Bath Salt Recipe Ingredient Glossary
Bath Salts
Sea salts and essential oils are a wonderfully synergistic combination. The relaxing properties of hot water compliment the effects of well chosen salts and essential oils. Aromatic baths can provide relief from stress and anxiety, assist with muscle and joint pains, and treat the symptoms of more severe skin conditions. Both men and women are enjoying aromatic baths in increasing numbers. The therapeutic benefits of sea salt baths are well known and often recommended by doctors for treating a wide range of medical conditions.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of controlled use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual well being. As a holistic medicine, aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness.
Essential 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.
Dried Herbs
Many dried herbs possess the same scent and healing properties of their essential oil counterparts. Herbs are popular additions to bath salt recipes and bath tea recipes and look great in a finished product. One drawback is that they can be messy in the tub, so a good option is to include an organza bag with your bath salts to use as a tea bag. The bath salts melt, the herbs seep in the hot bath water and once the bag dries it is easy to empty out the herbs and re-use the bag.
Carrier Oils
Moisturizing vegetable oils are commonly used as a "carrier" for essential oils. Most essential oils are too strong to apply directly to the skin and should be diluted by the ratio of 12-30 drops to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils can also be combined with sea salts to create exfoliant salt scrubs.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Adding hydrogen peroxide to bathwater increases the oxygen available to the body. Hydrogen peroxide baths leave the body feeling alert and revitalized, like just after a rain shower. This gentle bath is antibacterial, antiviral, and cleansing to the emotional and energetic bodies. Add six ounces of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to a hot bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. Be careful in handling this concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide as it can "burn" or irritate the skin. Diluted in the bathwater, it is fine for skin contact.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar baths can restore a natural pH level to the skin and hair, as well as rejuvenating and building up the body’s resistance. It helps restore acid mantle protection to the skin, which is lost from swimming and from routine use of soaps on the skin. It helps combat “unfriendly” bacteria, fungal overgrowth, and is helpful with vaginal and bladder infections. Apple cider vinegar baths are soothing to the skin, alleviating itchiness, poison ivy, and sunburn discomfort. As with all hot baths, it causes the pores to open and aids in general systemic detoxification. Make certain to use pure, unprocessed apply cider vinegar. Use 2-4 cups in a hot bath.
Sodium Bicarbonate
A hot bath with equal parts baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sea salt assists in detoxification from exposure to heavy metals and radiation. It is also beneficial for cleansing the theauric field, and for soothing itchy skin. In combination, use 1-2 pounds of each. Bath sea salts are recommended, as opposed to rock salt or common table salt, which are depleted of nourishing minerals.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid is a key ingredient, along with Sodium Bicarbonate, for bath bombs. It is also great for making fizzy bath salts. The combination creates an effervescent blend that helps release the aroma of your essential oils into the air, creating an uplifting aromatic bath.
Colorants
FD&C dyes dispersed in liquid or glycerin are popular for adding color to bath salts. Herbs can also be used to create beautiful natural colors for your salts. Powdered Mica added to any recipe will create beautiful pearl essence salt.
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