Herbal salt baths are such a treat and this herbal bath recipe is so easy to make. Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH and the second book in my Deadly Force series, is a historian who has a side hobby of collecting and updating herbal 17th century recipes. And her herbal bath salts is one of my favorites! The main ingredient is Epsom salts (naturally occurring magnesium) because it’s a detoxing mineral that helps eliminate heavy metals from your body and eases muscle aches. It can even help with inflammation. But like all things, it must be used in moderation. In heavy doses it can cause lightheadedness and nausea. So this herbal bath recipe uses less than a 1/4 cup in each linen bag that you drop into the bath. It’s the perfect amount to help you relax.
And if you’ve never used bath salts before, do a skin test first just to make sure there are no allergic reactions.
This recipe can be easily customized by the type of herbs and essential oils you use. You can use either dry or fresh herbs. My favorite herbs to pick from the garden are peppermint, lavender (leaves and flowers), and chamomile (leaves and flowers). Eucalyptus is also another excellent choice. I love combining fresh chamomile with a few drops of lavender or geranium essential oil. Peppermint with lemon essential oil is nice too. Since it’s your bath, you get to pick the scents! Now on to the recipe. 🙂
Sarah Munro’s Herbal Bath Salts
Ingredients & Equipment:
- 1 cup Epsom Salt
- 2 Tablespoons baking soda
- 1 cup fresh or dried herbs
- 6 drops essential oil of your choice
- small cotton muslin bags
- Glass jar
- baking pan with a side edge
- parchment paper
Directions:
Line the baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Sterilize the glass jar in boiling water for 15 minutes. Let dry thoroughly.
Process herbs in a food processor until they are finely chopped. Add the baking soda and process for another 10 seconds.
Place mixture into a bowl and add the Epsom salts. Stir gently. Spread mixture on the parchment paper, soothing out the herbs and salt until they are no more than 1/4 inch thick.
Let sit for 48 hours if using fresh herbs and 12 hours if using dried, stirring the herbs in the pan occasionally to allow the salt to absorb all of the moisture from the herbs. When dried, place herbed salt into a clean glass jar.
When ready to use, fill a small linen bag with no more than a quarter cup of herbal salts. Tie the strings and add to your bath. Soak and relax!
Important disclaimer about wild plants, foraging, and making herbal remedies:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
