Our lives are crazy busy, and most of us rush through the day without a thought to alleviating all the damage done to our bodies by what we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress inflicted upon us. A detox bath can sweat out those toxins, and alleviate their harmful impact. They will boost your immune system! Did you know the Epsom Salt Council advises doctors to treat their patients for colds and flu with an Epsom salt bath before using any over the counter medications?
The process for a detox bath is quite simple. Detoxers immerse themselves in a tub filled with very hot water and essential ingredients, some active and some soothing. As you soak, the toxins are pulled to the surface of the skin and then washed away.
The key to a successful detox bath is preparation. It is very important to hydrate properly before you begin. The day before you detox, increase your fluid intake and avoid dehydrating ingredients, such as caffeine. This will ensure that no damage occurs to your body as the impurities drain from your body.
Detox baths require very hot water. As hot as your body can tolerate. Warm water or reasonably hot water will just not work. It is essential that the body sweats during the detox process, and that won’t happen if the water is too cool. The ingredients you choose will determine the benefits to your body. Many recipes are available on the Internet. One of my favorite appears below.
While it may be tempting to dip into a hot tub and dry off quickly, the length of time spent in the tub will determine the success of your detox. Most recipes call for a soaking of more than 20 minutes. You need to give those impurities time to float to the surface!
When you have completed the recommended stay in the water, gently wipe off your skin and drink water. Give your body time to recover from the strain of detoxification. That will enhance the benefits and enhance your well-being.
MY FAVORITE DETOX BATH:
Add 5-10 drops essential oil (lavender is very relaxing) to 2 cups Epsom salt, then add to a standard tub full of water. If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda as this helps neutralize the chemicals, primarily chlorine, as well as increase mineral absorption. If you don’t have essential oil, no worries, the Epsom salt not only draws out toxins but it:
- Eases stress and improves sleep and concentration
- Helps muscles and nerves function properly
- Regulates activity of enzymes in the body
- Helps prevent artery hardening and blood clots
- Makes insulin more effective
- Reduces inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps
- Improves oxygen use
- Improves absorption of nutrients
Once you are done soaking, get out of the tub very slowly and cautiously. You may feel a little dizzy and light-headed, this will go away as you shower off quickly in cooler water.
It’s very important not to use harsh chemicals or products on your skin because the pores are open and the skin will absorb the contaminants. You can apply a natural moisturizer like coconut oil or shea butter.
Try not to eat immediately before or after taking a detox bath, instead hydrate yourself with filtered water before and after.
Allow time after your bath to rest and rejuvenate. Or, you can take the bath later at night and then go straight to bed.
Do you have any favorite detox bath ingredients? Do tell! Share them in the comments section below.
