Making Homemade Bath Salts
Bath salts are an exciting group of designer drug substances. The name comes from cases where the supposedly medicinal drugs were disguised as bath salt. These so-called bath salts were advertised as cure-alls for a variety of ills ranging from headaches to body pains and even more unusual ills such as flatulence and even possession by the dead. The bath salts were sold under various names including Dead Sea salts and even more bizarre names such as Slippery elixir, Lye water, and the illegal but incredibly popular Ecstasy. The bath salts would be mixed with other substances in a bath or shower and left for a number of hours. It is said that the makers of the bath salts would also include instructions on how to make the mixture as safe as possible without endangering the user.
The bath salt craze caught on during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s among youths who were trying to find a high. Withdrawal symptoms were similar to those of cocaine and the bath salts were often used as a way to escape rather than admit to having had alcohol or other drugs in the body. Unfortunately for many of these children and young people today, the effects of bath salts addiction can be disastrous and long lasting. Recent research has suggested that bath salts may even have links to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
One common method for introducing essential oils into the body is to soak in a salt bath for twelve minutes. An essential oil such as eucalyptus or marjoram can be added to the bath water at this point. Some individuals like to soak in the bath for as long as possible, adding the oil to the water as the soak progresses. Many suggest that this allows the individual to experience the relaxing properties of the essential oil while also working on muscle relaxation.
Other individuals find that simply sprinkling baking soda into the bath water makes the experience more pleasant. Baking soda can help to reduce anxiety and to help soothe tense muscles. There are several different forms of baking soda that may be chosen. Many prefer to use liquid form, which is available in bottles at health food stores. Another popular choice is to add a few drops of pink sea salt to the water.
Other individuals find it easier to use a special salt known as reishi. The reishi salt can be purchased in various forms including tablets or powder. It can be dissolved in warm bath water for an hour or less. Once the salt has been dissolved in the bath water, it may be gently massaged into the skin. Some individuals choose to add a few drops of witch hazel or peppermint to the bath water for a similar effect.
Other individuals find that they can easily add these drops to a large glass of water and then add a couple of cups of warm water to the mixture. They then place this mixture into their bathtub. The only limitation to this type of preparation is the availability of water in the bathtub. Once the water is warm enough, it may be advisable to add a few more drops of the pink salt.
Many people find that using olive oil as a bath salt solution makes the process much easier. In most cases, a standard kitchen teaspoon of olive oil will work just fine. All that is required is that the person add a couple of tablespoons of this oil to a running water bath. After the oil has dissolved faster than running water, it may be preferable to add a couple of cups of this salty solution to the water. It should be added slowly to allow for complete absorption.
It should be noted that although bath salts do not necessarily contain illicit substances, they can have a negative impact on one’s health. Therefore, they should be used in the proper amounts and with the proper precautions. While there are certainly some safe and natural alternatives to synthetic designer drugs, anyone who wishes to try bath salts should at least consult a medical professional.