Elevate Your Relaxation: Epsom Salts and Lavender Essential Oil

Relaxation is essential for maintaining balance in our busy lives, and creating simple self-care rituals at home can make a meaningful difference. One of the easiest and most effective ways to unwind is through an Epsom salt bath or natural body scrub, using ingredients inspired by nature, embracing slow living, sustainability, and low-tox skincare. Read on to find out how you can learn to create your own blends at our upcoming Scrub and Soak Workshop, while enjoying a lovely morning or afternoon at Wine Country Lavender.

Living on an Australian farm, we quickly learned that water is a very precious resource, especially during a drought. With limited water, we adapt our rituals - swapping baths for soothing foot soaks that still offer deep relaxation and restoration. Using Epsom salts combined with natural botanicals (which you may already have in your garden), is a simple way to create a regular self-care ritual that supports both body and mind. Living on a rural property with septic systems has also made us more conscious about what goes into our products - avoiding microplastics and choosing biodegradable, natural ingredients that are gentle on both our skin and the environment.

Lavender-infused bath salts in wooden bowl

Benefits of Epsom Salts for Relaxation and Muscle Recovery

Despite the name, Epsom salts are not actually salt - they are a naturally occurring mineral compound known as magnesium sulfate. When dissolved in warm water, they offer a range of benefits:

• Muscle relaxation. Magnesium helps reduce muscle tension and soreness, making Epsom salt baths popular for recovery after physical activity.

• Stress relief and relaxation. Magnesium plays a role in supporting serotonin production, helping to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of wellbeing.

• Skin health and gentle exfoliation. Epsom salts can help soften skin and gently remove dead skin cells.

• Support for overall wellbeing. A warm bath combined with Epsom salts encourages relaxation, improved sleep, and a moment to slow down

Best Botanicals for Scrubs and Bath Soaks

Botanicals are plant-based ingredients that add natural fragrance, colour, and therapeutic benefits to your scrubs and soaks. They elevate a simple bath into a sensory experience.

Some of the most commonly used botanicals include:

• Lavender: Known for its calming scent, lavender is widely used to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

• Chamomile - Gentle and soothing, chamomile is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

• Rose petals - Hydrating and softening, with a delicate floral aroma.

• Peppermint - Refreshing and invigorating, perfect for tired muscles and boosting circulation.

How Botanicals Work with Epsom Salts

Combining botanicals with Epsom salts creates a multi-sensory self-care experience.

Warm water helps release the essential oils and beneficial compounds from the plants, while Epsom salts support muscle relaxation and overall wellbeing.

For example:

• A lavender bath soak helps calm the nervous system and ease tension

• A peppermint scrub refreshes and energises the skin

• A chamomile soak soothes dry or sensitive skin

This allows you to customise your ritual depending on what your body and mind need most.

Lavender: The Star Botanical for Relaxation

Lavender is at the heart of everything we do on our farm - and for good reason. It’s one of the most versatile and effective botanicals for relaxation and skincare.

Key benefits of lavender:

• Helps reduce stress and anxiety

• Supports better sleep quality

• Soothes and calms the skin

• Naturally uplifts mood

You can incorporate lavender into your rituals in several ways:

• Dried lavender buds in bath salts or scrubs

• Lavender essential oil for fragrance and relaxation

• Lavender-infused oils for gentle exfoliation and hydration

Lavender also blends beautifully with other botanicals like chamomile and rose, creating a balanced and calming experience.

How to Use Epsom Salts and Botanicals at Home

Creating your own DIY body scrub or bath soak at home is simple and rewarding.

Simple Lavender Bath Soak

• 2 cups Epsom salts

• ¼–½ cup baking soda (optional)

• 10–15 drops lavender essential oil

• ¼ cup dried lavender buds

Mix and store in an airtight container. Add ½–1 cup to warm water and soak for 20 minutes.

Natural Lavender Body Scrub

• 1 cup sugar or sea salt

• ½ cup coconut oil or olive oil

• 10 drops lavender essential oil

• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds

Combine ingredients and use to gently exfoliate skin in circular motions. Rinse with warm water. Before applying over the body, always test a very small patch. These recipes can be customised with other botanicals depending on your preferences.

If you’re short on time, you can also explore our handcrafted range of natural products, inspired by these same ingredients and made right here on the farm. Try our Friendly Abrasions body scrub, our Froth Top bubble bath salts, and we will soon launch our new Bath Salts range too! And you can always add a few drops of our farm-grown and steam-distilled lavender essential oil, Secret Sniffs.

Scrub & Soak Workshop – A Unique & Relaxing Farm Experience Beyond the Wineries

Our workshops are inspired by the calming properties of lavender and the benefits of simple, natural self-care rituals. Using ingredients like Epsom salts and botanicals, in our hands-on Scrub and Soak Workshop you will create your own lavender bath soaks and body scrubs that support:

• Relaxation and stress relief

• Muscle recovery

• Skin nourishment

• Better sleep

It’s more than just a workshop - it’s an experience that stays with you long after your visit. ✨ What’s included:

• Create your own body scrub and bath soak using Epsom salts and botanicals

• Learn about the benefits of natural ingredients like lavender

• Enjoy a relaxing foot spa using your creations

• Indulge in lavender-infused tea and light refreshments

• Take home your handmade products!

🎟️ Book Your Hunter Valley Workshop Experience

If you’re looking for things to do in the Hunter Valley that are relaxing, creative, and a little different, we’d love to welcome you to our Scrub & Soak Workshop. This experience will fit beautifully into a Hunter Valley itinerary. Our workshop is ideal for:

• Relaxing girls’ weekends and group getaways at the Hunter Valley

• Mum/daughter/bestie hang-out time

• Solo travellers wanting a mindful and wellness experience

• Couples looking for a relaxing activity

• Locals searching for things to do near Singleton

Pair it with:

• A winery lunch

• A scenic drive through the region

• A relaxing farm stay

👉 View upcoming dates and book here. Spots are limited to keep the experience personal and intimate.

👉 You can also contact us to organise your own private small group session, perfect for relaxing hen's getaways or other small celebrations (min. 5 participants - max. 15 participants).

📍 Location – Between Singleton and Branxton, Hunter Valley

Wine Country Lavender is located just outside Singleton, offering a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the Hunter Valley while still being easily accessible. The farm provides a unique opportunity to experience the region from a different perspective, grounded in nature, sustainability, and slow living.