Homemade Bath Soaks

by Valerie Gladstone — June 11, 2007

What could be nicer after a long, stressful day than a warm relaxing bath? In fact, what could be better than a warm relaxing bath anytime? And these baths can be all the more pleasant and therapeutic when you add bath oils or salts. These wonderful additives will improve your circulation, open your pores, and reduce muscle tenderness. And if you have dry skin, you don't have to worry about sitting too long in warm water if you add oils.

There are plenty of bath oils and salts on the market but it's also very easy to make your own magical solutions. If you like these, let me know and I'll try more for you. The ingredients for these soaks can be found in health food stores or online at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Nothing increases my pleasure in the bath like listening to the music I love--in my case, jazz. If your radio or CD player is close to your tub, turn it on and try it out.

Bath-Time Recipes

Try using milk or olive oil; both are good for your skin. If you want a scented bath, just buy the essential oil you prefer and add 3 drops to your bathwater. Essential oils can be added to milk or oil as well, and offer a less expensive alternative to any store-brand bath oils. (Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts distilled from a variety of plant material including leaves, flowers, needles, fruit peels, grasses, wood, and roots. These oils, with the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree, should always be diluted in carrier oil before applying directly to the skin.)

Lilac Bubble Bath

1 quart (4 cups) distilled water
1 bar Castile soap, grated or flaked, or 1 cup unscented shampoo
4 ounces liquid glycerin (skin moisturizer)
5 drops lilac fragrant oil
2 ounces coconut oil

Mix together and store in a container. Pour a tablespoon or more in running water for your bath. You can substitute any fragrant oil you like. I've used Lavender, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang.

Vanilla Honey Bath

1 cup sweet almond, light olive, or sesame oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid Castile soap
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Mix together and store in a container. Again, start with a tablespoon and add more to your liking.

Bath Salts

1 cup fine sea salt
1/2 tsp liquid glycerin (skin moisturizer), optional
1/2 cup Epsom salt
Essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients well and sprinkle in water for a rejuvenating bath. But don't wash hair in this water as it may dry it out.

Because essential oils are very powerful, I suggest using about 1 percent essential oil. This translates to about 9 drops per 1 ounce of bath-salt base. You can then simply mix it in a bowl and store it in a bath-salt container or pretty jar. You can also make your homemade bath-salt recipe for each individual bath as you need it. This will ensure you have the freshest bath salt available and you can customize it for your mood and stress level.