How to Make Herbal Bath Salts: A Natural DIY Gift for Relaxation
- Astrid van Essen
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
Homemade herbal bath salts make a thoughtful gift that's both beautiful and practical. They smell wonderful, look elegant in a glass jar, and encourage the recipient to slow down and enjoy a little self-care. Whether you're making them for a birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day or simply as a heartfelt thank-you, this easy DIY is always appreciated.
At Simmer & Stir, we love simple projects that combine natural ingredients with everyday rituals. These herbal bath salts take just a few minutes to make but feel wonderfully luxurious.
Why Make Your Own Bath Salts?
Bath salts have been used for centuries to transform an ordinary bath into a relaxing ritual. By adding dried herbs and essential oils, you create a beautifully scented soak that helps turn bath time into a calming experience.
Making your own bath salts also has several advantages:
You know exactly what goes into them.
You can customise the fragrance to suit your preferences.
They're an affordable, sustainable handmade gift.
They look beautiful displayed in a glass jar with a handwritten label.
What You'll Need
Makes approximately one medium-sized jar.
250 g Epsom salt or coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
8–10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus
How to Make Herbal Bath Salts
Place the salt in a large mixing bowl and stir through the dried lavender flowers. Add the essential oil, distributing the drops evenly across the salt, then mix thoroughly until the fragrance is evenly dispersed.
Transfer the mixture to a clean, dry glass jar and seal tightly. For the best scent, leave the bath salts to rest for around 24 hours before using or gifting them, allowing the fragrance to fully infuse the salt.
How to Use
Add 2–3 tablespoons of the bath salts to a warm bath and allow them to dissolve completely. Relax and soak for 20–30 minutes while enjoying the gentle aroma of herbs and essential oils.
Easy Variations
One of the best things about homemade bath salts is how easy they are to personalise.
Calming Bath Salts
Dried lavender
Dried chamomile
Lavender essential oil
Perfect as part of an evening wind-down routine.
Refreshing Bath Salts
Dried rosemary
Dried mint
Eucalyptus essential oil
Ideal after a long walk or a busy day.
Cosy Winter Bath Salts
Dried orange peel
Small pieces of cinnamon stick
Sweet orange essential oil
A lovely handmade gift during autumn and winter.
Always use skin-safe essential oils and avoid adding more than the recommended amount.
Gift Idea
Fill a decorative glass jar, tie a piece of natural twine or ribbon around the lid and attach a handwritten tag.
Suggested label:
"Add 2–3 tablespoons to a warm bath and enjoy a relaxing moment of self-care."
It's a simple gift that feels personal, thoughtful and luxurious.
Storage
Store your herbal bath salts in a cool, dry place and keep moisture out of the jar. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for 6–12 months, while retaining their lovely fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ordinary table salt?
Epsom salt or coarse sea salt is recommended, as both dissolve well in warm water and are traditionally used for homemade bath salts.
What's the difference between Epsom salt and sea salt?
Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate, while sea salt is primarily sodium chloride. Both are popular choices for bath products and each offers a slightly different bathing experience.
Can I use fresh lavender?
It's best to use dried herbs. Fresh herbs contain moisture, which may reduce the shelf life of your bath salts.
How much essential oil should I use?
Around 8–10 drops per 250 g of salt provides a pleasant fragrance without being overpowering.
Do homemade bath salts make a good gift?
Absolutely. They're inexpensive to make, beautifully presented in a glass jar and perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day, thank-you gifts or homemade spa hampers.
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