Though the name is misleading, epsom salt isn’t really a salt, but rather a naturally occurring, pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is used in the body to help regulate the activity of over 325 enzymes, reduce inflammation, help muscle and nerve function, and help prevent artery hardening. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and ease migraine headaches.
Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the associated health benefits. Experts suggest that taking regular epsom salt baths can help you look better, feel better, and gain more energy. And, of course, when essential oils are added to the mix, the health benefits increase and can be customized to your specific needs.
Making your own epsom salt bath blends is really easy! Feel free to use whatever essential oils you feel your body needs.
EPSOM SALT BATH BLENDS
INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES:
- 1 cup (240 g) Epsom Salt
- 15 drops essential oil (see blend ideas below)
- PET Jar
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine essential oils with salt in the PET Jar.
- To use, dissolve 1/4–1/2 cup (60–120 g) of this bath salt mixture in warm bathwater before bathing.
ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS:
| Relaxing Bliss: 5 drops lavender 5 drops petitgrain 3 drops fennel 2 drops orange |
Soothe Your Troubles: 4 drops lavender 4 drops Roman chamomile 4 drops cedarwood 3 drops lemongrass |
Refreshed and Ready to Go: 5 drops peppermint 4 drops lavender 3 drops grapefruit 3 drops lemongrass |
| Uplifting Bath: 5 drops juniper berry 3 drops orange 3 drops lime |
Invigorating Bath: 3 drops cypress 2 drops bergamot 2 drops orange |
Refreshing Calm: 5 drops petitgrain 5 drops ylang ylang 5 drops orange |
| Warming Bath: 2 drops black pepper 5 drops juniper berry 5 drops lavender |
Relax in the Woodlands: 1 drop spikenard 1 drop vetiver 5 drops cedarwood 10 drops white fir 4 drops cypress |
A Night of Romance: 5 drops ylang ylang 2 drops geranium 2 drops rose 2 drops orange 1 drop sandalwood |
| Relaxing Bath for Men: 5 drops sandalwood 4 drops orange 2 drops vetiver |
Soothing Bath for Women: 4 drops grapefruit 4 drops clary sage 4 drops ylang ylang 3 drops geranium |
Good Morning, Sunshine: 4 drops rosemary 6 drops grapefruit 5 drops petitgrain |
Tip: If you have a bottle of essential oil that is pretty much empty, remove the orifice reducer and cap, and place the bottle in a cup of epsom salt. Allow it to sit for a couple days, and the epsom salt will absorb all the essential oil remaining in the bottle and scent your bath salts!
Bath salts are something everyone can use, and they make great gifts! You can also use this simple recipe in an essential oil make-and-take class—just provide the epsom salt, jars, essential oils, cute vinyl labels, and recipes; then let your attendees have some fun putting their own bath salts together!
Sources:
Modern Essentials™: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
Healing Oils: 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy by Carol Schiller & David Schiller
The Oily Guru 