Last week we made Sarah Munro’s Citrus Bath Salts and today I want to share Sarah’s recipe for Moisturizing Bath Melts. (Sarah Munro, a 17th century PhD historian, is the heroine of One Dark Wish, book 2 of the Deadly Force series. She collects herbal recipes from centuries ago, updates them for modern use, and shares them here.)
What are bath melts? They are little blocks (in any shape you want) made from virgin coconut oil (must be the unrefined virgin coconut oil with a citrusy scent) that, when dropped into a warm bath, leave your parched winter skin soft and silky smooth. They are easy to make and similar recipes have been around for centuries. But this modern version uses coconut oil (instead of lye-based soaps) which is light and non-greasy and doesn’t need an emulsifier to prevent fat blobs from being left behind in the tub or on your skin.
This recipe uses dried lavender flowers, but I’ve also made them with the zests of lemons, limes, and oranges. If you’d like some fragrance, you can add any essential oils you prefer. Just be careful getting out of the tub. The melted oil can make you and the tub a bit slippery.
Sarah Munro’s Moisturizing Bath Melts
Ingredients
Directions:
Set up a double boiler on the stove. Heat the stove and melt the coconut oil in the top of the double boiler. Once the oil is melted, take the double boiler off the heat and place on a heat-proof pad. Stir in the lavender flowers or citrus zest.
Using a Tablespoon, gently pour the melted oil into the ice cube molds. Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the oil has hardened again.
When you take your next bath, pop out one of the oil blocks from the mold and drop it into your warm bath. The tub may be a bit slick when you’re finished, but it is easily rinsed out. These bath melts are antibacterial and anti-fungal which make them safe enough to use every day.
This recipe makes between 12-15 bath melts, depending on the size of your molds.
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!
