Salt for Aromatherapy

Enjoy spa quality pampering with salt aromatherapy. Essential oils added to Epsom salts, Dead Sea and other sea salts combine the therapeutic attributes of the chosen oils, salts and treatment methods. Aromatherapy salt treatments include salt baths, scrubs, soaps, lotions and creams. Consult your physician before selecting treatments and treatment methods to reduce risks.

Salt Selection

Epsom salts, Dead Sea mineral salts and sea salts are a few of the varieties of salt used in aromatherapy. Epsom salts--also known as magnesium sulfate--enhance the bathing experience by promoting the absorption of nutritive magnesium and sulfates through the skin and encouraging detoxification through increased perspiration. Israeli physicians prescribe Dead Sea mineral salt baths high in magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride, sodium and bromides for detoxification, rheumatism and arthritis. Other varieties of sea salts contain high levels of sodium and chloride and trace quantities of other minerals and elements. The exact composition and the benefits provided vary dependent upon the type of water evaporated. Select salts based on your health needs and the recommendation of your physician.

Essential Oil Selection

Personalize your salt aromatherapy experience by researching essential oils that align with your individual preferences and health conditions. If purchasing ready-made aromatherapy and salt combinations, select products that contain ingredients that address your individual needs. Select high-quality essential oils and ingredients when making salt aromatherapy combinations at home. Always consult your physician before trying a new combination.

Bath Salts

Experts recommend using bath salts at home. "The Bath and Body Book" author Stephanie Donaldson recommends thoroughly combining 1 lb. of a coarse sea salt with 20 drops of essential oils before storing in a glass jar with a tight lid. Ms. Donaldson's Calming Chamomile Bath Salts recipe includes 1 lb. coarse sea salt, 10 drops chamomile essential oil, 10 drops sweet marjoram essential oil and 1 to 3 drops of natural green food coloring (optional). She recommends using 2 large tbsp. of this aromatherapy salt blend per bath. Cherie Perez, a supervising research nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center, teaches patients to prepare a muscle relaxing bath by combining 2 cups of Epsom salts with 5 drops each of lavender, lemon, tea tree and orange essential oils. She recommends using ¼ cup of this salt blend per bath.

Salt Scrubs

"Home Spa" author Jennie Harding instructs her readers on how to make dry and wet salt scrubs. She combines 3 tbsp. of sea salt with 6 drops of essential oil to make an exfoliating, dry salt scrub for use before showering. Harding's simple morning Grapefruit and Sea Salt Body Scrub includes 3 tbsp. sea salt and 6 drops of grapefruit essential oil. She recommends rubbing the mixture quickly over the body before rinsing in the shower. If you prefer a wet salt scrub, "The Essential Oils Book" author Colleen Dodt prepares a salt glow scrub by combining 2 cups sea salt with 1 oz. nut or seed oil and 6 to 8 drops of essential oil. Dodt recommends standing in the bath tub and massaging the combination into your dry skin. She suggests that you fill the tub with water to prepare an aromatherapy salt bath. Always use caution in the tub and shower to ensure safety.

Safety

Research essential oils, salts and other ingredients before use. Allergic reactions, hives, skin sensitivity, respiratory distress and other adverse reactions may occur. Always consult your physician before experimenting with aromatherapy salt treatments.