Some natural remedies are quite fun! “Bath Bombs” are easy to make and can help you to heal from the outside in! Bath bombs, also known as “bath fizzies” combine natural ingredients into a molded solid that you add to your bath as a natural remedy for colds, the flu, dermatitis, chicken pox or even just for fun! The “bomb” or “fizz” comes about when the dry ingredients hit the water and the acids and bases in the “bomb” mix. The resulting reaction causes lots of little bubbles, similar to carbonated soda pop.
There are many different fun ways to make bath bombs. They usually include ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, bentonite clay, essential oils and water or witch hazel. Some bath bombs include oils like coconut oil.
Beyond the simple pleasure of a fizzie bath additive, bath bombs can actually promote healing. Watch Earth Clinic's new video featuring Mama's cutie pie son to learn how to make an alkalizing bath bomb!
Here are some ingredients found in bath bombs with the healing properties they can provide in a bath:
Baking Soda
Baking soda has been used in a bath to bring relief to poison ivy, chicken pox, bug bites and other forms of dermatitis.
Citric Acid
Citric acid, when used with baking soda, releases carbon dioxide bubbles into the water, which your body them absorbs. As the body absorbs the carbon dioxide, the cells are better able to release the oxygen. Carbon dioxide and oxygen work in harmony in the body.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is used in bath bombs to help them bind together. Additionally, bentonite absorbs toxins and can be used in detox baths.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil used in bath bombs can help to hold them together. It also softens skin while you bathe!
Epsom salt
Epsom salt is a tradition in natural bath products. The body absorbs the magnesium from Epsom salts which can reduce stress, leg cramps and promote better sleep, among many other benefits.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are usually added to make the bath smell good. But essential oils can be useful for healing as well. Lavender is a relaxing oil. Eucalyptus is great for colds and respiratory problems.
Bath bombs do begin to degrade over time, especially if they are exposed to moisture before they are put into the bath. Ideally, use them within a couple of weeks. They are not harmful if used after that time, they just may not fizz as well.
Cutie Pie’s Bath Bombs
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- ¼ cup bentonite clay
- Witch Hazel (or water) in a spray bottle
Mix dry ingredients in a plastic or glass bowl. Use rubber gloves if you have sensitive skin. (Citric acid can be irritating straight.) Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix. (Don’t use metal with bentonite clay as it absorbs metals.)
Spray witch hazel onto the powder and mix until it “clumps.” It takes 20 sprays or so to get it to the lightly clumpy consistency. Put the mixture into molds. Silicone molds work well for this. Allow them to cure for a couple of hours before removing them from molds. Store in plastic bags until use.
You can substitute Epsom salt for the bentonite clay above.
Cautions:
Children should always be supervised in the bathtub!
Baths that are too hot can cause overheating, resulting in fainting. This is especially true for the infirm, young children, the ill. Anyone who is sick or infirm should have supervision when taking healing baths.
Bath bombs that contain oils, like coconut oil, can leave the bathtub slippery! Clean out the tub after using bath bombs with oils to make sure the tub is not slippery for the next user.
Have you made or used bath bombs? Please send us some feedback!
Additional Pages of Interest:
Detox Baths
