I didn’t really “bathe” until I became a working adult and then a mom. The chance to sit quietly in a hot tub went from sounding like a waste of time to utter bliss. things evened out better when I realized I could multitask actively supporting my health while relaxing. A proper detox bath goes beyond simply calming and increasing our well-being by strengthening our immune system and preventing disease.
Our bodies are subject to more toxins than ever before in our food, body products, water, and air. The truth is, toxins are unavoidable, but they become a problem when left unchecked, opening us up to irritation, damage, and destruction of the body. Fortunately, a detox bath is an easy and gentle healing therapy that supports our body’s natural detoxification system.
Read on for everything you need to know about taking your bath from soothing to incredibly healing.
Featured image from our interview with Janessa Leoné by Teal Thomsen.
How to take a detox bath
Incorporate your detox agent. Add your chosen product to a standard tub filled with hot/warm water. The hotter the water, the more you will sweat and the better you will detox.
Add baking soda. If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda to help neutralize chemicals, primarily chlorine, as well as increase mineral absorption.
Dive into the water. Get as much of your body under the water as you can. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax for at least 20 minutes.
Go out. Once you’re done soaking, carefully get out of the tub. It is common to feel a little dizzy. This should go away soon and a quick rinse with cold water can help!
hydrate Stay away from soaps, shampoos, and lotions with artificial fragrances, dyes, and toxic chemicals, as your pores open up after bathing and can more easily absorb the chemicals found in those 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 feel sleepy and a good night’s sleep after your bath is an amazing way to support your body’s rejuvenation process.
Tips for the Perfect Detox Bath
- Start slow. The more agent you use and the hotter the water, the more intense the detox will be.
- Take it easy. If the detox bath makes you feel uncomfortably nauseated, groggy, or just plain sick (common side effects of heavy detox), try reducing the detox agent, switch detox agents, use cooler water, and/or bath for less time . of time.
- Get the kids involved! These detox baths are generally safe for children, just reduce the amount of agent used. (Read more about detox baths for children).
- Make a detox bath for your feet. Hate the bathtub? Get some of the benefits of the detox bath by soaking your feet with a large bowl and soaking your toes.
Types of detox baths
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Epsom salt bath
The most popular detox baths, Epsom salts, are made from magnesium and sulfate. Both are critical nutrients for the human body, but they can be poorly absorbed from our food. However, soaking in Epsom salts counteracts this problem as these minerals are easily absorbed through the skin. They have long been used to stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation in sore muscles, lower blood pressure, promote healthy circulation, and help relax and normalize sleep patterns. Start by adding a cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub and gradually increase to two to three cups.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle just a little of your fancy bath salts into a bath, then add more Epsom salts to make your expensive salts go the extra mile. You get the relaxing aroma 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 occurring clay that magnetically draws toxins, heavy metals, and waste from the body. Bentonite clay also lowers the PH levels of the body, making it a perfect substance to take internally or use externally. Pour about 1/5 -1 cup of the bentonite clay into a hot water bath, breaking up any clumps. It is generally recommended to start by taking a clay bath once a week and then move to once a month for maintenance.
Baking soda bath
Baking soda baths are naturally alkalizing and are beneficial for stimulating liver function, supporting digestive problems, and fighting sore throats (including strep throat). When combined with sea salt, this bath is also excellent for combating any exposure to environmental radiation, X-rays, airplane flights, or airport screening. Dissolve two to four cups of aluminum-free baking soda in your bathtub and allow it to soak for at least 20 minutes.
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ginger bath
Try this sweat-inducing, illness-fighting bath at the first sign of any cold symptoms. If you don’t have access to a sauna or steam room, the ginger bath is a simple and safe way to induce a sweat, flushing all those nasty toxins out of your body and leaving you feeling energized and clean.
Add ½ cup of grated ginger to a hot bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. The ginger bath will make you sweat profusely for at least an hour afterward, so be sure to wear a robe or clothing that you don’t mind sweating.
Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
The apple cider vinegar detox bath is great for inflammatory body ailments such as arthritis, for yeast sufferers, and can help with body odor. Like the ginger detox bath, it’s a particularly sweat-inducing bath, which aids your body’s detoxification process, so don’t be surprised if you continue to sweat for a bit afterward. Add a cup or two of pure, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and soak in the tub for up to 30 minutes.
The best products for an ultra-luxurious, non-toxic detox bath
This post was originally published on March 13, 2020 and has since been updated.
