Bath Bombs Spread Herbal Delight

By Paris Wolfe, Blogmaster, The Herb Society of America

When my partner’s four-year-old granddaughter was visiting in June, she protested bath time. It interrupted her play time. So, I offered her one of my $2 lavender-scented bath bombs … those compressed powdery cakes that fizz while perfuming the air and softening bathwater.  She couldn’t resist the purple sphere and the light shade it made the water. And, I was proud of my problem-solving skills.

A few minutes later – when her mom told me how easy it is to make bath bombs – I was feeling a silly for spending $2 per “bomb.” So, I hopped online, researched various bath bomb recipes and tweaked a formula.

Within the week I was addicted and used every herbal essential oil in my craft closet … lemon grass, peppermint, lavender, rose geranium, among others. Over the summer I’ve enjoyed the aromatherapy and shared them with house guests.

I couldn’t master the round metal molds. So instead I purchased heart-shaped silicon molds for my version. I might need the beach creature or bug molds for the children in my life. While most ingredients can be found in grocery, drug or craft stores, I purchased my essential oils and more online.  You can find a broad array of essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Bath Bomb Recipe

• 8 ounce baking soda (about one cup)
• 4 ounces Epsom salts (1/2 cup)
• 4 ounces citric acid (1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoon oil (olive, almond, grapeseed, avocado, hempseed)
• 20-30 drops essential oils
• 3-5 drops food coloring (optional)

Bath bomb mold or silicon molds.

Thoroughly whisk dry ingredients in metal or glass bowl. Add wet ingredients and mix. Pack into molds and allow to set for 24 hours. Remove gently and store in dry container.