Epsom Salt & Lavender Bath Soak

Depending how old you are, you may have heard a grandparent or even parent speak of using Epsom salts in a warm bath to soothe everything from cold and flu symptoms to sore joints. Epsom salts are a form of magnesium sulfate and are named after the English town of Epsom in the county of Surrey where it was discovered in the 17the century. Initially used mainly as a laxative (bleurgh!!), eventually its beneficial effect on gout and other joint problems and its skin soothing properties made it a commercial success and is still as effective now as it was then.

Cheap and easy to use, this recipe can be made up in a few minutes. You will need:

One bag of Epsom salts (I like the Westlab brand, but choose what you wish)

Ten to fifteen drops of lavender essential oil + a handful of dried lavender buds (these are optional)

Add one or two cups of the salts to your storage container (preferably a clean, wide mouthed jar). Add the lavender essentail oil and stir well. Add the dried lavender buds if you are using them and stir again. Cap the jar and leave overnight.

Add a handful or two to a warm bath and soak for at least twenty minutes. Feels great and smells amazing too!