How to make a herbal bath bomb

Picture a cold, wet and windy winter evening and running yourself a toasty, relaxing bath. And then…adding a herbal bath bomb made by your very own hands. Ahhh, it feels and smells wonderful. 

Bath bombs are a great addition to any selfcare routine. They are a soothing and gentle way to benefit from the properties of your herbs.

What is a herbal bath bomb?

A herbal bath is a fizzy, delicious scented ball that releases salts and oils into your bathwater. A bit like bringing the spa home! They’re fun to make and bring out your creative and playful spirit too.

Shop bought bath bombs are often full of artificial fragrances but these are as gentle and natural as can be and filled with the goodness of pure herbs, natural oils and skin-friendly ingredients.

What is a herbal bath bomb used for?

HerbYou can make bath bombs for lots of different uses whether it’s uplifting and reviving or for winding down or even skin nourishing:

• Sleep support: unwind after a long day with a soothing lavender and chamomile bath bomb
• Skin nourishment: herbs such a calendula or rose gently condition and soften the skin.
• Energy boost: herbs like rosemary and peppermint and invigorating properties that help awaken the senses
• Mindful selfcare: rituals often create a sense comfort and making your own bath bomb is a mindful experience in itself
• Homemade gift: like many of our herbal recipes, they make a lovely gift in some pretty packaging. We love a bit of tissue paper and twine!

Which herbs can I use to make a herbal bath bomb?

Below is a selection of herbs that can be used in a bath bomb. These are our favourites:

There are of course many more plants that can be made into herbal bath bomb:

How do I make herbal bath bomb?

The recipe below is based on our simple recipe for making a herbal bath bomb.

Ingredients (makes 3-4 bath bombs)

• 200g of bicarbonate of soda
• 100g citric acid
• 65g cornflour
• 65g epsom salts
• 30 mL carrier oil (almond, jojoba, coconut oil)
• 10g dried herbs (lavender flowers, rose petals, chamomile)
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (lavender, chamomile, rose or any of your choice)
• 5-10mL water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
• You can add natural colouring such beetroot or spirulina

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Bath bomb moulds (or something like a muffin tin or freeform!)
• Scales
• Spray bottle for the water or witch hazel
• Baking tray or plate for drying

Method

1. Mix the dry ingredients: in a large bowl combine the bicarb, citric acid, cornflour and Epsom salts.
2. Add the herbs: sprinkle in your chosen dried herbs and mix gentle (we’re picturing Mr Bean in Love Actually here!)
3. Incorporate the oils: add your carrier oil and essential oils. Mix well. The aroma should be pleasant but not overpowering.
4. Moisten the mixture: lightly spritz with water or witch hazel while stirring continuously. The texture should resemble damp sand and should hold together when squeezed but not fizz.
5. Shape the bath bombs: press the mixture firmly into your moulds. 
6. Set and dry: leave to dry and room temperature for 24-48 hours, until completely firm
7. Enjoy your bath: gently remove the moulds. You can store the bath bombs in a tupperware away from moisture or drop one into your bath for a soothing herbal soak.
   

Your homemade herbal cream is now ready to use! It should last 4–6 weeks without preservatives, or longer if you include natural preservatives like vitamin E or rosemary extract.

Tips

• The drains won’t be too happy with the loose herbs so it’s worth shaking them off before use or adding a small strainer over the plughole. 
• For extra fizz, make sure the citric acid is dry and fresh