For years I’ve been enjoying Epsom salt baths.  Recently, I started adding two additional ingredients that have increased the healing benefits of my bath.  My favorite bath salt recipe now includes Epsom salt, baking soda and sea salt. Adding baking soda and sea salt helps heal skin irritations and small wounds, as well as, easing sore muscles and improving relaxation.

Benefits of Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)

The relationship between Epsom salt and health was first discovered over 400 years ago in Epsom, Surrey. An English farmer discovered the “bitter water” in his wells had healing properties for skin and injuries. 

Today, Epsom salt is still used for its medicinal properties to ease aches and pains, as well as detoxify the body.  The minerals “draw out” toxins says this article. In water, Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate getting into your body through the skin. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath will improve:

• Muscle cramps and sore muscles
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Bruises and sprains
• Sunburns and skin irritations
• Detoxification
• Relaxation

Epsom salt is an inexpensive mineral salt. I purchase mine from Costco.

Benefits of Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Adding baking soda to bath salts boost the detoxification benefits while calming and soothing skin irritations. Baking soda is commonly used for skin concerns helping with fungal & bacterial infections, and eczema according to healthline. 

I purchase a large bag of baking soda from Costco, and also use it in baking and for cleaning. 

Benefits of Sea Salt

Sea salt is evaporated seawater and contains a variety of trace minerals such as:

• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium

Similar to Epsom salt and baking soda, sea salt also relieves stress, eases achy muscles and treats irritated skin according to this article.  

But there may be additional benefits of having sea salt in your bath salts. Catina Stavroulakis, the founder of ‘The Salt Project’, states “The amniotic fluid that we were born in is the same mineral composition as the ocean, so when you impart those minerals onto the surface of the skin, there is a very synergistic exchange that promotes healing and conditioning of the skin.” Adding sea salt to your bath salts can transform your bathtub into a calm saltwater pool, and signal your body and mind to let go and relax. 

Sea salt can be purchased in bulk from a grocery store or at Costco in the spice section. It’s more expensive on Amazon, but for convenience, I have also purchased this one. SaltWorks Mediterra Mediterranean Sea Salt, Coarse, Artisan Pour Spout Pouch, 16 Ounce

Reasons to make healing bath salts:

1. Aids in healing the body.
2. Supports a good night’s sleep.  For more sleeping tips see My Favorite 2 Sleep Hacks.
3. Quick & Easy DIY gift idea.
4. Made with inexpensive natural ingredients saving you money. 

I’ve experienced all the benefits of adding this healing salts recipe to my bath water.  To further the benefits for my skin, I use Moisturizing Body Butter after my bath leaving my skin feeling hydrated and soft. 

I highly recommend adding this healing relaxation practice into your life. For the most benefit,  include 2 cups of bath salts to your bath water. Bath salts can be made with or without the essential oils. The recipe below makes 4 cups of healing salts for 2 baths, and uses the calming, anti inflammatory essential oils of peppermint and lavender. 

Give the gift of relaxation and make a spa trio using Bath Salts, Exfoliating Honey Sugar Scrub and Moisturizing Body Butter.  For gift giving, I put 2 cups of bath salts in a ziplock bag.  I place 2 bags of bath salts, plus a 2 ounce tin of body butter and a 2 ounce tin of sugar scrub, into a plastic gift bag tied with a ribbon. 

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a glass container. Add 2 cup bath salts to your bath.