Last Minute Herbal Gift Idea: Evergreen Bath Salts!

Create a winter refuge with the invigorating scent of evergreen bath salts. This soothing soak is the perfect way to refresh your body and mind, while connecting with the grounding essence of nature. Not only that, it is great to make a super quick last minute gift for the bath-lover in your life.

white bath salt filled with evergreens and juniper berries in a wood bowl on a wood table

Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s an essential part of staying balanced, especially during the busy winter months. A warm bath infused with evergreen bath salts brings the fresh aroma of the forest into your home, helping to calm your mind and ease muscle tension.

Can you put evergreens from trees in your bathtub?

Yep! You can actually forage greens right from your neighborhood to use in this DIY! Evergreens are not only great for scent, but for their herbal properties as well. If you aren’t the foraging type, that’s okay too! You can order evergreens online. Here are a few of my favorite evergreens to try for this project:

Eastern Hemlock is great for its calming woodsy scent, skin toning properties, and can support the respiratory system to clear nasal passages (this is not to be confused with poison hemlock. That’s a totally different plant!).
Pine is very common and slightly more invigorating! It can be used to uplift, aid in muscle relief and respiratory aid, as well as provide antimicrobial and antibacterial properties (great for acne-prone skin!).
Cedar tips are also great for relaxation, antiseptic properties, and even add a boost of antioxidants!

close up of tiny pinecones on an eastern hemlock tree — An Eastern Hemlock in my backyard

Most evergreens have very similar properties and can be great additions! Juniper, spruce, and fir are all excellent choices as well!

*DON’T use yew, as it is toxic. It is a little fuzzier looking and usually grown as a shrub and may contain red berries.

Evergreen Bath Salts Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

1 cup salt of choice (e.g., Dead Sea salt or Epsom salt)
1/4 cup dried evergreen needles (eastern hemlock, pine, or cedar)
1 tablespoon dried juniper berries, lightly crushed

Dry vs. Fresh Needles

Dried needles are preferable as they store well and reduce the risk of introducing mold or excess moisture into your bath salts. Fresh needles can be used, but ensure they’re clean and free from pesticides.

How to make Evergreen Bath Salts

In a mixing bowl, combine the salt and dried evergreens.
Add the juniper berries, gently crushing them to release their natural oils before mixing.If using essential oils or oatmeal, incorporate them now, ensuring even distribution.
Let the mixture rest overnight to allow the scents and oils to infuse the salts.
Transfer your bath salts into an airtight container for storage.

close up of white bath salt filled with evergreens and juniper berries in a wood bowl on a wood table

How to use Evergreen Bath Salts

Fill your bathtub with warm water.
Add 1 cup of evergreen bath salts, or more depending on your preference.
Swirl the water to dissolve the salts evenly.
Soak for 20–30 minutes, breathing in the revitalizing aroma of the forest.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your evergreen bath salts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. For maximum freshness, aim to use within 6–12 months.

Pro Tip: Keep your salts dry! Exposure to moisture can cause clumping and shorten the shelf life.

This recipe was originally published as a Fresh Idea in the Winter 2023 Edition of Botanical Anthology Magazine. For more seasonal herbal inspiration, check out the latest edition over at the Plant Wonder Collective.

Packaging Ideas for Bath Salts

Mason Jars: Classic and durable, these jars add a rustic charm.
Test Tubes: A unique gift idea that’s easy to store and looks beautiful.
Muslin Bags or Sachets: Pre-portion the salts into reusable sachets for a ready-to-use soak.

herbal bath salts in mason jar with copper lid

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details.

If your recipient doesn’t already have a bath tea infuser or sachets for herbal bath salts, be sure to include it as part of the gift!

Did you make this recipe?

Mention @brittanylgibson so I can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!

Share it on Pinterest!

pinterest pin text "evergreen bath salts. last minute gift idea"

About the Author:

I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!

Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.

I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!

Contact

Last Minute Herbal Gift Idea: Evergreen Bath Salts!

Can you put evergreens from trees in your bathtub?