Once springtime rolls around, I crave fresh ingredients, like citrus and herbs. There’s nothing like growing my own herbs in the backyard. I can head outside to snip some for dinner or to add to my latest homemade bath and body recipe. Recently, I had an abundance of thyme on my hands and a grapefruit. Since I’m not a huge fan of eating grapefruit, I figured it’d be the perfect addition to a scrub.

This scrub is simple to make with a little bit of salt, olive oil, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and thyme leaves. I decided to make a small batch, just in case the fresh ingredients spoiled faster than normal, but this is an easy recipe to double or triple in size for party favors or just-because gifts.

If you’re looking for more ways to relish in the joy of this season, check out the dreamy spring to-do-list below for ideas. I hope you enjoy welcoming this time of year with this easy recipe and activity ideas as much as I did!

grapefruit & Thyme Springtime Scrub

by Danielle Williams from Willow and Sage Spring 2021

You Will Need

• • Bowl
• • 1¼ cups Epsom salt
• • 1 TB. olive oil
• • Spoon
• • 2 TB. grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• • Fresh thyme leaves
• • Airtight jar

To Make

In a bowl, combine the Epsom salt and coconut oil. Add the fresh grapefruit juice, and stir to combine. Pick some thyme leaves off of a couple sprigs, and add them to the mixture. You can add as much or as little as desired. Scoop the scrub into a jar, add a few thyme leaves on top, and secure the lid.

To use, apply to hands, legs, elbows, or any rough patch of skin. Avoid using this on your face, and store in the fridge. Because of the fresh ingredients, it’s best to make this scrub in small batches so it doesn’t go bad. Always do a spot test first before generously using the scrub.

A Dreamy Spring To-Do List

• 1. Plant an herb and vegetable garden
• 2. Dehydrate citrus slices
• 3. Make infused vinegars
• 4. Spend an entire day by candlelight
• 5. Dye old linens with avocado pits
• 6. Plant flowers
• 7. Relax with a face mask
• 8. Hang the laundry on an old-fashioned clothesline
• 9. Make oil infusions
• 10. Enjoy an early morning walk
• 11. Plan and organize a bulk pantry
• 12. Learn how to compost
• 13. Wrap gifts with old fabrics
• 14. Incorporate sustainable storage practices
• 15. Research essential oil safety
• 16. Make laundry scent boosters
• 17. Deep clean the bathrooms
• 18. Donate old clothes
• 19. Read a favorite book in the garden
• 20. Soak in a detox bath

Find more scrub recipes in our newly released Willow and Sage Summer 2025.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.