Baby Botanical Bath Bombs

At the moment my kitchen smells DIVINE – I have been scenting a batch of bath bombs for our mums for Mother’s Day. They are infused with a gorgeous relaxing blend of essential oils including ylang ylang, rose geranium, petitgrain and oakmoss. Not only do they smell divine, they also look so pretty as we have been pressing dried rose petals and lavender we have saved from the garden into the base of the moulds.

These non-toxic, moisturising bath bombs are so easy to make. They can be made a day or two before you gift them and also store well for a couple of months in an airtight container.  Choosing a few botanicals such as petals, herbs and spices that complement your essential oil blend will not not only make them look wonderful, they will release into the bath and float around looking gorgeous. Make sure you do not choose anything too spiky that might be uncomfortable in the bath!

Why baby bath bombs? Not only do they look super cute but they also accommodate any type of bath, big ones or little ones – you might need only two or if you have deep bath you might need three or four depending on how much scent and fizz you want. My daughter has been known to dump a whole batch in the bath just to watch them fizz!

 

Gather

2 cups of sodium bicarbonate

1 cup citirc acid

1/2 cup cornflour

1/4 cup of vegetable oil eg: extra virgin olive, sweet almond, apricot kernel …

5 – 8 mL of essential oils of choice

Botanicals such as petals, leaves or spices for decoration

Spray bottle with some water in it

Silicon moulds – large ice cube or mini muffin shapes work well

 

Make

1. In a large bowl mix all the dry ingredients with a whisk so that any clumps are broken up.

2. In a small jug mix the vegetable oil with the essential oil and then slowly dribble it into the dry ingredients whilst continuing to mix with the whisk.

3. Now for the part that requires patience, take the spray bottle of water and spritz the mixture trying not to let it fizz, keep mixing it with the whisk.

4. Test continually with your hand. When is has the consistency of just wet fine sand and can be tightly packed or hold it’s shape you will know that it is ready.

5. Scatter the botanicals into the bottom of the moulds and then tightly pack the mixture into the moulds and smooth the top, sometimes I spritz the top of the moulds and smooth it off for a more even finish.

6. Let sit for at least four hours although I prefer overnight. When you think they are ready ease one from the mould and make sure it holds it’s shape.

7. Place them on a baking rack to dry for a day or overnight then package them gifts or store them in an airtight container.

Once you have mastered the knack of getting the consistency right you will easily make a batch up in ten minutes.

Enjoy your baby botanical bath bombs!