How to Take a Detox Bath
by Terri Stovall, ND, Julia Maureen..
Detoxification of your body through bathing is an ancient remedy that
anyone can perform in the comfort of their own home. In detoxification
circles, your skin is known as the third kidney, and toxins are excreted
through sweating. A detox bath is thought to assist your body in
eliminating toxins as well as absorbing the minerals and nutrients that
are in the water. Most of all, it'll leave you feeling refreshed and
awakened.
Steps
- Prepare your bath on a day that you have at least 40 minutes available.
The first 20 minutes are said to help your body remove the toxins,
while the second 20 minutes are for absorbing the minerals in the water.
- Fill your tub with comfortably hot water. Use a chlorine filter if possible.
- Add Epsom salts (aka magnesium sulfate). Soaking in Epsom salts actually helps replenish the body’s magnesium levels, combating hypertension. The sulfate flushes toxins and helps form proteins in brain tissue and joints.
Epsom salt is very inexpensive. It can be purchased in decently sized
bags or cartons at discount stores in the garden center or
pharmaceutical area. Very large bags can be ordered from garden centers.
- For children under 60 lbs, add 1/2 cup to a standard bath.
- For children 60 lbs to 100 lbs, add 1 cup to a standard bath.
- For people 100 lbs and up, add 2 cups or more to a standard bath.
- Add 1 to 2 cups or more of baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is known for its cleansing ability and even has anti-fungal properties.
It also leaves skin very soft. Large bags can usually be found in the
swimming pool chemical area, but the boxes from the bakery aisle will
work fine.
- Add ground ginger or fresh ginger tea.
While this step is optional, ginger can increase your heat levels,
helping to sweat out toxins. However, since it is heating to the body,
it may cause your skin to turn slightly red for a few minutes, so be
careful with the amount you add. Depending on the capacity of your tub,
and your sensitivity, anywhere from 1 tablespoon to 1/3 cup can be
added.
- Most people sweat profusely with the addition of the ginger, and if you wrap your body in a blanket immediately after getting out of the tub, you can continue to detoxify through perspiration for another couple of hours. This is especially beneficial if you are trying to rid the body of a bug of some sort, like the flu, or a cold.
- Add dOTERRA oils. There are many oils that will make the bath an even more beneficial, pleasant
and relaxing (such as lavender and ylang ylang), as well as
those that will assist in the detoxification process (tea tree oil or
eucalyptus). Around 20 drops is sufficient for a standard bath.
- If you prefer, you can use fresh herbs. Add mint leaves (warming), lavender flowers (soothing), chamomile (soothing), or anything else that suits your mood.
- Swish all of the ingredients around in the tub, then soak.
Again, 40 minutes is recommended (the longer the better), but aim for
at least 20. You should start sweating within the first few minutes.
- If you feel too hot, start adding cold water into the tub until you cool off.
9 Drink plenty of water. Any time your body detoxes (after this type of bath, a massage, or chiropractic work, for example), you need to flush out toxins. If you don't, you will likely feel sick afterwards. - 10After the bath, you might like to rub down your body with a loofah or vegetable bristle brush. This can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which can aid with the release of toxins. Use long, gentle sweeping strokes aimed toward the heart.
Tips
- It’s also a good idea to drink water before and during your bath, especially if you’re feeling overheated from the tub water.
- Don't eat immediately before or after the bath.
- Have your towel nearby the tub and ready so that you can wrap up immediately and continue the detox.
- Shower off the Epsom salts if desired, but it's not necessary.
- Relax for the rest of the day and allow your body to continue to detoxify and heal itself.
- A bath of Epsom salt and baking soda bath is detoxing in and of itself, but other items can be added for further effects.
- Dry brush your skin before the bath for further benefits.
- Other additives used by some are grapefruit seed oil, rosemary, and thyme (not white thyme, it has a cooling effect).
- Turn off the lights. Light candles. Clear your mind, meditate & relax.
- Sea salts can be added for several health and skin benefits.
- Before adding herbs not on the list to your bath, please read what their effects are. Some herbs CAN be poisonous.
- Do not take a hot bath or a detox bath if you are pregnant, or have heart, kidney, or any other health issues.
- As with any application of essential oils, be aware of the properties of the oils and any contra-indications (things that might bring about harm) for your particular conditions.
- This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or otherwise take the place of the advice of your licensed healthcare practitioner. See your doctor for advice first.
- Avoid putting hydrogen peroxide in your bath. As an oxidizing agent, it can have corrosive effects on your skin.
Things You'll Need
- Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate)
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate/bicarbonate of soda)
- Large glass of cold water
- Towel
- Skin brush (optional)
- Ginger, aromatherapy oils, herbs (optional)
