There’s nothing quite like a soothing soak after a long day at the beach or being outside, with tired feet and achy muscles. Summer days are often filled with adventure. Before the fall season starts, with all the busy activities, it’s wise to take some time to reset and refresh. A soak is the perfect way to do this.

A simple foot soak eases tired feet while also cooling you down on warm days. The one featured here includes oats, salt, green tea, and peppermint for a refreshing blend. The lavender eucalyptus bath salts help to calm stress, open congested airways and sinuses, and melt away any tension. And the milk bath with cornflowers and calendula soothes dry, irritated skin as well as your nervous system. After a soak, your skin, soul, and mind will reap the many benefits.

END OF SUMMER SOAK RECIPES

1. Milk Bath With Cornflower & Calendula

RECIPE BY JULIA LINSTEADT | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE

You Will Need
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1 cup Epsom salt
• Spoon
• 1 tsp. dried blue cornflower
• 1 tsp. dried calendula flowers
• 10–15 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 tsp. dried rose petals (optional)
• Airtight container

To Make

In a large bowl, add the baking soda, powdered milk, and Epsom salt, and stir until combined and no lumps remain. Add the dried cornflower and calendula petals to the dry ingredients, and mix until the milk salts are well combined. Once the main ingredients are combined, add the geranium essential oil, and stir well until thoroughly blended. If you are using the dried rose petals, add them last. Transfer the bath salts to an airtight container or distribute them into several small containers for gifting. Keep this milk bath in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

To use, place 2–3 tablespoons of the milk bath into warm bathwater. Swirl the water with your hands to evenly distribute the bath salts. Soak for 20–30 minutes. After soaking, rinse your body with soap and water to remove the milk residue from the skin’s surface.

2. Cooling Foot Soak

RECIPE BY KRISTEN WOOD | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE

You Will Need
• 1/2 cup oat flour/oats, finely ground
• 1/4 cup sea salt, coarse
• 2 TB. baking soda
• 1 TB. dried green tea, finely crushed
• 1 TB. dried peppermint, finely crushed
• 8 drops peppermint essential oil
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Airtight jar

To Make

Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight jar. To use, add 1/4–1/2 cup of the blend to a basin of warm water, and stir to dissolve before soaking feet for 15–20 minutes. Relax and enjoy!

3. Lavender Eucalyptus Bath Salts

RECIPE BY DAWN GOEHRING | SUMMER 2025 ISSUE

You Will Need
• Glass bowl
• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• Spoon
• Airtight container

To Make

In a glass bowl, add the Epsom salt, coconut oil, and lavender and eucalyptus essential oils, and mix well. To use, add bath salts to warm bathwater, and gently swirl around before soaking. If not using right away, store in an airtight container.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, Art Quilting Studio, A Somerset Halloween, and GreenCraft Magazine. She lives with her family in Orange County, California.

Disclaimer/Safety Information

NOTE: Always test a small area of your skin, first, to check for sensitivity. Avoid contact with eyes and approach all ingredients with extreme caution if you have any skin sensitivity or allergies.

The information provided on flourish is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat any medical condition. Content is based on personal research and experiences and is meant for inspirational purposes only. We are not licensed nutritionists or medical professionals, and you should always consult with your doctor, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.