This tutorial will show you how to make bath salts with Epsom salts, herbs, and essential oils. The result is layers of herbs and fragrant bath salts in a glass jar for a beautiful gift presentation.
Making bath salts is a fun and easy craft, and makes a great gift for any time of year. This project starts with Epsom salts and essential oils. Then you add layers of dried herbs for added beauty and relaxation. Best of all, it looks so pretty in the jar.
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The materials for this project include Epsom salts, which have long been used to soothe achy joints and sore muscles. Layered with herbs like lavender, known for relaxation, calendula, and rose petals to soften skin, this "salon in a jar," is as wonderful to look at, as it is to use in the tub.
Note: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about using these materials please check with your doctor first.
Ingredients
- Epsom Salts (aka magnesium sulfate)
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Lavender
- Calendula
- Peppermint
- Rose Petals
- Muslin Bags
Making Homemade Bath Salts
- Pour some of the Epsom salts into a jar. I used about 1 cup to this pint-sized mason jar.
- Next, add 20 drops of lavender essential oil and stir.
- Followed by 1/2 cup of rose petals, lavender, calendula flowers, and 1/4 cup of peppermint.
- Add a little drawstring muslin bag on top.
Herbs for Bath Salts
In this recipe, I'm using calendula for its sunny yellow look and skin softening abilities, lavender, rose petals, and peppermint for a little lift. You can layer the herbs in any order you want. Increase or decrease the amounts. Add or subtract the herbs. Other choices are rosemary, lemon balm, chamomile, and sage.
Essential Oils for Bath Salts
The most commonly used oil is lavender essential oil known for promoting relaxation and easing tension.
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However, you should feel free to use whatever scents you love in this recipe. Perhaps you are not looking for a relaxing bath but an uplifting bath. Try lemongrass, eucalyptus, sweet orange, or grapefruit essential oils. Or try making a blend of two or more.
Use a pretty Weck jar like this one instead of the mason jar. Honestly, you can use any kind of jar. Maybe you have been saving glass jars from salsa or pickles to recycle. They would work well too. You could cover the lids with fabric or spray paint them to disguise their original purpose.
Free Printable:
Click on the image above for a pdf sheet of the tag to use as a label for your salts.
Homemade gifts are some of the best ways to thank those you love during the holidays, and really any time of year.
Making herbal bath salts, like this one in a jar, has the added bonus of looking pretty all on its own. Perfect for anyone on your list who loves soaking in a hot bath. However, even if someone is more of a shower person, I think they would love to display the jar as part of their bathroom decor.
Bath Salt Recipe
Equipment
- Spoon
Materials
- Epsom Salts
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Lavender
- Calendula
- Peppermint
- Rose Petals
- Muslin Bags
- Glass Jar
Instructions
- Pour some of the Epsom salts into a jar. I used about 1 cup to this pint-sized mason jar.
- Next, add 20 drops of lavender essential oil and stir.
- Followed by 1/2 cup of rose petals, lavender, calendula flowers, and 1/4 cup of peppermint.
- Add a little drawstring muslin bag on top.
- Print out the instruction card and tie it to the rim of the jar.
Madeline Alicea-Rivera
yeah I seem to get bitten a lot more since I've been diagnosed with lupus and it no matter if I use bug sprays or what if I use fresh lemon balm and peppermint or mint in my Epsom salt scrub will it work as a repellent and also firm skin
Patti Estep
Madeline, I'm sorry to hear you have Lupus. I don't know if that will help for sure, but I would guess it could not hurt.
Maggie
This looks lovely but am I missing the carrier oil used? Coconut, almond, grapeseed, etc.? My skin has always had a bad reaction using essential oils in a bath without a carrier oil and I have never seen a recipe without one. Why does this one not need it, is there something is this recipe that makes it unnecessary? Thanks so much for clarifying!
Patti Estep
Maggie, normally you need a carrier oil to mix with essential oils before applying them to the skin. However, in this case, you are mixing them in with Epsom salts. Then the salts and natural herbs are added to the bath. It's not very different than buying scented bath salts. You probably could add a little bit of coconut oil to the mix, though some people don't like the film that oil leaves in the tub. That being said it could be that you are sensitive to the oils so do what is best for you.
Beth Bower
I can't wait to do these! We are on QUITE a budget so this will be a great gift to give! Thank you for your ideas!
Patti Estep
They make great gifts Beth. Enjoy!
Kacey
Love this! How long will the jars stay good for?
Patti Estep
Hi Kacey,
The essential oils and herbs will fade a bit over time but they should last for several months.
Shellie Wilson
I love the use of herbs in the recipe, thanks for sharing
Pale Blue Corner
What a great gift idea, thanks for it!
Cheers,
Emese
Theresa @DearCreatives
Love the Week Jars. I need to try this. Thanks for joining us at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared.
Cristina at Ava's Alphabet
Gorgeous! What an elegant and pampering gift! Pinned and sharing. Thank you for linking up at Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party this week. We hope to see you back again starting Sunday at 12 EST.
Lisa Silfwerbrand
This look heavenly Patti! I love using herbs in the bath... they are always so calming and smell wonderful <3 Thank you for linking your recipe up to the Inspiration Galore Project Party last week. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely weekend.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Thanks for this - I've bee looking into essential oils more lately and this is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing at the Share the Wealth Sunday party - we hope to see you again soon!
Sheila
I love these oils and homemade ideas for me and gifts
Rebeckah
I love this so much!
creativejewishmom/sara
Love it, and a great gift! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!