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An Epsom salt bath soak is easy to prepare at home with Epsom salt, baking soda, and—if desired—essential oils. This simple recipe makes a larger batch that can be divided into jars, with two suggested scent combinations. A few basic precautions can help you prepare and store it thoughtfully.
Choosing products with clearly listed ingredients makes it easier to know what is in your bath blend. Check the Epsom salt package to confirm that Epsom salt is its only ingredient, and use baking soda labeled aluminum-free if that is your preference. Essential oils are optional; leaving them out gives you an unscented version.
Epsom Salt Bath Soak Ingredients
Gather the following supplies before you begin:
- 4 cups Epsom salt
- 2 cups baking soda (aluminum-free, if preferred)
- 30 drops essential oil, or omit for an unscented blend
- A clean glass or plastic container with a lid
- A measuring cup or scoop for each jar
Use clean, completely dry containers and utensils. Moisture can make a dry bath mixture clump, so make sure the jar is dry before filling it.
How to Make the Bath Soak
Combine 4 cups of Epsom salt with 2 cups of baking soda in a clean bowl. Add 30 drops of essential oils if using, then stir thoroughly so the fragrance is distributed throughout the mixture. Divide the finished blend among jars and close the lids.
Two Essential Oil Combinations
For a lavender and peppermint blend, add 20 drops of lavender essential oil and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. For a fresh, herbal-citrus scent, combine 10 drops each of white fir, lemon, and tea tree essential oils. Keep the total at 30 drops per batch.
Essential oils can irritate skin, and dry salts do not reliably disperse them throughout bathwater. Use caution, follow the oil manufacturer’s directions, and stop using the blend if irritation occurs. For sensitive skin, consider making the recipe without essential oils.
How to Store and Use It
Transfer the mixture to a sealed jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use a clean, dry scoop to take out each portion rather than putting wet hands into the container. Follow the directions on your Epsom salt packaging for how much to add to bathwater.
A simple label can identify the scent and ingredients, which is especially useful if you make more than one version. Write the preparation date on the jar if you want to keep track of when it was made, and store it out of reach of children and pets.
For gifting, use a clean screw-top jar and add a ribbon or other decoration. Include an ingredient label and a reminder that the blend contains essential oils, if applicable. Keep the jar sealed during storage to help protect the mixture from moisture.
Final Tips for an Epsom Salt Bath Soak
This Epsom salt bath soak uses a straightforward 4:2 ratio of Epsom salt to baking soda, with optional essential oils for fragrance. Measure carefully, keep the finished blend dry, and take extra care with essential oils around sensitive skin. — Elsie
