What To Put in a Bath for Relaxation: 4 Recipes
Key Takeaways:
- A warm bath can help ease feelings of tension, support emotional wellness, and encourage mental clarity.
- Adding soothing ingredients like Epsom salt, essential oils, and CBD may enhance the relaxing effects of a soak.
- Lavender and eucalyptus CBD bath bombs offer a full-body experience that may help support calm and post-workout recovery.
Taking a bath is one of the simplest ways to make space for yourself. It’s a moment to disconnect from the overstimulation of the day, let your mind settle, and help your body recover from mental stress, physical strain, or both.
The real benefits come when you go beyond hot water. The ingredients you add to your bath can shape the entire experience. Whether you’re looking to ease tension, wind down after a long day, or just carve out a pocket of peace, building the right bath can help you get there.
Let’s break down what makes a bath truly relaxing and what to put in it to support your mood, body, and overall wellness.
How can baths support relaxation?
Warm water has a direct influence on the nervous system. When your body is immersed in a heated bath, your circulation may increase, and your heart rate may slightly slow down, both of which are associated with activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your body responsible for rest and recovery.
This kind of environment encourages your muscles to relax. When your muscles soften, your breathing naturally slows. Your mind often follows. Even 20 minutes in the tub can support a shift in your mental state by creating space away from stressors and stimulating a sense of calm.
In fact, the benefits aren’t just physical. Research shows that bathing can support emotional wellness and even reduce cortisol levels (the hormone linked to stress), especially when combined with calming ingredients like essential oils or magnesium-rich salts.
What to add to your bath for relaxation
Different ingredients serve different purposes. Some support the body, some soothe the mind, and some help with both. Depending on what your body and mind need that day, these additions can work alone or be layered for a more complete experience.
1. Essential oils and aromatherapy additions
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that carry the aromatic properties of the plants they come from. When added to a warm bath, they create a calming sensory experience that supports the emotional side of relaxation.
Lavender is one of the most widely studied essential oils for relaxation. It’s been shown to support emotional balance, help calm the mind, and promote restful sleep.
Eucalyptus has a crisp, refreshing scent and is often used to encourage mental clarity and a sense of renewal.
Chamomile, ylang-ylang, and bergamot are also commonly used for their soothing, grounding qualities.
When using essential oils in a bath, it’s important to dilute them with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond oil) before adding them to the water. This helps disperse the oil evenly and reduces the chance of skin irritation.
2. Epsom salt and magnesium soaks
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a go-to for muscle soreness and general physical discomfort. Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and while the science is still ongoing around how well it absorbs through the skin, many people find that soaking in Epsom salt helps their body feel more at ease.
It’s a favorite for post-workout recovery, general stiffness, or simply winding down after a demanding day. For a more complete experience, you can combine Epsom salt with other ingredients like lavender essential oil or a CBD bath bomb.
3. CBD bath bombs
CBD bath bombs combine the benefits of warm water, aromatherapy, and hemp-derived CBD in one step. When dropped into a tub, they dissolve into a mix of essential oils, moisturizing agents, and cannabinoids that are absorbed through the skin.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp plant. Research suggests it may help support the body's stress response, ease tension, and promote a general sense of calm. When used topically, it may help soothe physical discomfort while encouraging the mind to relax.
One of the most satisfying ways to incorporate CBD into your bathtime practice for an elevated experience is through CBD bath bombs. As the bath bomb fizzes and dissolves, it releases CBD into the water, which can then be absorbed topically as you soak.
At Sunmed, our lavender CBD bath bomb is designed for nighttime routines or anytime you want to relax your mood and quiet mental chatter. Lavender pairs naturally with CBD to support a gentle, calming atmosphere. Our eucalyptus CBD bath bomb is great for post-workout recovery or midweek resets. Eucalyptus offers a clean, clarifying scent that helps refresh both body and mind.
These bath bombs are ideal for those looking for a simple way to turn a regular bath into a wellness ritual that supports full-body relaxation.
4. Herbal infusions and DIY tea bags
Herbs have long been used in wellness practices for their calming, skin-soothing, and aromatic benefits. When added to a bath, they can support both your skin and your state of mind.
Common choices include:
- Lavender buds
- Chamomile flowers
- Calendula petals
- Lemon balm leaves
These herbs can be steeped in a muslin bag or reusable tea sachet to avoid a messy cleanup and placed directly in the bath. You can also combine herbs with a drop of diluted CBD tincture in the water for an added calming layer.
5. Moisturizing add-ins for skin and sensory comfort
Adding nourishing ingredients to your bath can help support dry, sensitive, or irritated skin, especially in cooler months or after sun exposure.
Some options to consider:
- Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is particularly gentle and known to help calm skin irritation.
- Coconut milk or almond oil: These add a silky texture to your bath and can leave skin feeling hydrated and smooth.
- Honey: Natural and humectant-rich, honey may help your skin retain moisture while adding a comforting scent to the bath.
These ingredients work especially well when paired with soft lighting or calming sounds to create a full sensory experience.
4 Relaxing Bath Recipes to Try
Here are a few easy combinations to try at home:
1. Sleepy Lavender Wind-Down
- ½ cup lavender flowers
- ¼ cup green tea leaves
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
Ideal for evening use to support emotional wellness and sleep prep. Enjoy a little added luxury with our CBD-infused massage oil to calm the nerves and ease muscle tension.
2. Clarity and Recovery Soak
- 1 eucalyptus CBD bath bomb
- ½ cup magnesium flakes
- Optional: a few drops of peppermint oil (diluted)
This option is great after workouts or mentally draining days.
3. Skin-Soothing Softener
- 1 cup colloidal oatmeal
- 1 cup powdered coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- Optional: lavender buds in a tea bag
For this recipe, simply mix together the colloidal (ground) oatmeal, coconut milk powder, and honey, then pour into the warm bath water. This comforting and gentle formula can do wonders for dry or sensitive skin.
4. Calm Mind + Balanced Mood Soak
- 1 CBD tincture serving (diluted in warm water)
- ¼ cup sea salt
- Lemon balm + lavender tea bag
This mix can help support mood and general calm through the power of botanicals and CBD.
How to make the most of your bath
How you prepare for your bath matters just as much as what you put in it. To create the ultimate calming atmosphere, try out the following tips
- Dim the lights or use candles
- Play soft music or nature sounds
- Leave your phone outside the bathroom to minimize distractions
- Breathe deeply while you soak
- Hydrate before and after
- Follow up with a CBD body cream or lotion to extend the calming effects
FAQs
How long should I soak in the bath?
A 20-30 minute bath is usually enough to help support muscle relaxation and calm the mind without over-drying the skin.
Is it okay to use CBD bath bombs every day?
Yes, for most people, CBD bath bombs can be used daily as part of a wellness routine. As with anything topical, start with a small amount and see how your body responds.
What should I avoid putting in the bath?
Avoid undiluted essential oils, harsh synthetic fragrances, and anything that might irritate sensitive skin. Stick with gentle, well-sourced ingredients.
Can I use a CBD tincture in the bath?
Yes. Some people add a small serving of hemp-derived CBD tincture directly to their bath, often paired with oils or salts. Just be sure it’s mixed well and sourced from a reliable brand.
The bottom line
Creating a relaxing bath is one of the most approachable ways to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. The right ingredients can help soften muscle tension, quiet the mind, and turn a basic soak into a deeply restorative experience.
At Sunmed, our CBD bath products are formulated with all-natural ingredients and US-grown organic hemp extract to keep you feeling your best.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
Repeated warm water baths decrease sympathetic activity in humans | PubMed
Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study | PMC