Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

The Secret of Making Bath Salts

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There is nothing in the world like a nice warm bath with bath salts containing pure essential oils to help relax and soothe your mind and body! Giving scented bath salts for the holidays, birthdays or just to give to a good friend also makes a welcome gift!

Once you have made these gifts with your own two hands what isn’t so nice is if the bath salts are hard as a rock when the recipient goes to use them! (Yes, it has happened to me, much to my embarrassment!) When the essential oils or fragrance oils are added to a salt blend – many times what can happen is that the bath salts absorb the moisture from the oils and then the salts turn hard as a rock. To have your salts nice and free-flowing you must add an ingredient called “malto dextrin.”

Malto dextrin is a natural carbohydrate that aborbs moisture and also helps the bath salts to retain their scent. It is used in the food, beer-making, and cosmetic industries, is readily available and best of all…..CHEAP! I purchase mine from BrewSource.com at the current price of $1.50 per pound.

To make your own bath salts first mix together mix the following together:

  • ½ cup of Malto Dextrin
  • 2 drams (160 drops, or 1 ½ teaspoon) of essential oils or fragrance oils

Mix the oils into the malto dextrin until it becomes a crumbly mixture, then add that mixture to 4lbs of epsom salts. (4 pounds of epsom salts is one carton of salts that you can buy at the drug, grocery or Wal-mart stores.) Mix well and check out how your blend smells. If it’s too weak, add more oils until you get the desired aroma. If it’s too strong, add more salts. Then what I do after I adjust the scent is shake, shake, shake the salts in a large zip lock baggie. Once that is accomplished you’re ready to package your bath salts in an airtight container and give as gifts or just keep for yourself.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out for you!

*note: do not put scented bath salts in tins as the oils in the salts will rust the tins. Line the tin with a plastic baggie first then add the salts.

[tags]bath, bath salts, body, aromatherapy[/tags]

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Comments

  3. Thanks for sharing the ingredient tip! I am teaching my craft club how to make bath salts for the holidays and I will be sure to share your story.

  4. maybe you can add some color to your bath salts as well. But add it the same way with adding the fragrance, by drops. This gives you finer control on the color of the salts since you don’t want your bath water’s color to be overpowering.

  5. Xm, frankly speaking, I have no idea about the ingredietn “malto dextrin”. And how much should use this ingredient to achieve necessary results? )
    Thanks

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DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

  • No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative 
  • Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies 
  • Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy 
  • Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support 
  • Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies 

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm) 
  • 2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets 

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

  • 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
  • 8 drops peppermint essential oil 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 4 drops tea tree essential oil 
  • 4 drops lavender essential oil 

Optional for kids under 5:
 Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

  1. Melt the base:
     In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid. 
  2. Cool slightly:
     Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid. 
  3. Add essential oils:
     Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness. 
  4. Pour into tins or jars:
     Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on. 
  5. Label & store:
     Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months. 

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

  • For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season. 
  • For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale. 
  • For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes). 

Mum Tips

  • Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities. 
  • Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles. 
  • For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support. 

 

 

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