As 2016 begins, a good new year resolution to have is finding ways to combat the symptoms of stress. Two popular, and effective, ingredients to help combat stress, and its symptoms, are lavender and chamomile.

     Lavender is native to parts of northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Historically, people used it when they bathed. Fittingly, it’s name derives from lavare, which is Latin for “to wash.” Among being used as a skin purifier and anti-inflammatory, lavender serves to help treat a variety of health problems. Lavender helps calm nausea and headaches, as well as helping to heal bug bites.Lavender aromatherapy has been found to help treat premenstrual symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress.

     Chamomile derives from Germany and Rome. Most common in tea form, chamomile calms upset stomachs and helps with sleep. Like lavender, chamomile also helps reduce swelling and menstrual symptoms. Chamomile helps with dry skin, as well as skin related issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and rashes.

     Together, lavender and chamomile will help your body relax. As the lavender essential oil helps to wash away impurities from your skin, the delicate aroma will help to relax your body. The chamomile will help soothe your skin as you prepare to end your day. Together, the lavender and chamomile will reduce tension and calm you so you can sleep through the night.

 

Ingredients (makes ~12 bath bombs)

muffin pan, or silicone baking molds

1 ½ cups of baking soda

¾ cup citric acid (or 6tbs cream of tartar)

¾ cup cornstarch

¾ cup epsom salt

¾ cup coconut or olive oil (or an oil of your choosing)

½ cup strongly brewed chamomile tea

lavender essential oil, add drops to desired smell (10-12 drops for light scent)

optional: food coloring, added to desired color

 

Directions

Mix dry ingredients (baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and epsom salt). Slowly add in coconut or olive oil, mix. Slowly add in chamomile tea, mix. Add in drops of lavender and food coloring until desired scent and color are reached. If the mixture is liquidy, add in baking soda by tablespoon measurements until the mixture is malleable. Spoon the mixture into the molds and put into freezer until they are solid. Keep in a container, like a mason jar or tupperware, until ready to use.

 

For Use

Fill up our bath with warm/hot water and pop 1-2 bath bombs in.