If your feet are feeling dry and tired, treat them to a little self-care with this easy DIY Epsom salt foot soak. This blend includes lavender and tea tree essential oils for relaxing aromatherapy and added skin-soothing and cleansing benefits.
During the colder months I tend to feel cabin fever, so I make an effort to indulge in small pampering rituals. A simple lavender and tea tree Epsom salt foot bath is one of my favorite quick comforts. I often make a larger batch so I have several uses on hand, and the extras make lovely homemade gifts.
Epsom Salt Foot Bath Benefits
Epsom salt is an inexpensive, easy-to-find ingredient with several benefits for fatigued feet. Key advantages of an Epsom salt foot bath include:
- Softening skin. The skin on the feet is often thick and rough from daily wear. A soak with Epsom salt gently softens and soothes hardworking feet.
- Anti-fungal and cleansing properties. Epsom salt can help reduce bacteria and fungi on the skin, which may assist in preventing common foot issues like athlete’s foot.
- Aromatherapy and relaxation. Adding essential oils such as lavender and tea tree brings calming scent and additional skin benefits, creating a relaxing self-care experience.
How to Make an Epsom Salt Foot Soak
Once you know why a foot soak is helpful, here’s a simple way to make a batch. This recipe makes enough for multiple uses if you’d like to store some or give jars to friends and family.
What You’ll Need for this Epsom Salt Foot Bath:
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops tea tree essential oil
- Dried lavender flowers (about 1/4 cup, or to your preference)
- Empty glass jar for storage (mason jar or small food jar work well)
How to make your Epsom Salt Foot Bath:
Combine 2 cups of Epsom salt and 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a mixing bowl and stir until evenly mixed. Add about 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers (adjust the amount to how it looks and smells to you). Finish by adding the lavender and tea tree essential oils, then stir thoroughly so the oils are evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar and seal until ready to use. Small baby food jars or mason jars are both convenient storage options.
How to Use the Epsom Salt Foot Soak
When you’re ready to soak, fill a basin with warm water and add about 1/2 cup of the foot soak mixture. For stronger scent and extra aromatherapy, add 3–5 more drops of lavender and tea tree oil to the water (or just lavender if you prefer). Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes while you relax with a cup of tea or a book.
If you used dried flowers, pour the water through a kitchen strainer when emptying the basin to catch the petals and avoid drain clogs.
Tip: For a full-body soak, consider making bath bombs or a larger bath treatment to enjoy similar benefits across your whole body.
Gift Ideas and Presentation
This recipe makes a lovely homemade gift. Print a small tag, fill clean glass jars with the mixture, and top with felt or fabric and a ribbon. A small printed tag with usage instructions makes it special and easy to gift for occasions like Mother’s Day or birthdays.
For gifting, I like to tie a ribbon around the jar and attach a label with the ingredients and directions. Store jars in a cool, dry place and label with a use-by note if giving away.
DIY Epsom Salt Foot Soak with Lavender
This DIY Epsom salt foot soak combines Epsom salt, baking soda, dried lavender, and lavender plus tea tree essential oils for a simple, calming foot treatment that softens skin and supports foot hygiene.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Epsom salt
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 7 drops tea tree essential oil
- Dried lavender flowers (about 1/4 cup)
- Empty glass jar for storage
Instructions
1. Pour 2 cups of Epsom salt into a mixing bowl.
2. Add 3 tablespoons baking soda and stir until combined.
3. Stir in approximately 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers, adjusting to your preference.
4. Add lavender and tea tree essential oils and mix well. Transfer to a glass jar for storage.
More Ways to Use Essential Oils
If you enjoy working with essential oils, try them in other homemade products such as foaming hand soap, lavender goat milk soap, natural shampoo, or homemade cleaners. These simple projects make practical, natural additions to your self-care and household routines.