http://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-holiday-bath-soaks.html
Homemade Holiday Bath Soaks
By Melissa Breyer, Producer, Care2 Green Living
Remember the Calgon commercial with the harried mother escaping to her bubbly bath? Calgon, take me away! As a kid I always found that commercial hilarious. Now, well, let’s just say I identify. With the holiday season and its particular brand of lovely madness approaching, I’m sure we’ll all be having our Calgon moments. With that in mind, here are two truly effective homemade bath recipes—a pre-party dip to pep you up and a soothing soak to settle stress.
Stimulating Herbal Bath
Adapted from Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles (Storey Publishing, 2007)
This bath is the perfect pick-me-up to use prior to going out for a night on the town. It stimulates the circulation and enlivens the senses while softening the skin.
1 9-inch square of muslin or cheesecloth, or toe of a nylon stocking
2 tablespoons peppermint leaves
2 tablespoons rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon basil leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped lemon rind
2 tablespoons finely chopped orange rind
1 tablespoon ground oatmeal or sunflower seed meal
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops rosemary essential oil
String or yarn
Place dry ingredients in the center of the cloth or toe of the stocking. Add essential oils to the mix. Gather the material into a loose pouch and tie with a string or yarn long enough to hang from the hot water tap of the tub (the running water will flow through the bag).
After hanging the bag and filling the tub, remove the bag and let it float in the water. Relax in the tub for 20 or 30 minutes, gently rubbing your entire body with the bag. Discard the bag when finished.
Flowers and Spice Stress-Relieving Milky Bath Salts
This is a warming, calming de-stressing bath blend.
½ cup Epsom salt
½ cup powdered whole or nonfat milk
2 drops each of the following essential oils: vanilla; rose otto or geranium; cardamom
Pour the Epsom salt and the powdered milk together directly under running bath water. Add the essential oils immediately before stepping into the tub. Swish the water around with your hands to mix. Relax. Soak for 20 or 30 minutes.
No refrigeration required if you make an extra batch or two, but store salts in a dry, airtight container, and for maximum freshness and potency, use within six months.
MORE USES FOR EPSOM SALTS
Use epsom salts in a detox bath
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7 comments
add your comment »Thanks so much for the baking soda idea. I'm a vegan and therefore wouldn't do powdered milk.
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I live in San Diego also. I make a similar bath salts soak recipe and instead of powdered milk I use baking soda. Works great! Enjoy and relax!!
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I am having trouble finding dry whole milk. I live in San diego CA any suggestions?
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epsom salts are also good for rubbing onto sore muscles & then staying in the bath.
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Cherie Y. I make bath teas often and it should be find to do early. I would put them in a container so that the essential oils don't evaporate. The extra time should allow them time to meld in with all the wonderful dried herbs too!
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do you think you can make this in advance for holiday gifts?
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Thank You!!! Have a sister who cannot tolerate chemicals, and she will LOVE receiving these in her stocking!
XOXO
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