I didn’t really “take” baths until I became working adult then a mother. The ability to sit undisturbed in a tub of hot water has gone from a waste of time to absolute bliss. things evened out better when I realized I could multi-task support my health while I was relaxing. A good detox bath goes beyond calming and improving our well-being by strengthen our immune system and disease prevention.
Our body is subject to more toxins than ever in our food, body products, water and air. The truth is, toxins are unavoidable, but it becomes a problem when they go unchecked, exposing us to irritation, damage, and destruction to the body. Fortunately, a detox bath is an easy and gentle healing therapy that supports our body’s natural detox system.
Read on for everything you need to know about upgrading your bath, from soothing to amazingly healing.
Featured image of our interview with Janessa Leone by Teal Thomsen.
How to take a detox bath
Incorporate your detox agent. Add the product of your choice to a standard bathtub filled with hot/warm water. The warmer the water, the more you will sweat and the better you will detoxify.
Add baking soda. If your bath water is unfiltered, add 1 cup of baking soda to neutralize chemicals, primarily chlorine, and increase mineral absorption.
Immerse yourself in the water. Get as much of your body underwater as you can. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and relax for at least 20 minutes.
Go outside. When you’re done soaking, carefully get out of the tub. It’s common to feel a little lightheaded. This should disappear shortly and a quick rinse with cold water can help!
Hydrate. Avoid soaps, shampoos, and lotions that contain artificial fragrances, dyes, and toxic chemicals, as your pores are open after bathing and can more easily absorb the chemicals in these products.
Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before and after to support your body’s detoxification process. A good time to detox is before bed. Detox baths can make you sleepy and a good night’s sleep after bathing is an amazing way to support your body’s rejuvenation process.
Tips for the perfect detox bath
- Start slowly. The more agent you use and the hotter the water, the more intense the detoxification.
- Take it easy. If the detox bath gives you nausea, dizziness, or just uncomfortable nausea (common side effects of intense detox), try reducing the detox agent, changing detox agents, using cooler water and/or to swim for less time. of time.
- Get the kids involved! These detox baths are generally safe for children, just reduce the amount of agent used. (Learn more about detox baths for children.)
- Take a detox bath for your feet. Do you hate the bathtub? Get some of the benefits of the detox bath by taking a foot bath using a large container and soaking your toes.
Types of detox baths
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Epsom salt bath
The most popular detox baths, Epsom salts, are made up of magnesium and sulfate. Both are essential nutrients for the human body, but can be poorly absorbed from our diet. However, soaking in Epsom salts solves this problem as these minerals are both easily absorbed by the skin. They have long been used to boost detoxification, reduce inflammation in sore muscles, lower blood pressure, promote healthy circulation, and help with relaxation and normalizing sleep patterns. Start by adding a cup of Epsom salt to your tub and gradually increase to two or three cups.
Pro Tip: Just sprinkle a little of your fancy bath salts into a bath, then add more Epsom salts to make your expensive salts go further! You get the relaxing scent and benefits of the pleasant salt blend and detoxification of Epsom salts.
Bentonite clay bath
Taking a bentonite clay detox bath is a great way to remove heavy metals from the body. Bentonite clay is a naturally formed clay that magnetically extracts toxins, heavy metals and waste from the body. Bentonite clay also lowers the body’s pH levels, making it a perfect substance to take internally or use externally. Pour about 1/5 to 1 cup of bentonite clay into a hot water bath, breaking up any lumps. It is generally recommended to start with taking a clay bath once a week, then increase to about once a month for maintenance.
baking soda bath
Baking soda baths are naturally alkalizing and are beneficial for boosting liver function, supporting digestive issues, and fighting sore throats (including strep throat). When combined with sea salt, this bath is also ideal for combating any exposure to environmental radiation, X-rays, airplane flights or airport splashes. Dissolve two to four cups of aluminum-free baking soda in your tub and soak for at least 20 minutes.
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ginger bath
Try this sweaty bath to fight illness at the first signs of a cold. If you don’t have access to a sauna or steam room, the ginger bath is an easy and safe way to sweat it out, flush all those nasty toxins from your body, and feel energized and cleansed.
Add ½ cup grated ginger to a hot bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. The ginger bath will have you sweating profusely for at least an hour afterwards, so be sure to wear a robe or clothes that you don’t mind sweating.
Apple cider vinegar bath
The apple cider vinegar detox bath is great for inflammatory body conditions, like arthritis, for people struggling with candida issues, and can help fight body odor. Like the Ginger Detox Bath, this is a particularly sweaty bath, which aids your body’s detoxification process, so don’t be surprised if you continue to sweat a little afterwards. Add one to two cups of pure, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and soak in the tub for up to 30 minutes
The best products for an ultra luxury and non-toxic detox bath
This post was originally posted on March 13, 2020 and has since been updated.