Here is a recipe for a soothing Forest Bath, DIY Hinoki Bath Salt that will transport you to the tranquil presence of the mighty Hinoki trees in Japan.

I recently went to Japan to explore Japanese wellness, beauty rituals, and essential oils.

Part of my exploration included forest bathing. I walked in 100-year old forests of giant fragrant cedar, conifers, and spruce.

As I smelled all the Japanese woody scents from hiba and sugi to hinoki and more, I discovered that of all those pine and cedar fragrances, hinoki is my favorite!

If you’re curious about more Japanese essential oils, check out my blog post on 7 Unique Japanese Essential Oils.

To bring the experience home, I’ve created this Hinoki Bath Salt.

Why Forest Bathing With A DIY Hinoki Bath Salt?

Forest bathing, known as “shinrin-yoku” in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in the natural environment of a forest. 

The idea is to connect with nature to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve mental and physical health.

According to a systematic review of research on forest bathing, Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (EHPM) writes, “The results demonstrated that forest bathing activities might have the following merits: remarkably improving cardiovascular function, hemodynamic indexes, neuroendocrine indexes, metabolic indexes, immunity and inflammatory indexes, antioxidant indexes, and electrophysiological indexes; significantly enhancing people’s emotional state, attitude, and feelings towards things, physical and psychological recovery, and adaptive behaviors; and obvious alleviation of anxiety and depression.”

If you live in the city or need a time-out from your daily routine on a Saturday night and can’t make to a forest, here is a way to experience some of the benefits in your bath tub at home.

Creating your own Hinoki Forest Bathing Bath Salt is a delightful way to bring the serene essence of a Japanese forest right to you. 

What Is Hinoki?

Hinoki is a type of cypress native to Japan.. It is known for its lemon-scented, light and soothing aroma which is believed to have stress-relieving properties.

It’s one of the mighty three trees in Japan. The other being hiba (conifer) and sugi (cypress).

DIY Hinoki Bath Salt Recipe

Here’s how you can make your own Hinoki bath salt:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1/2 cup sea salt (coarse or fine depending on preference)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (optional, for water softening)
• 10 drops Hinoki essential oil
• 1/4 Tbsp of green mica or spinach powder for color (optional)
• A handful of dried hinoki wood chips or shavings (optional, for added texture and scent)
• A few sprigs of dried cedar or other conifer leaves for garnish (optional)

Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon for mixing
• Airtight container for storage
• Small fabric bag or muslin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salt and sea salt. Add and mix in the the baking soda and mica or matcha powder (if using). Mix thoroughly to ensure the salts and pigments are well blended.

2. Add Essential Oils: Sprinkle the 10 drops of Hinoki essential oils over the salt mixture. Stir well to distribute the oils evenly throughout the salts. This mixing ensures that every grain of salt carries the soothing forest scent.

3. Incorporate Wood Chips & Cedar Sprigs: If you’re using Hinoki wood shavings, add them now. Mix them thoroughly into the salt mixture. This step is optional, but it enhances the forest-like experience with a more authentic woody aroma and texture.

4. Package for Storage: Transfer the mixed bath salts into an airtight container. If you’re using dried cedar sprigs or other conifer leaves as a garnish, place them on top of the salts in the container for a beautiful, rustic look and extra aroma.

5. Usage: To use, pour a generous scoop of the bath salt under warm running bath water. If you added wood shavings, you can fill a small fabric bag or muslin with the bath salt and place it in the bath like a tea bag. You want to avoid having to clean up the wood chips or shavings after your bath, or all the zen feelings will be gone.

6. Relax and Enjoy: Soak in the bath, breathe deeply, and let the forest-like atmosphere envelop you. This is your moment to relax, unwind, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Hinoki forest bathing at home.

Tips For Using Your DIY Hinoki Bath Salts

Always store your bath salts in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.

If you have sensitive skin, test the essential oil diluted in some carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, almond, etc.) on a small area first or consult with a dermatologist before using new products.

This DIY recipe offers a natural, refreshing, and grounding experience, perfect for a soothing end to a busy day. Enjoy your Hinoki forest bathing experience!

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN’S BEAUTY RITUALS

Check out these popular Japan beauty recipes & wellness blog posts:

> 7 Unique Japanese Essential Oils

> Cherry Blossom Beauty Workshop

> Animal-Derived Beauty Products from Japan

If you love Japan or you enjoy international beauty secrets and travel, then sign up for my newsletter where I explore and test different beauty and wellness rituals from around the world. 

日本の雄大な檜の安らぎを感じる、自家製ヒノキバスソルトを使った森林浴レシピをご紹介します。