Recipe for homemade bath oils

Detailed instructions and recipe for making homemade bath oil.

There are many reasons to make your own bath oil. Custom blended bath oils can be outrageously expensive. Making your own bath oil, allows for creation of an organic product without all of the chemicals in the marketed oils. It is a fun hobby that can make beautiful gifts that you can tailor to an individual’s personality with great ease. There are also medicinal or therapeutic uses as well.

The type of procedure that you use for making your oil will depend upon the time effort and money that you want to spend in this endeavor. First one must decide on the carrier oil to be used. This will be the base for your bath oil. Any type of vegetable oil can be used including olive, canola, grape seed, and sesame or almond oil. Most people prefer sweet almond oil or a mixture of these. The simplest method is to put 8-12 drops of your chosen essential oil or oils to one pint of carrier oil. Viola! Fast and easy bath oil. This may be poured over dried flowers leaves or herbs in a pretty jar for great presentation. Do not use a metal container. Glass or glazed pottery containers are the best for homemade bath oil to prevent chemical reactions that could change the end result of your oil. Plastic bottles also work well but can pick up the scent of the oil so re-use for the same type of oil or throw away after each use. Also if using a clear container, store oil away from direct light to prevent it from going bad.

Another method is a bit more time consuming but well worth the wait. Choose the type of plants materials that you will be using for your oil. Fresh plants or dried herbs may be used. Place in a glass container (I prefer canning jars or medium sized mayonnaise jars). Fill jar about three- fourths full of leaves, buds or plants of choice. Compress slightly. Pour carrier oil of choice over plants until they are just covered by the oil. Remove any air bubbles. This can be done by inserting a butter knife down the side of the jar and running around the side. Cover loosely with cheesecloth or plastic wrap. Allow to sit in a warm area for 10-14days. For a stronger oil, it can be allowed to sit for up to two months depending on the type of plant or herb being used. Strain through the cheesecloth after the allotted time is up. Pour into clean jars and let stand undisturbed another 7 days. Pour the clear liquid into jars for gift giving or personal use. This can be used full strength for baths. To use for massage oil simply add 3 tablespoons of this oil to another cup of carrier oil.

For gift giving pour oils into decorative bottles. These can be purchased from a dollar type store or get creative and decorate recycled bottles or jars. Think of making custom blended bath oil and giving it in a bottle that relates to someone‘s hobby or area of interest. The end result is not only a unique handmade gift but a very personal one as well. Have fun experimenting with different combinations of oils and scents. The only limit is your imagination!