How to Make Bath Salts

A good soak in a hot bath infused with Epsom salts and aromatics relaxes the body and soothes the senses. You can buy a variety of bath salts, but they are easy to make at home. Even better, you can customize homemade versions with your favorite essential oils. Follow these tips to make a batch for your next bath, or package it in a jar with a festive bow to give as a gift this holiday season.

Supplies

• 1 quart-size canning jar (or four 8-oz. jars for gift-giving)
• 2 ½ cups Epsom salts, extra fine
• ¼ cup pink or white sea salt, medium grain (optional)
• ¼ cup pink or white sea salt, coarse grain (optional)

Add-Ins for Relaxation

• 1–2 ml (about 20–40 drops) essential oil, such as lavender or rose
• 3 tbs. dried lavender
• 3 tbs. cornflower or rose petals or other dried flowers

Add-Ins for Energizing

• 1–2 ml (about 20–40 drops) essential oil, such as grapefruit, orange, lemon, or peppermint
• Dried zest from one orange, grapefruit, or lemon
• 2 tbs. dried herbs, such as rosemary or mint

Directions

1. Mix salts together in a large bowl.

2. Add oil, dried flowers or zest, and herbs, if using, and stir well.

3. Store in glass jars. Your salts will keep ­indefinitely, but fragrances will begin to fade after six months.

Tip: To use, place in a sachet to retain dried flowers and prevent clogged pipes.

This originally appeared as “How to Make Your Own Bath Salts” in the December 2020 print issue of Experience Life.