DIY bath bombs with dried calendula flowers

Bath bombs are one of the easiest self care DIYs to master and there are so many ways to make yours unique.

Why Calendula?

Calendula has a number of wonderful skincare benefits. According to Healthline, it's especially appropriate when it comes to acne, diaper rash, psoriasis, and other conditions. It also just smells really lovely, so you might like it for that reason alone!

Here's how to make your own calendula bath bombs.

Supplies:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1  cup citric acid (It’s better to buy in bulk on Amazon)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup white kaolin clay (I get mine from Amazon)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (I get mine from Amazon)
• 1 teaspoon polysorbate 80 (I get mine on Amazon)
• 10-20 drops calendula essential oil (I get mine on Amazon)
• 1/4 cup dried calendula flowers, whole or ground (I get mine on Amazon)
• 1-2 teaspoons orange mica colorant (I get mine from this set on Amazon)
• Stainless steel bath bomb molds (I get mine on Amazon)
• Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol
• 1 large mixing bowl

Steps 1-5: In a large mixing bowl, add the baking soda, citric acid, white kaolin clay and cornstarch. Whisk dry ingredients together.

Step 6: Whisk in calendula flowers.

Step 7: Add the coconut oil. This binds all the ingredients together, so you bath bombs don’t crumble when you touch them!

Step 8: Add the polysorbate 80. This helps the coconut oil disperse more evenly in your bath water, makes the bath bombs bubbly and prevents the mica from sticking to the side of the tub.

Step 9: Add calendula essential oil.

Step 10: Mix ingredients thoroughly. You may need to use your hands to break down any lumps and make sure everything is mixed in. The mixture is perfect when it holds together when you press it into your hands and feels like wet sand.

Step 11: Mix in orange color if desired.  

Steps 12-15: Fill both sides of the mold with the mixture, press molds together and grind to remove excess mixture. Gently tap each side of the mold to release the bombs. Allow to dry a minimum of 24 hours. If your climate is wet or cold, allow an additional 24 hours. My rule of thumb is that when it is hard to the touch, they are ready for the tub! Store in an airtight container until ready for use.

These make a wonderful gift, too! Use them in your self care routine and pass them around to all your peeps.

More tools for destressing:

• Meditation
• Exercise
• Light therapy
• Online therapy
• Herbal support