Bath Salts, Soaks & More

You’ll find over a dozen recipes on this page for making your own luxurious bath soaks, salts, jelly and even bubble bath. Ingredients vary from powdered milk, Epsom salts, baking soda and even honey. Before mixing the ingredients, make sure that any herbs or oatmeal added are first ground finely (use a food processor if possible). This helps keep the water “clump free”.

First the soaks:

Cinnamon

1 cup powdered milk
1 cup baking soda
3 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS cream of tartar
1 1/2 TBS cinnamon

Herbal

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup cornstarch
2 TBS dried herbs (finely ground)

Oatmeal & Cinnamon

1 1/2 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup oatmeal (finely grind it first)
3 TBS cornstarch
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp cinnamon

*Note: Mix the next three recipes with 2 cups of hot water first before adding to tub

*Peppermint

1 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

*Almond Honey

1 TBS Almond Oil
1/4 cup honey (*omit honey if mixing ahead, add when using)
1 cup powdered milk

*Lavender

1 cup powdered milk
1/8 cup dried lavender

You could also use any of the recipes found on theherbal bath teas & bag recipes page, but since the ingredients would be loose in the bath instead of in a bag, make sure that you grind up the herbs and oatmeal first so they’re fine in texture.

Herbal Salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup dried herbs (finely ground)

Soothing Salts Soak

4 cups Epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup sea salt
2 TBS dried herbs (finely ground)

Tips:

• Store in airtight plastic containers or sterilized jars (such as mason jars or small & pretty jam jars). Shake the jar well before using.
• Unless otherwise noted, you can add as little or as much as you like to the bath…anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup should be plenty.
• If you like fragrant soaks, try mixing in a few drops of your essential oils or perfumes. I wouldn’t do this with recipes that contain dried herbs or spices already.
• For pretty colors, try adding a few drops of food coloring then shaking the jar really well. Don’t add too much though in case your tub gets stained.
• These can also be made in bulk and given as gifts in a jar–just omit any water (for those that require it) and include directions with each jar. For a nice touch include the recipe too so the recipient can make some more if they like.
• For more home spa treats, try these foot soaks.

Treat Your Skin With These Easy Recipes

Foaming Vanilla Honey

1 cup sweet almond oil (light olive or sesame oil may be substituted)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 TBS vanilla extract

• Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended.
• Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Enough for four large luxurious baths.
• Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water – then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

Source: Honey.com

Vanilla & Honey

1 cup sunflower oil
1/2 cup castile soap
1/4 cup honey
1 TBS vanilla

• Grate the castile soap and cover with a bit of water, heat until melted.
• Stir in the rest of the ingredients, add to running bath.

Lavender-Honey Milk

3 TBS dried lavender flowers*
1-1/2 cups whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 cup honey

• Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.
• *Dried lavender flowers can be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores.

Source: Honey.com

Milk & Honey

1 cup honey
1 cup boiling water
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sea salt
3 TBS baking soda

• First mix the honey and boiling water together, stirring until the honey is dissolved. Then add the milk, mixing well.
• Run the bath and dissolve the sea salt and baking soda in the running water.
• Pour in the honey/milk mixture.

Making Your Own Bath Jelly Is Easier Than You Think!

Jellies: These can be made as luxurious home spa goodies or they can be packaged for the kids (set with toys inside). Great to give as gifts. They may not bubble up as nicely as some liquid bubble baths, but definitely a nice treat.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup liquid soap (unscented–use shower gel, hand soap or bubble bath)
*Essential oil (choose your favorite–a few drops)

Directions:

• Bring water to a boil, remove from heat then slowly stir in and dissolve the gelatin. Slowly add liquid soap and stir to mix. Add essential oil, stir well.
• Pour liquid into a clean clear jar or container, seal and refrigerate overnight.

Once the mix gels, it’s ready to use. Just add a spoonful under running water in the tub for a bubbling treat (a tablespoon or two will do).

*If you wish, you can skip the essential oil and use liquid soaps that have a fragrance.

Notes: Use within a few weeks. Keep refrigerated and airtight to avoid mold.

Optional: Add a couple drops of food coloring when first mixing jelly to give it some color, don’t use too much though since it can stain tubs.

Gift Ideas: Package in small jars, add a decorative label and embellish with ribbons or trims. You can put a small toy or object in the jelly when first poured, it will set inside. Make in small batches at a time so it can be used within weeks.

Ingredients For Making Homemade Bubble Bath

Homemade Bubble Bath:

Here’s an easy recipe that you can customize to your own preference by mixing favorite scents–also ditches harsh perfumes and chemicals that some commercial ones use.

Ingredients:

1 pint distilled water (warm)
bar of castile soap (2 ounces)
liquid glycerin (2 ounces)
essential oils (lavender, orange, etc.)

Directions:

• Shave the bar of soap into a bowl then add the water and liquid glycerin. Stir to mix well.
• Allow to sit until the soap shavings are soft then stir with a wooden spoon to mix smooth.
• Add your favorite essential oils, stir then pour bubble bath into mason jars, seal with lid.

If you’re making this to give as a gift, add labels that include the ingredients and decorate the jar with raffia, ribbon, charms or whatever embellishments you like.

Source: Green Made Easy by Chris Prelitz