be on my to-do list for the next week or so. I’m smelling the lavender right now…..
Beth
Oh, I forgot to ask a question I got so caught up in the idea of a hot bath
How much do you use in the tub?
Beth
Susy
HH, I don’t get them that often either, and I’m not going to venture into the realm of admitting to the size of my behind, ha
Beth, I use about a cup, but it’s up to your personal preference
I’m intrigued.. I don’t often have time for a soak, but this sounds like pure joy.
In my own defensive (and to sound defensive!) it’s not so much the size of my butt (well, it is) but more the size of the tub. It’s not a standard size tub; it’s shorter and more narrow, thus if you aren’t anorexic you can’t sit in it.
Shelby, yes
HH….now you have me laughing! I’ve seen some of those smaller tubs and yep, how do people fit into them?
I made bath salts a few years ago as presents and they are an easy, simple pleasure. I don’t remember adding the baking soda, but I think I will give that a try next time. And, you’re right about patchouli Robbyn….I happen to love it, but I know some people can’t stand it and even get ill from the smell! Thanks for bringing this up. I love a good, hot soak!
Thanks , for posting this recipe. I plan to make and use these bath salts , often in 2009. Need to take more time to pamper myself , this sounds wonderful …….. a good soak , a glass of homemade wine …… my own little oasis.
~ New Year Blessings ~
JoyceAnn
I love my homemade bath salts. For years I was sort of hung up on lavender but I have been branching out and mixing other things in lately. I love sandalwood and rose mixed together. I also tried lemongrass and ginger recently and really enjoyed it.
Making bath salts is great. I suffer from migraines from time to time. I make a bit with rosemary essential oil. It helps with headaches.
Last year i renovated my house,& I got a jacuzzi tub fitted in my bathroom. I am a bathing person & i feel it is the best way to relax (after a hectic day at the office).I can spend hours in the warm water, it revives my energy & tones up my body. This weekend I will try the homemade bath salts & i hope it will relax my muscles.
After trying this , I will share my experience with you.
Thanks