2014 DIY Holiday: Herbal Bath Salts

The holidays are here, and at the Visser House that means the Jesse tree is lit with new ornaments being added daily, weekly advent activities are underway, Spotify Christmas music can be heard all through the house, the wood stove is keeping us all warm and cozy, and the smells of the season fill the air as there’s more baking and essential oil diffusing going on.

Another thing that’s in full swing this time of the year is the traditional handmade gift I’m making for all the ladies in my family. This is something I’ve been doing for several years, but it seems each year it spreads to more and more people which is great (and oh so fun for me)!

You see, I love all things DIY and handmade. There’s just something about taking the time, energy, and gifts a person has and creating something thoughtful for someone else. I love receiving handmade gifts, but I honestly think I like to give them more. This year I wanted to give you a sneak peek into what I’m making for my family and friends, including the resources I’m using so you can do it too if you’d like.

This year I decided to make some herbal bath salts for everyone in my family because it’s something that everyone can use and because they’re one of my personal favorite ways to relax.

The Busyness of Life

2014 has brought a lot of changes to my family, as each passing year seems to do. I’m sure you can relate.

One of the biggest changes has been the birth of our fourth child, Ezrah. He’s the best little thing! Always happy and smiling. He’s an easy baby and by far the one that cuddles with me the most. But, no matter how easy he is, being a mom to four kids is tough.

Forget labor and delivery or the constant nursing, diaper changes, and crying that newborns bring. I’m talking about the daily grind of life with kids. It looks different for all of us depending upon the choices we’ve made for ourselves, but one thing is for certain… it’s tough. Tough physically and tough mentally.

So what do I personally do to make it through these “hidden years” with a house full of little ones demanding all of me?

Well, one of my absolute favorite ways to unwind in the evenings is to put all the kids to bed and slip into a hot bath with herbal bath salts in them. Throw in 30 minutes of quiet solitude with nothing else to do — maybe some relaxing music or a good book. That is perfection my friends, perfection.

Now, this doesn’t happen all that often for me, but I’ve learned that if I’m going to be the best wife and mom that I can be (and the best at everything else I’ve got going on) I have to take time for me. Time to feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and clear on what’s ahead. Time to enjoy life.

I used to feel like this was selfish of me. It’s not like I don’t have 100 other things I need to be doing rather than wasting 30 minutes taking a bath, but over time I’ve learned to take that negative thought captive and see that time for what it really is. It’s an investment. An investment in myself, my happiness… and my sanity (I know you can relate mama)! If I don’t routinely take time for myself then I’m stressed and overwhelmed, and that’s no good for anyone in my home. I know you’ve heard the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.” Taking a long soak in liquid minerals and the uplifting healing scents that fill the air is one way to make me a happy mama.

Okay, so enough about why I love herbal bath salts so much.

Herbal Bath Salt How To

Okay, these bath salts do a lot of great things for your body. They provide you with minerals and trace minerals that your body needs to be healthy, they help you detox, they’ll soften your skin and help it glow, and they’ll lift your mood. Plus, depending upon which essential oils you use, you will get added therapeutic benefits there as well.

DIY Holiday Herbal Bath Salts

Ingredients:

• bath salt (I used Redmond Bath Salt & Redmond Bath Salt Plus)
• carrier oil (I used NOW Avocado Oil)
• herbs (I used peppermint, lavender buds, and orange peel)
• essential oils (I used breathe easier synergy blend, relaxation synergy blend, and sweet orange, rosemary, and nutmeg essential oils)
• storage container

Directions:

1. Take 1 cup of salt (or 1/2 cup each of two different salts) and place in a bowl.
2. Add 1 TBSP. of carrier oil and 1 TBSP. of herbs to your salt. Mix well until oil and herbs are blended into salt.
3. Add 30 drops of essential oil into salt. Mix well to blend throughout salt.
4. Place in storage container. Clearly label.

To use:

Mix 1/4 cup of herbal bath salt into a full tub of warm water. Mix until dissolved. Soak for 30 minutes.

— or —

Take 1/4 cup of herbal bath salts and gently scrub into skin in small circular motions, completely covering your whole body (except face and neck). Fill the tub with warm water and rinse the salt off of your skin, allowing it to dissolve into the water. Soak for 30 minutes.

Herb and Essential Oil Combos

The cool thing about herbal bath salts is that the possibilities for herb and oil combinations are endless! Here’s a recipe for some relaxing bath salts to help children sleep that my kids love! If you’re new to using essential oils, pre-blended synergy blends are great, but if you’re ready to start blending oils yourself, check out my post on blending essential oils for beginners. It will walk you through the steps to make a great smelling essential oil blend all on your own.

Okay, so I hope you’ve enjoyed having a glimpse into my 2014 handmade holiday! If you’re planning on crafting your own gifts this Christmas as well, I’d love to hear what your plans are in the comments below!

This post was underwritten by Redmond Trading Company. All opinions are mine. Redmond Trading is your go-to source for bentonite clay products, real salt blends, clay toothpaste, mineral bath salts, and electrolyte replacement supplements. Redmond Trading products are sold in the US as well as internationally. Many of their products can be found in local stores as well as online, and they all have MANY different healthy, all-natural uses. Connect with them on Facebook and share why you love Redmond products so much!