7 DIY Bath Salt Recipes: Epsom Salt Is the Gateway to Natural Beauty by Janice Cox

One of America’s leading natural beauty experts recommends Epsom salt recipes to help relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, improve sleep, fight colds, exfoliate skin and prepare for pedicures. Epsom salt used to just sit in the bathroom cupboard, but now, it’s so popular, it’s out on the counter top. Bath salts are one of her favorite uses for Epsom salt, which she calls “the gateway to natural beauty.” Here are seven of my favorite recipes:

Colored Bath Salts: These make great gifts. Mix Epsom salt with 2 or 3 drops of natural food colors and place in pretty jars. You can also layer the colors for a striped effect.

Super Muscle Soothing Salts: Soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath will make you feel calmer, reduce stress and soothe sore muscles and stiff joints, Cox says. This relaxing soak is ideal before bedtime, helping treat your tired body and help you sleep. Get the recipe for super muscle-soothing bath salts.

Jet Lag: Bring lavender and peppermint essential oil when you travel. For energy, add a few drops of the peppermint to an Epsom salt bath. To help with sleep, use the lavender oil.

Relaxing Lavender Oatmeal Bath: Lavender has a relaxing scent, and oatmeal calms the skin, even for people with sensitive and dry skin. Combined with Epsom salt, the bath is naturally refreshing, cleansing and soothing for both your body and mind, Cox says. Get the recipe for a DIY lavender oatmeal bath.

Pedicure Soak: Before a home pedicure, soak in a footbath with a couple tablespoons of Epsom salt and white vinegar. This mixture softens rough skin and gets feet clean and smooth.

Salt Rub for Your Arms, Legs and Back:To exfoliate, mix 1/2 cup Epsom salt with a 1/2 cup natural oil, such as almond or coconut. It’s a deep cleanse to help your skin look healthier.

Warming Mustard Bath: This is a popular recipe in England to reduce stress, relieve sore muscles and improve sleep. Try a bath or foot soak. The mustard’s warmth opens your pores, allowing you to sweat out impurities. Get the recipe for warming mustard bath salts.

“People think of soaks as more of a luxury, because it sounds like it will take a long time,” Cox says. “It’s only 15 or 20 minutes. Take that time for yourself without any distractions and focus on relaxing.”

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