4 natural bath products for a home spa experience

Mixing up these pleasantly scented baths will give you a double benefit. You'll gain as much pleasure making the concoction as you will from soaking in it. The baths will make you feel like they're straight from the spa.

The combination of powdered milk, oatmeal and cornstarch will leave you feeling silky and soft. The cinnamon will gently warm you and offer up a soothing aroma.

• 250 ml (1 c) powdered milk
• 125 g (1/2 c) baking soda
• 125 g (1/2 c) finely ground oatmeal
• 10 ml (2 tsp) cornstarch
• 5 ml (1 tsp) cream of tartar
• 5 ml (1 tsp) cinnamon1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and whirl to combine. Transfer into a clean, tightly covered moisture-proof container, where it will keep indefinitely.
  2. Add about 125 millilitres (1/2 cup) to a full tub of warm water and enjoy the soak.

• 75 ml (1/3 c) powdered milk
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) cornstarch
• 1 to 2 drops essential oil of your choice1.Pour the powdered milk and cornstarch into a clean jar with a tight top. Shake well. Add the essential oil and shake to thoroughly incorporate. If the mixture clumps, use your fingers to dissolve the lumps.

  2.For a bath, put the mixture under the running water. Splash around with your hand to disperse it in the tub.

  Note: You may double or triple this recipe and store it indefinitely by omitting the oil. Store the combined powdered milk and cornstarch in an airtight container; use 125 millilitres (1/2 cup) for each bath. Add the essential oil to the tub separately after swishing in the combined powders.

For extra-sensitive skin, reduce or eliminate the essential oil.

• 125 ml (1/2 c) oatmeal (regular or quick)
• 125 ml (1/2 c) powdered milk
• 60 ml (4 tbsp) almond meal (if necessary, whirl almonds in blender, coffee grinder or food processor)16 drops strawberry essential oil1.In a small bowl, combine oatmeal, powdered milk and almond meal, stirring to mix well. Stir in essential oil until blended. Divide mixture among three pretty cloth bags and tie them at the top. Tie a generous loop of string or ribbon to the top of each bag.
  2.When ready to use, hang the bag from the tub faucet by its loop. When you fill the tub, the water will run over the mixture inside the bag, dispersing it into the tub.
  3.Keep bags in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

• 1 large handful mixed herbs (rosemary, lovage, lavender, lemongrass, sage, parsley or peppermint)
• Cheesecloth1.Place the herbs of your choice in a doubled square of cheesecloth. Gather up the corners of the cheesecloth and tie securely.
  2.Toss herb bag into a hot bath to soften and scent the water. Once you're in the bath, rub it all over your skin, paying particular attention to areas where odour is a problem.

• Buy four brightly coloured washcloths.
• Use each to wrap any of your homemade bath product.
• Be sure each is labelled with ingredients and storage instructions.
• Nestle the bath treats in a nice basket that could hold extraneous bath supplies and attach a card with a large bow.