Forest Bathing Salts

This simple recipe uses foraged evergreens and salt to create a peaceful forest bathing experience at home. It is also a great way to honor and use the needles from your Christmas tree if you celebrate. Magnesium and sea salt relax tired muscles and the scent of conifers transports you to the magic of a winter forest. This is a recipe I make on repeat all winter long.

Forest bathing is the practice of intentionally immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is grounded in the healing balm of nature for our spirit. When we go to the woods and take a pause from the digital world at our fingertips, we immerse ourselves in connection, wonder and beauty. We return home with our nerves calmed, senses cleared and joy in our hearts. This bath combines the power of evergreen needles with relaxing and detoxifying salts to help clear your mind, aid with deep relaxation and act as a natural decongestant to help with colds and respiratory issues. The addition of fir balsam and eucalyptus essential oils helps clear your senses and ground you in the woods. While you are taking a bath, close your eyes and envision walking in a snowy forest surrounded by tall evergreens. Take in the beauty and majesty of these trees and the beautiful green, coniferous scent in the air. 

Instructions

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup fir, spruce or pine needles (fresh or dried)

1 cups medium to coarse sea salt

1 cups magnesium chloride salts or Epsom salt

20 drops fir balsam essential oil

10 drops eucalyptus essential Oil

1 tsp spirulina powder (optional)

Note

You can use all Epsom salts or magnesium chloride if you don’t want to use sea salt.

INSTRUCTIONS

Forage for fresh evergreen needles outside.

Blend ½ cup needles and the 2 cups of salt (sea salt, magnesium or Epsom) in high speed blender or food processor and pulse until needles have blended with salts and turned them light green. Stir in essential oils and spirulina if desired. Pour bath salts into an airtight jar with lid. Will keep fresh for at least one year.

TO USE

Pour ¼ to ½ cup of salts into warm bath and soak for at least fifteen minutes. Breathe deeply and relax.