What are bath salts and why should I use them? Great questions. Bath salts are derived from nutrients and minerals, which dissolve quickly in water and enhance your bath experience by providing not only relaxation but other health benefits as well. They aren’t necessarily salt, but merely resemble the crystals that make up common salt (for instance, Epsom Salt is actually not a salt at all, but rather a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate). These nutrients and minerals help make your skin look smooth, eliminate impurities in your skin, draw toxins out of your body, may lower blood pressure, minimize insomnia, help treat sore and tired muscles, and treat various skin issues, like eczema, psoriasis, and general itchiness.

There are many options for making bath salts. By combining different components (Epsom salt, Dead Sea Salt, Pink Himalayan Salt, baking soda, etc.) and adding essential oils, you are able to customize your product, giving you the bath experience that you prefer, or is most beneficial to you. Bath salts are naturally white in appearance, but you may add color to them if you like, by adding drops of food coloring. That is a totally personal choice (I don’t do this extra step, but many people like the color to match the scent).

This easy recipe calls for Epsom Salt and your favorite Citrus Essential Oil (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Tangerine, or Citrus Fresh). That’s it! Though personally, I like to add baking soda, since it’s so good for your body’s natural pH levels (just another benefit). Citrus essential oils are high in d-limonene, naturally invigorating, and just plain smell wonderful!

CITRUS OIL BATH SALTS

Ingredients:

• 4 C Epsom Salt
• 2 C Baking Soda
• 15 – 20 drops of your favorite Citrus Essential Oil (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Tangerine, Citrus Fresh, Grapefruit), or any combination thereof.

Instructions:

Mix ingredients well in a nonporous bowl. Transfer into a glass jar and store in a cool, dry place. Use 1/4 ~ 1/2 cup per bath. Relax and enjoy!