Bath Salts

So this is a little off topic. I had a friend ask me how I make my bath salts last night. She was shocked at how easy and inexpensive they are to make so I decided it was worth sharing how to do it here. By making your own you know exactly what is in the mix so you don't have to worry about what you are breathing and soaking in when you have your bath. Here is the recipe.

Bath Salts

• 2C Epsom Salts
• 1C Sea Salt
• 3-5 Drops of your favourite essential oil (use the real stuff)

Pour Sea and Epsom Salts into a large glass jar like the one on the right - put on the lid and give it a good shake. Take the lid off and put in 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil - this is plenty! don't over do it or your salts will be too strong. Put the lid back on give it another shake and let the scent do its thing.

Some of my favourite essential oils for making bath salts are

1. Peppermint - (quite strong so I usually use only 3 drops) - if you have a headache or need to perk up this is a good one
2. Eucalyptus - for congestion
3. Lavender - if you want to relax
4. Frankincense & Rose - good if you are feeling stressed.

BTW incase you didn't know...

A little about Epsom Salts and why they are so good for you.

Most people know that epsom salts are good for softening the skin and relaxing sore muscles.
But did you know that Epsom Salt is mainly made up of magnesium and sulfates?

Many modern diets are deficient in magnesium and sulfates, but they are important minerals. Increasing levels of magnesium may help to improve heart and circulatory health, flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes, improve the body's ability to use insulin, raise the body's levels of serotonin which reduces stress and elevates the mood, improve sleep and concentration, regulate the body's enzymes, improve oxygen use, lower blood pressure, reduce muscle pain and inflammation, and help muscles and nerves to function properly. Sulfates are also necessary for good health. Sulfates are used by the body to flush out toxins, improve the absorption of nutrients, form joint proteins, brain tissue, and mucin protein, and to help prevent and ease migraine headaches.

Epsom Salt softens the skin, soothes aches, reduces swelling, inflammations, exfoliates the skin, removes odors, relaxes the muscles, provides relief from joint soreness and arthritic pain, and is a natural emollient. Unlike other salts, it does not leave the skin feeling dry. On the contrary, Epsom Salt leaves the skin with a soft and silky texture.

Magnesium and sulfates are readily absorbed by the body externally. This means that soaking in a bath with Epsom Salt is not only enjoyable, but is also good for you!

(info adapted from http://www.botanical.com/products/learn/epsom_salt.html)