Healthy Bath Bombs: Don’t Bathe in Toxins

Bath bombs are the rage. Go to any soaping website and they are plastered all over the web. But what ingredients do these bath bombs contain? Many times they are infused with perfume oils that may contain toxic scents that can disturb your nervous system: in other words, those seemingly innocent scents may be neurotoxic and may block the liver’s ability to detoxify properly.

As you all are aware, my mission is to make sure that you ALWAYS make healthy choices and that means that I am concerned about what you use in your shower and/or bathtub. When you reach for a store bought bath bomb, be careful. When buying these products you must be a label reader. Remember: if you can’t pronounce it, I can almost guarantee that it is synthetic and toxic in nature. In fact, you may want to peruse a web site called EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Data Base. You can type in most personal care products and get a health rating on ingredients. Very helpful.

And why is this so important? If we are not careful, what we smell and what our pores absorb can create massive cellular membrane inflammation. So the bath bombs at our local bath and beauty shop might smell really good but more than likely they will contain ingredients that your cells will HATE! Now what?

Great News for the Health Conscious

There is an easy way to make your own! And whether you have a bathtub or a shower, you can enjoy health promoting bath bombs with natural essential oil scents.

Bath bombs can be relaxing, detoxifying or immune boosting so it is up to you to choose the perfect combination of natural essential oils to be used. Read over the basic list of ingredients below as they all have very specific health advantages.

Epsom Salts: Epsom salts will draw toxins out of your skin.

Baking Soda: Baking soda will not only alkalize but will also draw out toxins.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is anti-viral, containing both lauric acid and capric acide. It can also help to sooth and moisturize the skin.

Citric Acid: Citric acid is found in fruits and vegetables, and will give your bath bomb its fizzy quality.

Basic Recipe – Healthy Bath Bomb

• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 2 Tbsp. organic, raw virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid – can be found at your local grocery store in the canning section

Directions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl, mixing slowly. You may see some fizz happening already, but that is okay.
4. Start the process of forming the ingredients into small ball shapes.
5. Prepare a muffin pan with a few drops of olive oil to make sure each muffin compartment is oiled slightly, so the bath bombs don’t stick after they dry.
6. Take the small balls and firmly push them into each muffin mold. Note: don’t put too much of the mixture in, as they expand.
7. Leave in a well-ventilated area for at least 3 hours or until they are dry upon touch. If it is muggy, you may need to leave them dry overnight.
8. Pop them out of each mold and place in an airtight bag so they don’t get soggy. You can use natural parchment paper baggies from your local health food store to store your bath bombs.

Cold and Flu Bath Bomb

Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix in the following oils into the liquid blend:

• Add 4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
• Add 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil

• Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol and alpha terpineol oils that increase respiratory function and promote easy breathing.
• Peppermint is calming to your digestive system, quiets nausea and reduces stomachaches; but it will also do a great job opening up your nasal passages.

Inhale those fumes and feel your sinuses and respiratory system open up!

Energizer Bath Bomb:

Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix in the following oils into the liquid blend:

• Add 4 drops of Grapefruit essential oil
• Add 2 drops of Lemon essential oil
• Grapefruit oil is both invigorating and energizing. It is frequently used to support the liver and gallbladder. It also purifies, cleanses and will promote balance metabolism.
• Lemon will purify the air, it is stimulating, energizing and helps to protect against seasonal flu bugs.

Soothe the Day Away Bath Bomb

Using the basic bath bomb recipe above, mix in the following oils into the liquid blend:

• Add 4 drops of Lavender essential oil
• Add 2 drops of Frankincense essential oil

• Lavender is noted for its calming properties, it can calm down skin irritations and can soothe tension from both muscles and the mind. The Romans and Egyptians used lavender oil in ancient times for bathing and relaxation.
• Frankincense promotes immunity and cellular health. It is also anti-inflammatory and can evoke feelings of peace, relaxation and well-being.

Note: Use an additional few extra drops of Lavender essential oil on the bottom of each foot before getting into bed for a good night’s sleep.

All Essential Oils Are NOT Alike:

Essential oils are volatile liquids distilled from plants. They must be purely distilled to protect their chemical constituents that are affected by the following: soil conditions, climate, temperature, harvest season, method, whether the plants are grown in organic soil, low pressure and low temperature. So using anything less than certified, pure therapeutic-grade oils may NOT give you therapeutic benefits.

How to Use Your Healthy Bath Bombs:

• If you only have a shower, turn on the water, get in and place the bath bomb at your feet so the shower water can hit the bath bomb directly. It will immediately start to fizz and your bathroom and your lungs will be filled with healing essential oil molecules.
• If you have a bathtub, run the bath water, making sure that the water is at a comfortable temperature. When the tub is filled with water, get in and drop the bath bomb in the water. As the bath bomb starts to FIZZ it will emit those wonderful natural scents; so sit back, relax and enjoy the healing fragrances.

As you will experience, it is worth it to take the time to make your own healthy bath bombs. Although it takes a little bit of advanced planning, remember that our bodies need to be protected from upstream toxins.

Again, what we breath and what we put on our skin matters! Protect your health by being proactive. In addition to bath bombs, jojoba oil has many skin supporting benefits! Follow my recipes and/or create your own and just perhaps… this might be the start of making some healthy, safe handmade gifts for the upcoming holidays. Your family and friends will be so grateful. Keep it healthy folks!