How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I had been wanting to make bath salts lately, since I love epsom salt in a bath.  Well, since my mom & one of my sisters have a birthday this month and both of them have been dealing with a bit of stress lately, I figured why wait.  It turned out quite nice... relaxing!  Here's the easy recipe I used:

• 1 cup of epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)- helps relieve sore muscles
• 1 cup of baking soda (bicarbonate soda)- it has a great softening effect on skin
• 2 Tbsp. of liquid glycerin- a skin protectant
• Several drops of essential oil- I used Lavender because it's calming and stress-relieving qualities.
• Food coloring- I don't plan on using this again.  It made the salts look very pretty, but it was an unnecessary step.

1.  Mix epsom salt and baking soda thoroughly.  My boys had a little fun before bedtime helping with this step!

2.  Add glycerin and essential oil.  Also add the food coloring, if you choose to.  Mix well.  I used my fingers to really break down the clumps.  The mixture was the consistency of nice beach sand.

3.  Add additional oil and coloring, if desired.  I used 6 drops of the lavender.


4.  Transfer mixture to a container with a good lid.  I used a canning funnel to help keep the salt off the threads of the jar.


5.  Let it stand at least 24 hours before using. The oil needs time to absorb into the salt.