There are few things that can make you feel as good as a nice long bath. It’s seriously one of the best ways to wind down and relax after a long day. Unfortunately, when I had kids, those long hot relaxing baths were the first thing to go. This year I’m really making self-care a priority, and one of the best and easiest ways to practice a little self-care is with a nice relaxing bath!
Another thing I am making a priority this year, getting back into shape and losing those last 10lbs of baby weight that refuses to leave my lower body. Which means I’ve got some very sore muscles. So what better way to practice a little self-care and relieve those sore muscles than with a muscle-relaxing bath salt mix!!! Now, this is some multitasking that I can get behind!
I’ve always been a huge fan of Epsom salt baths to help relieve sore achy muscles. But recently I started hearing about the benefits of using magnetism flakes in place of Epsom salts.
So what’s the difference between the two? Well, in a nutshell, they are made up of two different types of magnesium. The magnesium in magnesium flakes is a type of magnesium that is better absorbed and better processed by your body. The magnesium in Epsom salts is harder for your body to absorb and quickly processed out.
I wanted to test it out to see for myself and let me tell you… magnesium flakes are my new favorite thing! My muscles felt relaxed and I haven’t had any issue with that pesky delayed onset muscle soreness that comes with new workouts. I’ve also started the magnesium flakes to make a magnesium oil that I spay to help me sleep better at night. I’m obsessed!! I’ve been using Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes 
, which I bought off amazon.
Along with magnesium flakes, this bath salt mix also contains pink Himalayan salt, shea butter, and baking soda. Pink Himalayan salt is unprocessed and contains important trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
I used eucalyptus essential oil which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as the ability to help relieve joint and muscle pain. Plus I absolutely love the smell of it.
Adding a small amount of shea butter is a little truck that will turn any bath into a super luxurious experience. It’s also the perfect way to combat to dry winter skin. The shes butter melts in the hot bath water and soaks into your skin. Leaving your skin moisturized and silky smooth. The baking soda also helps to soothe dry irritated skin.
One quick note about using shea butter in your bath. It will leave a bit of a residue behind. To remove it simply use a little vinegar a dishrag.
If you want to take your bath experience to the next level then give yourself a quick dry brush while waiting for your bath to fill. Drying bushing is a great way to not only shed dead skin cells but it has also been shown to help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. It can also help temporarily minimize the appearance of cellulite by increasing circulation to the area!
To dry brush start at your ankles and moving in circular motions work your way up your body. When brushing your back do the opposite, start at your shoulders and work downwards. You can use a Body Brush 
or Exfoliating Bath Gloves
. It’s really all up to your personal preference.
Muscle Relaxing Bath Salt With Essential Oils
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup – Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
1/2 cup – Baking soda
1/2 cup – Pink Himalayan Salt
1 tbsp – Unrefined Shea Butter 
10 drops – eucalyptus essential oil
Directions:
1. Combine the magnesium flakes, baking soda, and pink Himalayan salt into a container.
2. Add eucalyptus oil (or essential oil of choice)
3. Place the shea butter on the top of the other ingredients.
That’s it! it’s super quick and easy to make. The beautiful pink color of the Himalayan salt along with the texture of the magnesium flakes give this a very visually appealing look. Which makes it a great DIY birthday or Christmas gift!!
When you are ready to use your Muscle Relaxing Magnesium Bath Salts just add it to a hot bath and soak for at least 30 minutes. Don’t forget to dry brush while you are waiting for the bath to fill up!!
If you enjoyed this post then check some more of my DIY Skincare:
- Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask
- The Ultimate Detoxifying Activated Charcoal Face Mask
- All Natural Whipped Body Butter with Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 Minute Lavender and Coconut Oil Sugar Hand Scrub with Free Printable Label
