I use Epsom salt and essential oils. I usually buy my Epsom salt in a "1/2 gallon" size milk carton and I like to use lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils. The amount you use depends on how much scent you want. I like a very fragrant bath and will use about 1/2 tsp. of each for a "1/2 gallon" of Epsom salt. Put the salt in a larger container with a lid. Pour on the oils you want. Shake vigorously and return to the milk carton or other airtight container.

Epsom salt gets lumpy when exposed to damp bathroom air. For a standard bathtub use about 1 cup of salts. For one of those garden style tubs use 2 cups. Soak for about 20 minutes for the full effect of the salts. It is well worth it and your tired aching muscles will be so very happy with you. Don't forget a good book.
Valerie

A Quick Pick-Up for Mom

I was recently at a MOPS group meeting and we made colored, scented, moisturizing bath salts. Here's how we did it:

2 cups Epsom salts
1 tsp. glycerin
a few drops of food coloring
a few drops of scented oil

Mix Epsom salts and glycerin in a baggie, add food coloring and scented oil to desired color and smell.
Tiffany

Gifts, Too!

I made bath salts as Christmas gifts for family, friends and coworkers last year. They were so pretty and smelled so good that I had requests for more throughout the year. This recipe is truly the frugal way to go, all the ingredients are inexpensive and make lots of bath salts.

What you need:

Small Clear or Opaque Bottles with tops or stoppers. I picked these up at yard sales and dollar stores throughout the year. You can also use small jars with lids and decorate with fabric.
Epsom Salts
Scented Potpourri Oil
Food Coloring
Scraps of ribbon or small bath puffs on hanging cords in different colors. These come in packs of 3 different colors at dollar stores.

Pour enough Epsom salts to fill several jars into a plastic and throwaway container. Add a few drops of food coloring until desired color is achieved. Add a few drops of scented oil in the salts. I used a small funnel to fill the bottles. Tie the bath puffs or matching ribbon around the top of the bottles to decorate.

I made pink salts with black cherry oil, blue salts with freesia oil and purple salts with lavender oils. They smell so good and make the water very soft. Some said they are too pretty to use and just sit them in the bathroom as decoration! One co-worker keeps hers on her desk and when she wants a lift, pulls out the stopper and sniffs!
S.

An Unusual Recipe

2 Boxes Baking Soda
2 Boxes Table Salt
2 oz. Oil (I use tanning oil)
2 oz. Vanilla Extract

Put in plastic bag and mix. Optional: can use lemon juice instead of vanilla extract. I stored in Betty Crocker plastic cake icing containers but can store in nice glass or plastic containers and decorate the lid with seashells.
Judy

Scented on Purpose

In a glass bowl, I mix about 1 cup of Epsom salts, a couple tablespoons of oil (preferably almond, but olive oil will do), and 6 or so drops of essential oil(s) for a bath that is relaxing and soothing. The essential oils can be chosen depending on the purpose of the bath. I always use a little lavender and add chamomile for calming, rose for romantic, peppermint/eucalyptus/lemon for congestion, and any of the citrus oils (no lavender) for refreshing. Even my children love these baths. Be careful when exiting the tub, as the oil can make it a little slippery.

Also, if you use a finer salt (sea salt), in place of the Epsom salt, and add another tbsp. or so of oil (so its all quite moist), you can stand in the bath and scrub your body gently (avoid the face). Then let the salts fall to the tub when done and then run the water for a bath. Your skin will feel incredibly smooth.
Margaret

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