Self-care starts with a simple soak, and what better way to upgrade your bath time than with DIY Epsom salt bath mixes? Not only are they easy to make, but they also provide numerous benefits for the body and mind. Epsom salt isn’t just your average bath additive—it’s packed with magnesium to help relax muscles, ease stress, and support overall well-being. By adding essential oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients, you can create a customized bath soak tailored to your needs. Let’s dive into some easy, effective, and indulgent bath salt recipes!
Why Use Epsom Salt in Your Bath?
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for muscle tension, stress relief, and detoxification. It helps:
- Relieve sore muscles and joint pain
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Improve sleep quality
- Detoxify the body and skin
- Support magnesium absorption for overall health
Moreover, pairing Epsom salt with other natural ingredients enhances its benefits, making your bath a truly therapeutic escape.
DIY Epsom Salt Bath Mix Recipes (Single-Use Blends)
Each of these recipes is designed for one bath. If you’d like to make a larger batch for storage, simply multiply the ingredients by 3-5 times and store in an airtight jar. For recipes that include liquid ingredients (like apple cider vinegar or fresh ginger), keep those separate and add them to the bath at the time of use.
Additionally, creating a multi-batch version is a great way to have a ready-to-use supply for the week. Simply scoop out ½ to 1 cup per bath, depending on your preference.
1. Relaxation Blend (Stress & Sleep Support)
Best for: Unwinding after a long day, promoting restful sleep
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ½ cup baking soda (softens skin & detoxifies)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- ¼ cup dried lavender buds (optional)
How to Use: Add the entire mixture to warm bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes.
2. Muscle Recovery Soak
Best for: Post-workout soreness, body aches, and tension relief
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ½ cup Dead Sea salt (extra minerals for muscle relaxation)
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 tablespoon arnica-infused oil (optional)
How to Use: Soak for 20-30 minutes to relieve muscle tension
3. Detox & Lymphatic Drainage Bath
Best for: Detoxification, supporting lymphatic drainage
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ½ cup bentonite clay (helps draw out toxins)
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal (optional, for deep detox)
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 5 drops juniper berry essential oil
At Bath Time: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar directly into the water before soaking.
How to Use: Stir the salt mixture into warm bath water, then add apple cider vinegar just before soaking.
4. Skin-Soothing & Hydration Bath
Best for: Dry, irritated skin, eczema relief
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ½ cup colloidal oatmeal (soothes sensitive skin)
- ¼ cup powdered goat’s milk (deep hydration & nourishment)
- 10 drops rose essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- ¼ cup dried rose petals (optional)
How to Use: Soak for at least 20 minutes for soft, hydrated skin.
5. Cold & Flu Relief Bath
Best for: Clearing congestion, boosting immunity, easing body aches
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- ½ cup baking soda (detoxifying)
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
At Bath Time: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger directly to the bath water.
How to Use: Breathe in deeply as you soak for respiratory relief.
Shopping List: Everything You Need to Make DIY Bath Mixes
Click each product to shop my Amazon favorites! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Core Ingredients
I buy many of these ingredients in bulk because they have multiple uses beyond bath soaks. From my DIY laundry detergent and DIY dishwasher detergent to homemade face mask recipes, these staples are essential for non-toxic living. Check out my linked posts for more ways to use them!
- Epsom salt (bulk size for multiple recipes)
- Baking soda (softens skin, detoxifies)
- Himalayan pink salt (adds minerals & color)
- Dead Sea salt (extra mineral content for muscle relaxation)
- Bentonite clay (detoxifying agent)
- Colloidal oatmeal (soothes skin)
- Powdered goat’s milk (hydrating & nourishing)
- Activated charcoal (optional for detox baths)
Essential Oils
- Lavender (relaxing & sleep support)
- Peppermint (cooling, great for sore muscles)
- Eucalyptus (clears congestion & soothes muscles)
- Chamomile (calming & gentle on skin)
- Rose (hydrating & luxurious scent)
- Frankincense (skin soothing & grounding)
- Grapefruit (energizing & lymphatic support)
- Tea Tree (anti-bacterial & skin clarifying)
- Juniper Berry (detoxifying & circulation-boosting)
- Rosemary (immune support & cold relief)
- Arnica-infused oil (pain relief & muscle recovery)
- Apple cider vinegar (added fresh for detox bath)
- Fresh ginger (added fresh for cold relief bath)
Herbs & Botanicals
- Dried lavender buds (for relaxation)
- Dried rose petals (hydration & aesthetic appeal)
- Chamomile flowers (gentle skin care)
- Calendula petals (skin-soothing & anti-inflammatory)
- Peppermint leaves (energizing & refreshing scent)
- Dried orange or lemon peel (detoxifying & uplifting scent)
Tools & Storage Supplies
- Glass apothecary jars (multi batch storage)
- Mason jars with bamboo lids (single use storage)
- Measuring cups & mixing bowl
- Funnels (for easy jar filling)
- Label maker (for custom blends)
How to Store & Use Multi-Batch Bath Mixes
Want to make a large batch for future use? Here’s how:
- Dry Mixes: Multiply the ingredients by 3-5 times and store in an airtight glass jar. Use ½ to 1 cup per bath.
- Liquid Ingredients: Keep perishable add-ins (like apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, or magnesium oil) stored separately and add them fresh at bath time.
- Shelf Life: Dry mixes last up to 6 months if stored properly. Moisture and humidity can reduce effectiveness.
Final Thoughts: Customize Your Bath Time!
These DIY Epsom salt bath mixes offer an easy, non-toxic way to elevate your self-care routine. Whether you need stress relief, muscle recovery, or skin nourishment, there’s a blend for every occasion. Try experimenting with different essential oils and herbs to create your perfect soak!
What’s your favorite bath soak recipe? Tag me on Instagram @everyday_marlakay and show off your DIY bath mix!
xo Marla Kay
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