Adding dried herbs and botanicals to your bath salt mixture combines the best of the mineral and plant worlds. You get the soothing and cleansing properties of the salt as well as the properties of the herbs you choose. Make sure you use only dried herbs when making Herbal Bath Salts, as fresh ones will add extra moisture and could cause mold and bacteria to grow in your container. MAKES 16 OUNCES
• 1/4 cup selected dried herbs (see “Herbal Bath Salts: Bath Salt Blends” below)
• 2 cups coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1. Mix together the herbs and salt and stir well. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. To use: Fill your tub with warm water and pour 1/2 to 1 cup of the bath salts under the running water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Herbal Bath Salts: Bath Salt Blends
Stimulating:
rosemary, lavender, peppermint
Relaxing:
chamomile, elderflower, angelica
Refreshing:
basil, mint, lemon balm
Invigorating:
raspberry leaves, bay leaves, mugwort
Janice Cox is the author of Natural Beauty at Home(Henry Holt, 2002) and lives in Medford, Oregon.
Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Soothing Health Benefits of Salt.
