DIY Lavender Vanilla Calming Bath Soak
DIY Lavender Vanilla Bath Soak: A self-care recipe you deserve.
Today’s lifestyle can be busy, busy, busy. But we all need just a little bit of time to ourselves. So give yourself 20 minutes, at least 20 minutes (longer if you got the time) of ‘me-time’ a small price to pay for a little bit of relaxation, to help reduce stress or just give your body a good pamper with this simple detoxifying soak.
There’s something timeless about slipping into a warm bath, letting the day’s worries melt away. Bath soaks have been around for centuries and it’s no surprise why, they offer incredible benefits for your body and mind. I’m sharing a simple recipe for a DIY Lavender Vanilla bath soak made with Epsom salts, coarse salt, dried lavender stalks, and a few drops of lavender and vanilla essential oils. It’s easy, affordable, and the perfect companion to a relaxing self-care Sunday (and a good book, of course!).
The History and Benefits of Bath Soaks
Bath soaks are ancient therapy. Cleopatra was famous for bathing in milk and honey for radiant skin, and the ancient Greeks and Romans built luxurious bathhouses to relax, socialize, and heal. Even in Japanese culture, soaking in an “onsen” (hot spring bath) is a ritual of health and mindfulness.
The benefits of bath soaks include:
- Muscle relaxation: Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which can help ease muscle tension and cramps.
- Stress reduction: Warm water, combined with calming scents like lavender and vanilla, soothes the nervous system.
- Detoxification: Coarse salts can help pull toxins out of the skin and improve circulation.
- Skin softening: Salts gently exfoliate, leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
- Better sleep: Lavender is famous for promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
A simple bath isn’t just a luxury — it’s self-care, inside and out.
Ingredients for Your DIY Lavender Vanilla Bath Soak
You’ll need just a few ingredients, most of which you might already have:
- 2 cup Epsom salts
- 1 cup coarse salt (like sea salt or Himalayan salt)
- 2 tablespoon dried lavender stalks (or 5-10 fresh lavender sprigs)
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- 5-10 drops vanilla essential oil
Optional: A muslin bag or old (clean!) stocking / pantihose if you prefer not to have herbs floating in your tub.
How to Make your DIY Lavender Vanilla Bath Soak
- Mix the salts. In a large bowl, combine the Epsom salts and coarse salt. Stir well to blend evenly.
- Add the lavender. Gently crush the lavender stalks a little with your fingers to release more of their natural scent, then stir them into the salt mix.
- Add the oils. Drop the lavender and vanilla essential oils evenly over the salt mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the oils.
- Store your soak. Pour your bath soak into an airtight jar or container. A mason jar works perfectly and looks super cute on a bathroom shelf.
That’s it! You’ve just created a luxurious, all-natural bath soak in less than 10 minutes.
How to Use Your Bath Soak
- Fill your bathtub with warm (not too hot) water.
- Sprinkle about ½ to 1 cup of the bath soak into the tub as it fills, or place it inside a muslin bag and let it steep like a giant tea bag.
- Swirl the water with your hand to help the salts dissolve.
- Sink in, close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Pair It With: A Cozy Book and a Self-Care Day
A bath soak is just one beautiful piece of a full self-care day. Here’s a simple, dreamy plan:
- Set the mood: Light a candle, play some soft music, and dim the lights.
- Have a book ready: For ultimate cozy vibes
- Prep some tea or infused water: Try chamomile tea or cucumber-mint water for a refreshing touch.
- After your bath: Slather on a good body lotion, slip into the softest pajamas you own and settle down with your book.
You deserve days like this (or even 20 minutes) simple, nourishing and full of life’s little joys.
Why Lavender and Vanilla?
Lavender has been prized for centuries for its calming, healing properties. Ancient Egyptians used it in mummification and perfumes; medieval Europeans tucked lavender into pillows to promote restful sleep.
Vanilla, on the other hand, brings warmth and comfort. The scent has been shown in studies to lower feelings of anxiety and lift mood. Together, lavender and vanilla are a match made in self-care heaven: soothing, sweet, and just a little bit luxurious.
Tips for Making It Your Own
- Switch up the oils: Add a few drops of chamomile, rose, or sandalwood if you want to change the vibe.
- Add a little baking soda: This softens the water and can make your skin feel extra silky.
- To avoid clumping in your mason jar, once your oils are mixed into your salts, lay the mixture on a baking sheet and let them sit in your oven for 5 minutes at about 160c
Bath soaks aren’t just about washing away physical dirt — they help you wash away mental clutter, too. Making your own at home is an easy act of love for yourself. Whether it’s a busy week or you’re just needing a little reset, taking time to soak, breathe and simply be is one of the gentlest, most powerful things you can do.
So go ahead — make your DIY Lavender Vanilla bath soak, grab your book, and treat yourself to a few minutes of pure, peaceful bliss.
Thank you for visiting my page! I hope you loved this recipe as much as I do!
As I am just starting this blog, I would be very appreciative if you look through my other recipes and share any ideas of what else you would like to see. My Focus is on Healthy Recipes, DIY Essential Oil Infused Self-Care and Natural Based Cleaning Products.