A simple gift of bath salts can be expanded to include an appealing array of luxurious, natural products. Here are a few ideas to help lend inspiration to your gift-giving plans!

Bath Salts:

• 2 c. baking soda
• 1 c. sea salt. Dead Sea salt is optimal, available from vendors such as SoapGoods.
• 1 c. Epsom salts
• 1/4 tsp. vitamin C powder. Helps neutralize chlorine and makes a nice addition to the salts. Options include Perque Potent C Guard from Natural Healthy Concepts (also available from Amazon).
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice

Dendritic salt, a very fine-grain salt that helps hold the fragrance of the essential oil, may be used to replace either of the other salts—just keep the ratio of salts to baking soda at 1 part salts to 1 part baking soda.

Combine all ingredients and stir to blend. Pour into mason jar or decorative container. (For decorative bottles and jars, try SKS Bottle and Packaging.)

You may also want to include a small bottle of glycerin for your recipient, with directions to add 10-12 drops to the bath to avoid dry skin. To enhance the glycerin, add several drops of lavender or other essential oil to the bottle. Glycerin can be purchased at health food stores or online. Options include Heritage Products Vegetable Glycerin from Vitacost.

Baths have been used for centuries for healing and detoxifying the body. Epsom salts and baking soda are two of the most popular remedies and appropriate for those recovering from chronic and/or environmental illness.

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salts consist of magnesium and sulfate (sulphate).

Magnesium is a vital mineral necessary for proper functioning of muscles, nerves, sleep, and more. Research by the National Academy of Sciences suggests that most Americans are deficient in magnesium.

Sulphates play a critical role in the formation of brain tissue. They disinfect the blood and flush toxins from cells. They stimulate the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Sulphates also contribute to the production of collagen, which contributes to healthy, young-looking skin.