** Read First: Selecting & Handling Essential Oils
Directions For Preparation and Use of Sea Salt and Essential Oil Bath Salts
Place the sea salt in a glass or stainless steel bowl and thoroughly whisk with a stainless steel whisk to evenly blend. Do not use plastic or wooden utensils! To grind dried flower petals, green tea, etc. place in a coffee grinder and pulse until a fine powder before blending with the sea salt and essential oils. Keep tightly sealed in a glass or ceramic jar until ready to use. Store in a cool dark place. To use, pour 1/4 cup of the bath salts into the tub or place in a special aromatic showerhead. Each bath salt recipe yields 2 to 4 baths and takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare.
Directions For Preparation of Kombu Bath Salts
Heat a heavy or cast iron skillet. Place the strips of kombu in the skillet, cover and reduce the flame to medium-low. Dry roast the kombu for about 10 minutes, turning the kombu strips over every so often being careful not to burn the kombu. Remove the kombu and place it in a blender. Grind it to a fine powder. Place the powder in a glass jar with the sea salt or sea salt and essential oil, and mix thoroughly. Keep tightly sealed until ready to use.
Calming Bath Salts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential lavender oil
- 6 drops pure essential geranium oil
- 6 drops pure essential rose oil
- 2 drops pure essential rosewood oil
Centering and Balancing Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential geranium oil
- 4 drops pure essential rosemary oil
- 6 drops pure essential rosewood oil
Earthy Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 14 drops pure essential patchouli oil
- 6 drops pure essential sandalwood oil
- 4 drops pure essential cedar wood oil
Energizing Citrus Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 8 drops pure essential sweet orange oil
- 4 drops pure essential lemon oil
- 6 drops pure essential tangerine oil
- 4 drops pure essential grapefruit oil
Rose Petal Geranium Bath Salts
Ingredients
- 1 cup any Eden Sea Salt
- 2 Tablespoons finely ground dried rose petals
- 12 drops pure essential geranium oil
- 6 drops pure essential rose otto oil
Lavender & Lavender Petal Bath Salts
Ingredients
- 1 cup any Eden Sea Salt
- 10 drops pure essential lavender vera or lavender augustifolia oil
- 2 Tablespoons finely ground dried lavender petals
Lavender and Tea Tree Oil Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 10 drops pure essential lavender oil
- 10 drops pure essential tree tea oil
Lavender Green Tea Bath Salts
Ingredients
- 1 cup any Eden Sea Salt
- 2 Tablespoons finely ground Eden Organic Sencha Green Tea (loose leaf)
- 15 drops pure essential lavender vera or lavender augustifolia oil
Lavender Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 22 drops pure essential lavender oil
Peaceful Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential jasmine oil
- 6 drops pure essential ylang ylang oil
- 6 drops pure essential rose oil
Relax and Renew Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 8 drops pure essential jasmine oil
- 4 drops pure essential ylang ylang oil
- 4 drops pure essential sandalwood oil
Relaxing and Warming Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential tangerine oil
- 4 drops pure essential ginger oil
- 4 drops pure essential cinnamon leaf oil
- 6 drops pure essential clove bud oil
- 2 drops pure essential lavender oil
Rosemary and Cranberry Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential rosemary oil
- 18 drops pure essential cranberry oil
Stimulating Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 6 drops pure essential sandalwood oil
- 6 drops pure essential patchouli oil
- 6 drops pure essential ylang ylang oil
Uplifting Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 8 drops pure essential lavender oil
- 4 drops pure essential rosemary oil
- 4 drops pure essential geranium oil
- 6 drops pure essential lemon oil
Kombu Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Eden Kombu, 6" to 8" long
- 3/4 cup Eden Sea Salt
Kombu Lavender Bath Salt
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Eden Kombu, 6" to 8" long
- 3/4 cup Eden Sea Salt
- 12 drops pure essential lavender oil
Quality Spectrum of Essential Oils
When choosing essential oils it is important for health and safety reasons to choose only essential oils labeled "PURE" or "100% PURE." These are natural, unadulterated essential oils and do not contain synthetic oils or additives. Do not choose those labeled "Fragrance Oil", "Natural Fragrance Oil", "Natural Fragrance", "Perfume Oils", and the like. Unfortunately, there are many less than reputable brands in the marketplace today. Many are diluted with synthetic carrier oils and others may be entirely synthetic. These are not pure essential oils and may cause severe skin reactions. Choose reputable brand name pure essential oils, organic if available and feasible, from your local natural and organic food stores, or from a reputable aromatherapy store. If you are not sure about a particular oil or brand, always ask a clerk, manager or aroma therapist about the ingredients, quality and therapeutic properties. Do not purchase essential oils that are sold in plastic bottles. Essential oils degrade quickly in plastic.
Storing Essential Oils
Quality pure essential oils come in light protective, amber or cobalt blue glass bottles. After purchasing, keep them sealed in the bottles. Store the bottles in a cool, dry, dark place away from bright lights or natural sunlight, as light will cause degradation of the oils. Also keep them out of reach of children. Do not store essential oils in plastic containers, and after making body polish, always use glass containers for storing the finished formulations. Due to salts naturally high sodium and mineral content, it will react with the chemicals in many plastic containers, and is also best stored in glass. Empty glass bottles can be cleaned and reused to store essential oils or to create your own blend of essential oils. Make sure to immediately label each bath formulation or blend of essential oils so that you know the contents and ingredients.
Essential Oil Degradation
All essential oils will degrade eventually. Most however, if "pure" and uncut with carrier oils will last for years. Oils that are cut with carrier oils such as jojoba, coconut, almond, sesame, soy, safflower, etc. will last several months to a year or more depending on the oil. Oils that degrade the fastest are citrus oils, as they are very light sensitive, and may need to be replaced in several months. When making bath salts and body polish with essential oils, it is best to make them in small batches to avoid oil degradation. Make enough for several baths and store them in sealed glass containers in a cool, dry, dark place.
Essential Oil Common and Latin Names
Most essential oils are usually labeled using the more familiar 'common' names such as lavender, orange, rose, etc. However many essential oils have more than one common name. For instance orange could be 'sweet orange', 'mandarin orange' or 'neroli orange blossom'. Another is rose, which could be rose, rose otto, white rose, rose hip, rose absolute, etc. Also many oils may have the same common name, but different Latin names and very different properties and therapeutic uses. One such oil is chamomile with German and Roman varieties. There are also several kinds of lavender and eucalyptus. For this reason it is important to also know the Latin (botanical) name for each essential oil as well as the common name. When purchasing essential oils, first look for the common name. Then look for the Latin name, which is listed either on the front or the back of the bottle label. It is important to check both the common and Latin (botanical) name before choosing an oil to make sure that you have chosen the correct one. There are also oils with the same common name and same Latin name, but they come from different countries and have slightly different fragrances. One such example is Rose and Rose Otto. On the label it will list the common name, followed by the name of the country of origin, i.e. Rose - France, Rose Otto - Bulgaria, Rose Otto - Turkey, or the country of origin will follow the Latin name. Find the oil that you prefer in this case.
The oils used in Eden's Body Polish formulations are some of the most commonly used oils for bathing, for common skin conditions and for relaxation. For your convenience in purchasing the proper oils for these formulations, they are listed by both their common and Latin names. If more than one Latin name is given in the essential oil listing, all are appropriate for use in the Bath Salts and Polishes.
Ingredient Background
Lavender Lavandula augustifolia, L. augustifolium, Lavandula vera has been used for thousands of years for various skin conditions and was highly valued for its antiseptic properties making it ideal for skin care. It helps prevent the build up of sebum, oils in the skin that bacteria feed on. Lavender promotes tissue regeneration and keeps the skin supple. Good for all skin types and skin conditions. It helps reduce and prevent scarring, wrinkles, and stretch marks. The aroma is uplifting and encouraging, and is good for depression and relieving nervous tension. It is also helpful for rheumatism and arthritis pain. Relieves tension and stress and soothes sore muscles and joints.
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens has been used for thousands of years to maintain skin health. It is especially good for oily skin. It enlivens, restores the condition of the skin. Valued for its antiseptic properties making it ideal for skin care, preventing the build up of sebum, oils in the skin that bacteria feed on. It is said to promote tissue regeneration and to keep the skin supple, and was traditionally used to treat such skin conditions as dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It improves circulation and is emotionally uplifting. Good for depression.
Jasmine Jasminium grandiflorum is good for all types of skin conditions. It is mild and refreshing. The aroma has a relaxing, calming quality that creates a sense of peace and security. Good for mental stress and tension, reducing anxiety or depression. Jasmine is also good for eczema, and is ideal for greasy, dry, sensitive and irritated skin conditions.
Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata, dubbed the "flower of flowers", gives a powerful and gentle cleansing with a deep relaxing effect. It is good for all types of skin conditions and is mild and refreshing. The aroma is deeply relaxing, creating a sense of peace and security. Good for mental stress, tension and depression.
Rose and Rose Otto Rosa damascena oil has been used for thousands of years for a variety of skin conditions and is referred to as the "Queen of flowers." It is highly valued for its antiseptic properties making it ideal for skin care. It helps prevent the build up of sebum, oils in the skin that bacteria feed on. Promotes tissue regeneration and helps keep the skin supple. It is good for all skin conditions and helps reduce and prevent scarring and wrinkles. Its aroma is calming and relaxing, and is good for easing stress, tension and depression.
Rosewood Aniba rosaeodora inhibits bacterial growth due to its antibacterial, anti viral, and anti fungal properties. Soothes and restores elasticity to the skin while deeply nourishing it. The aroma brings balances and improves concentration.
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis has antiseptic and antibacterial qualities and the aroma helps to create balance by calming the nerves, enhancing mental clarity and strengthening the endocrine system. It was traditionally used to ease arthritis and joint pain, hair loss, and for respiratory relief. Helps overcome mental fatigue and improves memory by producing clarity and focus.
Cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon eases joint pain, and the aroma is delightfully sweet and deeply relaxing.
Texas Cedarwood Junipus mexicana or (Atlas) Cedarwood Cedarus atlantica stimulates the pineal gland, which is the center of emotions releasing the antioxidant hormone, melatonin. It is especially helpful for insomnia, bringing about deep sleep at night. Calming, releases nervous tension.
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin tightens loose or sagging skin, helps with fluid retention, good for chapped skin, and helps prevent wrinkles. Its aroma is relaxing and calming.
Sandalwood Santalum album is beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin, and helps counter depression, stress and nervous tension. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Sandalwood stimulates the pineal gland, which is the center of emotions releasing the antioxidant hormone, melatonin. It is especially helpful for insomnia, bringing about deep sleep at night. It is calming and releases nervous tension.
Citrus oils of Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis, Lemon Citrus lemon, Tangerine Citrus reticulata, Grapefruit Citrus paradisi, Lime Citrus aurantifolia, Mandarin Citrus reticulata, Neroli - orange blossom Citrus aurantium bigaradia, Grapeseed Vitis vinifera, etc. have astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial properties and are good for the removal of old skin cells. When citrus oils are combined with sea salt they are even more exfoliating. Citrus oils have been used traditionally to dissolve fats and oils that build up in the skin. They are especially good for dull, oily skin and acne. They also help, over time, to dissolve cellulite, reduce wrinkles and cleanse the skin pores. All citrus oils are uplifting, brightening, and refreshing. All are widely used in skin care for cleansing the skin, strengthening the nails and reducing wrinkles. They also help dissolve cellulite, reduce stretch marks and fluid retention, as they tighten and tone the skin. When combined with lavender they are very soothing. Do not go into direct sunlight after using citrus oils, as they react to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Ginger Zingiber officinale, clove Syzygium aromaticum, cinnamon and cinnamon leaf Cinnamomum zeylanicum all have antibacterial properties and generate warmth by increasing circulation. Good for oily skin conditions. May irritate those with very sensitive skin.
Tea Tree Oil Melaleuca alternifolia has powerful but gentle antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is said to be good for arthritis, warts, athlete's foot, psoriasis, carbuncles, acne, rashes, toe and fingernail fungus, eczema and boils. It is also good for muscle and joint pain. Cleans and disinfects.
Kombu Laminaria japonica or kelp helps to cleanse the skin pores and provide nutrient rich minerals to the skin, which is often depleted from frequent bathing, showering, swimming or perspiration. The minerals in kombu help break down fats or excessive oils that build up in the skin. Some research has even shown seaweed to regenerate skin cells when used topically. Kombu/sea salt baths can be helpful over time in breaking down cellulite, and it's also exfoliating by removing old skin cells. Use once or twice per week or as needed. It is also good for relieving tension and stress, and to soothe aching muscles and stiff joints.
Sea Salt cleanses the skin and replenishes trace minerals lost from bathing, swimming and perspiration. It relieves tension and stress and soothes sore muscles and stiff joints. It has an exfoliating effect on the skin, and can be blended with any essential oil. Eden's French Sea Salt from the Isle of Noirmoutier in Brittany or Eden's Portuguese Sea Salt from southern Algarve can both be used in the preparation of bath salts and body polishes, or just add a handful to bath water for a plain salt bath. Both are of the highest quality and are hand harvested from environmentally protected marshes. Eden's French Sea Salt is better suited for bath use as it is higher in minerals than the Portuguese.
Disclaimer
The preceding recipe(s) for traditional home remedies have not been scientifically researched or clinically tested as a formula for any condition, and we make no claims as to their effectiveness. These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Please review the complete disclaimer before using any of our Home Beauty Recipes.