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: Herbal Remedies, Wild Plants, and Foraging
The information shared in my Romance Herbalist posts is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only. I am not a physician, licensed herbalist, or other medical professional. Nothing on this website should be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Herbs, flowers, spices, and other plants have been used for centuries in cooking, traditional remedies, and folk medicine. However, natural does not always mean safe. Some plants can be toxic, cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.
Before preparing, consuming, or using any herbal product, please keep the following precautions in mind:
- Medications and medical conditions: Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally, particularly if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, have an existing medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are preparing something for children.
- Allergies: Research potential allergic reactions and cross-reactivity, especially if you have known allergies to plants, herbs, or spices.
- Plant identification: Never harvest or consume a wild plant unless you can positively identify it and confirm that it is safe for its intended use. Some poisonous plants closely resemble edible or medicinal varieties.
- Harvesting and foraging: Avoid collecting plants from roadsides, chemically treated areas, contaminated soil, or locations where pesticides, herbicides, or other pollutants may be present. Always follow local foraging laws and respect private property.
- Preparation and consumption: Research appropriate preparation methods, potential side effects, and safe quantities before using any plant. Certain plants may be safe in food but dangerous when concentrated or prepared incorrectly.
- Food safety: Use clean equipment, properly stored ingredients, and appropriate food-handling practices when preparing herbal teas, infusions, syrups, or other homemade products.
A note about traditional remedies: References to historical or folkloric uses of plants do not establish that those uses are medically effective or safe. Any discussion of potential health benefits is provided for general information and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
By choosing to forage, prepare, or consume any plant or herbal product discussed on this website, you accept responsibility for your own research, decisions, and safety. The author makes no guarantees regarding the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of any plant, recipe, or preparation described.
When in doubt, consult a qualified professional before using any herb or wild plant.
