DIY Valentine Gifts with Essential Oils: Bath Salts

Making DIY Valentine gifts like homemade bath salts shows thoughtfulness and effort, making them a memorable gift sure to be appreciated. If you’re looking for a heartfelt Valentine’s Day this year, why not try making some opulent bath salts the object of your affection is sure to adore?

This DIY Valentine gift idea will help you create the perfect present for your special someone. Bath salts are not only inexpensive, but easy to make in your own home with simple ingredients. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your love, and what better way to do it than by giving a handmade gift?

Bath Salts Benefits

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is often used in bath salts. When dissolved in warm water, the magnesium can be absorbed through the skin and provide a variety of benefits. Some potential benefits of using Epsom salt in a bath include:

Relaxation

The warm water and the Epsom salt can help to relax the muscles and ease tension, which can help to promote overall relaxation.

Soothing Sore Muscles

Epsom salt can help to ease pain and soreness in the muscles and joints, making it a popular choice for athletes and people with chronic pain conditions.

Improving Skin Health

Epsom salt can help to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Reducing Stress

Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt can help to relax the body and mind, which can help to reduce stress levels.

Improving Sleep

The relaxation and stress-reducing effects of an Epsom salt bath can also help to improve sleep.

It is important to note that, most of these benefits are anecdotal and should be taken with grain of salt. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult with your doctor before using Epsom salt in your bath.

Essential Oils

Now that we know about the benefits of Epsom salts, let’s take a look at some of the many essential oils that can be used in bath salts to add even more benefits. Some popular essential oils to include in bath salts include:

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties. It can help to ease tension, reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is known for its refreshing and invigorating properties. It can help to clear the mind and ease respiratory issues.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is known for its energizing and invigorating properties. It can help to ease muscle and joint pain, as well as provide a refreshing sensation.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil has known antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, so can be added for its cleansing and purifying properties.

Ylang-ylang Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang is known for its calming and relaxing properties, it can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is known for its skin-loving properties and can help to soothe and moisturize dry skin.

It’s important to use pure essential oils in their recommended quantity to avoid any irritation or allergic reactions.

DIY Valentine Gifts – Bath Salts Recipe

Take your bath time to the next level with this herbal bath salt recipe. Made with a combination of Epsom salt, coarse sea salt, coconut oil, and essential oils, this recipe creates a relaxing and rejuvenating bath experience. This recipe makes 4 cups of bath salts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Epsom salts
• 1 1/2 cups Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (such as lavender, pink grapefruit, or Ylang-ylang)
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup of lavender buds, rose petals, eucalyptus leaves or other herbal flowers
• 1–2 tablespoons of coconut milk powder or milk powder (optional – great for a milk bath)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt, sea salt, baking soda, and herbal flowers.
2. Mix well.
3. If desired, add in the essential oils, and mix vigorously until the oils are well dispersed into the salts.
4. Store the bath salts in an airtight container, glass jar, or mason jar.

Notes:

• To use, scoop 1 cup of bath salts into a hot bath and enjoy a good soak.
• This homemade bath salts recipe has a shelf life of 1 year.

FAQ – DIY Valentine Gifts with Essential Oils: Bath Salts

Q: Why add baking soda to bath salts?

1. Neutralize acids: Baking soda helps to neutralize acids in the skin, which can help to reduce pain and soreness in muscles.
2. Detoxify: Baking soda is a natural detoxifying agent. When added to a bath, it helps to draw impurities out of the skin and can help to promote overall skin health.
3. pH balance: Baking soda can help to balance the pH of the skin, which can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
4. Exfoliating: Baking soda can be an gentle exfoliant when added to a bath. It can help to remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
5. Soothing: Baking soda is known for its soothing properties, it can help to relieve the itchiness and discomfort associated with eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions.

Q: Do you need a carrier oil in bath salts?

A carrier oil is not necessary when making bath salts, but it can be added to provide additional benefits. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, making them safer for use on the skin. They also help to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Q: What can I add to my Epsom salt bath for sore muscles?

You can add a few drops of arnica oil to your Epsom salt bath to help soothe sore muscles. It’s important to note that Arnica should not be used on broken skin or taken internally, and if you have any allergies or sensitivities, be sure to test a small amount of arnica first before using it in a bath.