Epsom Salt and Rose Oil Bath

Remember the Epsom Salts in your favorite Aunt’s bathroom cabinet?  It’s time to pull that box out from the under the sink and put it to good use in your Spa DIY recipes.

Epsom salt derives its name from Epsom, England and the Epsom Salt Council tells us the term “salt” probably refers to the specific chemical structure of the compound, although many people mistakenly assume it refers to its familiar-looking  crystalline structure, which has an appearance similar to rock salt or table salt.    Table salt is sodium chloride, so it’s an entirely different substance than Epsom salt, which is a pure mineral compound — magnesium sulfate.

Epsom salt in crystal form gently exfoliates and soothes rough skin. Regularly used by a growing number of  natural health and beauty care enthusiasts,  Epsom salt is both a popular and reliable  choice for beauty and wellness. The Epsom Salt Council recommends we mix the salt with our favorite deep conditioner to add body to hair, or dissolve in a bath to replenish the body’s magnesium levels. A relaxing soak in Epsom salt can help relieve stress and leave you feeling revived.

Many athletes use Epsom salt to help their bodies recover.

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, which can help improve health in numerous ways. A lack of magnesium—which helps regulate the activity of more than 300 enzymes in the body—can contribute to high blood pressure, hyperactivity, heart problems and other health issues, doctors warn. Sulfate is essential for many biological processes. It helps to flush toxins and form proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins.

While there are various ways of manufacturing and packaging Epsom salt, chemically all Epsom salt is the same.  Brand recognition or packaging make little difference, unless there are aromatherapy or herbal additives included.  Study packaging labels carefully to determine whether any synthetic perfumes or other additives have been included. Better to buy your own Epsom salt (which is very economical at your local drugstore) and add your favorite Essential Oils and  herbs to customize your bath soak.

Here, Doreen Christensen of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel shares a favorite Epsom Salt and Rose Oil Bath recipe.

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Bath Spa DIY Blissful Rose Oil Bath

Course: Bath

Cuisine: DIY Spa Treatments

Keyword: Epsom, Rosemary, Rosewater

Yield: 0

Courtesy of: Doreen Christensen | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Materials

• Small bowl
• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 4-5 Rose Essential Oil (more or less as you like)
• Petals from one rose
• Rosewater (optional)

Instructions

• Mix Epsom salts with the and Rose Essential Oil in bowl.
• Add the scented salt mixture to a hot running bath
• Scatter rose petals in the water, get in and relax.
• Don't forget to dim the lights, light a candle and enjoy a good, long soak with a glass of wine.

Spa Index Kitchen Notes

If you don't have Rose Essential Oil, rosewater will be a good substitute, but you'll need a good deal more of it.

Visit the Epsom Salt Council website for many tips for using this humble but essential ingredient in your wellness regimen