by Charlotte Howard

Created on: August 18, 2008

Before embarking on the journey of making your own bath salts using essential oils, you need to be aware that the oils hold different properties and it is important that you research these thoroughly as they can have adverse reactions if not used properly. For example, it is not advisable for pregnant women or people with certain conditions to use essential oils.

INGREDIENTS

To make bath salts, you need to have the right ingredients and equipment. Make sure that you have a clear table, and place a cloth over it, especially if it is a table you eat at. You do not want to contaminate either the product or the area!

*1/2 cup Epsom Salt
*1/2 cup Sea Salt
*1/4 cup Citric Acid
*1/4 cup Corn Starch
*5 - 6 tablespoons Baking Soda
*Liquid Glycerine
*Essential Oils
*Plastic or Metal Bowl
*Wooden Spoon
*Glass Storage Jars

METHOD

Making the salts is very simple. But, before starting, make sure you protect your skin by wearing gloves and an apron.

1. Pour the salts, corn starch and baking soda into the bowl.

2. Add three to four drops of your preferred essential oils and two to three drops of liquid glycerine. Stir.

3. Add the citric acid last. This is used to add a bit of fizz to your bath.

4. Mix thoroughly, using the wooden spoon before pouring into the glass storage jars.

It is best to let the salts stand for a few days before using as this lets the oils soak into the salts, giving the optimum scent.

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

In this recipe we have added liquid glycerine as a moisturizer, but there are also several other ingredients that you can add in small quantities.

Moisturizers:

*Ground Oatmeal
*Sunflower Oil
*Sweet Almond Oil
*Grapeseed Oil
*Milk Powder
*Shea Oil

Exfoliators:

*Ground Pumice
*Poppy Seeds

Added vitamins and minerals:

*Vitamin E Capsule
*Jojoba Oil
*Avocado Oil

You may be wondering if you really need to use essential oils or whether you could get away with using fragrance oils instead. Well, you can, but fragrance does not hold the same aromatherapy properties as essence and can fail to give you the experience you require.

Relaxation:

*Lavender
*Chamomile
*Frankincense
* Neroli
*Ylang Ylang

Uplifting:

*Euculyptus
*Peppermint
*Citrus Fruits
*Jasmine

Healing:

*Euculyptus
*Clary Sage
*Basil
*Calendula
*Sandalwood

Experiment with different scents by mixing some together. The only other thing to do with your new found talent is to use them! Add them to your warm bath, and let the aromas surround you, inhaling deeply.

Making bath salts can be purely selfish, but why not put them in decorated glass jars and give them to family and friends as birthday or Christmas presents? They will be greatly appreciated and used.

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