Homemade gifts are great craft projects, and they’re especially appreciated because they mean you took time to make something special. Dried flower bath bombs utilizing fresh herbs and blooms from your garden take on an even more personal touch. Herbal bath bomb recipes are easy to make and a fun task for the whole family.
Herbal Bath Bombs
DIY bath bomb ideas are a great personal treat and make excellent presents. All you need for a bath bomb recipe is essential oil, baking soda, dried flower petals, and citric acid. Optional items, such as Epsom salts or witch hazel will also add to the experience. Learn how to make bath bombs with flowers and spread the luxurious and healing experience of bathing with natural essences.
How to Make Bath Bombs with Flowers
Flowers and aromatic oils are key to DIY bath bomb ideas. You can either purchase these or make your own.
For dried flowers, pick them in the morning for the most divine fragrance. Harvest herbs before they begin to flower so more of the aromatic essence is available in the foliage. The best way to preserve fresh herbs and flowers is by drying. You can choose to lay them out on a rack and dry them naturally, or use a dehydrator. Naturally dried plant matter should be laid out in a dim room, because UV rays will discolor them. You can also tie little posies of herbs and flower stems and hang them upside down to dry in a cool, dark location, like a closet. You can also use an oven on a low setting to dry plant material. Once fully dried, store leaves and flowers in glass jars until ready to use.
Easy Bath Bomb Recipe
Having a mold will make forming the mixture easier and more professional looking, but you can also hand mold the mixture. This recipe will make an herbal bath bomb. Have at hand:
- 1/2 cup ( 110 g.) citric acid
- 1 cup ( 290 g.) baking soda
- 1/4 cup ( 25 g.) rolled oats, ground to a powder
- several drops (depending on the variety and scent) essential oil
- dried herbs
Sift together the first 2 ingredients to remove any lumps. Add the oatmeal which will help soothe skin. Drizzle in the oils and a bit of water until the mixture clumps together well. Form in molds or in handmade balls. You can roll them in herbs or leave them as is.
Dried Flower Bath Bombs
If you want to add a special touch with flower petals such as rose, or the little individual florets of lavender, the recipe is similar. You can add the flowers directly to the mixture or roll the balls in petals. If using a mold, put the flowers into the bottom before adding the citric acid/baking soda mixture. You can add witch hazel as part of the wet ingredients for a soothing touch. Epsom salts will help soothe away aches and are added with the dry ingredients. Just a few teaspoons is enough to soak away sore muscles. Allow bath bombs to sit out overnight to dry. Wrap your bath bombs in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a pretty finish.