Soothe sore muscles naturally with a warm bath and this aromatic fall spice bath salt.

Crisp, cool nights, cozying up on the couch with a flannel blanket and decorating the front porch with pumpkins and mums are all favorites when it comes to the fall season. Once the weather changes, trips to the corn maze and cups full of warm apple cider are activities that enviably welcome in autumn.

Now that it’s the end of September, my mind has started to switch from homemade sweet tea and popsicles to making apple pie and all things pumpkin spice. No longer are we outdoors weeding the garden or mowing the lawn. The fall season is a time of transition where one can begin to wind down from the busyness of summer.

I welcome the change of seasons.

Food grown from our land has now been harvested, preserved and stored away for the coming winter months. Rest and a bit more relaxation is just around the corner.

How to Make a Fall Scented Bath Salt

After a long day of work, soaking away the stresses of life is just what the body needs. And what better way than with a fall scented homemade bath salt? The warm aroma of cinnamon, ginger and cloves relaxes the mind, turning your thoughts from chores and responsibilities to falling leaves, pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread … okay maybe that’s just me. Either way pair this bath salt with some warm water to soak away all of your aches and pains.

This recipe is quick and easy to make. Simply grind up the calendula and oatmeal in a spice grinder. Combine the ground mixture with the epsom salt, spices and baking soda. Add the essential oil and you’re done. Scoop a few tablespoons into your bath and enjoy!

If you don’t like taking baths (like me), try tossing the bath salt into a small bucket and soak your feet. Standing on your feet all day (at work or on the homestead) tires the toes. Give them some love with this bath soak recipe.

Benefits of Bath Salts

Epsom salt – Relieves sore muscles

Baking soda – Softens the water

Oats – Helps soothe dry, irritated or inflamed skin

Calendula – A wondrous herb that helps decrease pain and inflammation as well as softens the skin. Don’t have any calendula on hand? Chamomile is a great substitute with excellent healing benefits.

Ginger, cinnamon and clove – Helps to increase circulation, thus keeping you warm on those cool fall or winter nights.

Video Tutorial

DIY Bath Soak Recipe

Makes: Enough for 5-6 baths

Ingredients

1 cup (224 g) epsom salt
1 Tbs baking soda
1 Tbs old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup (2 g) dried calendula
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3-4 drops of clove essential oil

Directions

Using a coffee or spice grinder, grind the oatmeal and dried calendula until it becomes a powder.

In a small bowl, combine the epsom salt, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and calendula and oats mixture. Mix until completely blended. Stir in the clove essential oil.

Store in a cool, dark area inside a sealed container such as a mason jar. To use, pour about 1/4 cup into your bath water or foot soak. Immerse yourself and enjoy the warming scents of cinnamon, ginger and clove.

Yield: 6 Baths

Fall Spice Bath Salt

Ingredients

1 cup (224 g) epsom salt
1 Tbs baking soda
1 Tbs old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup (2 g) dried calendula
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3-4 drops of clove essential oil

Instructions

Using a coffee or spice grinder, grind the oatmeal and dried calendula until it becomes a powder.

In a small bowl, combine the epsom salt, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon and calendula and oats mixture. Mix until completely blended. Stir in the clove essential oil.