**In this post we are going to be making bath salts that can help support the body during the aches & pains of a flu**

*This preparation is a good addition to your cold & flu arsenal!*

Herbal Bath Salt Blend

This post may contain links but they are not affiliate links. I am not in any sort of affiliate program at this time. They are links to things I actually use. All formulations shared on this blog have been formulated for personal use only, not for resale.

I am not a Doctor & none of this is medical advice. It is here for entertainment & educational purposes only & it is up to you to talk to your health care practitioners first. The information shared is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified health care provider before making any health decisions

Today we’re going to mix up a batch of my favorite bath salts. These salts help relieve aches & pains while providing a sense of relaxation, or at least that’s what I notice whenever I use them

This blend uses a combination of Epson salt & baking soda but magnesium flakes would make a good addition as well

The herbal allies chosen to go into this formulation are dried Peppermint Leaves, Chamomile Flowers & Ginger Root

I have already spoken about Ginger Root in this post

I will be covering peppermint in a post next week when I share a flu fighter glycerite recipe

Today let’s talk about Chamomile

**Chamomile**
**Botanical name:** *Matricaria chamomila*

**Common names:** Manzanilla, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile

Plant Family: Asteraceae

Native to: Asia & Europe

Naturalized to: North America

Botanical Description: Chamomile has long smooth stems that grow between 6-23 inches long. The long, narrow, feather-like formation of the leaves usually has 2-3 branches from one stem. There are many flower heads to one branch or stem. The flower petals are white with a yellow head in the center. The flowers bloom early to mid-summer & have a very aromatic scent

Parts used: Flowering tops

Taste:

Bitter
Aromatic telling us it has a high volatile or essential oil content

Energetics:

Cooling
Drying

Herbal Actions of Concern:

Analgesic
Antiemetic
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Antispasmotic/spasmolytic
Diaphoretic
Inflammation modulating
Nervine
Relaxant
Sedative

Indications for Use:

Anxiety
Irritation
Digestive discomfort

Systems Affected:

Nervous system: working as a nervine, relaxant & mild sedative that can help with restlessness, anxiety, irritability & insomnia. It interacts with our GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system helping to bring a sense of calm while offering anti-anxiety affects
Digestive system: helping to relieve digestive spasm, bloating, cramping, indigestion & colic through its antispasmodic action. It helps to inhibit smooth muscle contraction which helps relax tissues & relieve tension.
Respiratory system: when inhaled as a steam it can help in cases of sinusitis, chronic asthma, bronchitis, hayfever & influenza by helping to clear excessive mucus & phlegm from the lungs while reducing inflammation & muscular tension

Important To Note:

When applied topically it can help sooth skin inflamation & aid in the healing of wounds
Talk to your health care professionals if you are taking any medication that is used to depress the central nervous system such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids as adverse reactions may occur. Although unlikely there is still a risk

We are going to be adding some essential oils into the salts as well. I will be sharing my favorite blend, but you could easily switch them out to ones you prefer

Eucalyptus

Botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus

Plant family: Myrtaceae

Therapeutic benefits: analgesic, antiviral, antispasmodic

Supports with: opening airways, congestion, aches & pains

Dermal max: 20%

Safety precautions:

Keep away from infants & young children faces

Lavender

Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia

Plant family: Lamiaceae

Therapeutic benefits: anti-depressant, anxiolytic, sedative, diuretic, analgesic

Supports with: insomnia, restlessness, anxiety

Dermal max: N/A

Safety precautions: none known

Peppermint

Botanical name: Mentha X piperita

Plant family: Lamiaceae

Therapeutic benefits: analgesic, decongestant, stimulant, diaphoretic

Supports with: aches & pains, congestion, cooling, calms muscle spasm, cools down body temperature

Dermal max: 5.4%

Safety precautions:

Avoid use around children’s faces

Use with caution for an asthmatic flare

Tea Tree

Botanical name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Plant family: Myrtaceae

Therapeutic benefits: analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial

Supports with: coughs, rhinitis, infections

Dermal max: 15%

Safety precautions:

Never use undiluted on the skin

If you are planning on using this blend on a child it may be a good idea to use half the recommended amount of essential oils just to ensure you don’t open the airways too much causing some discomfort