Our lives are crazy busy, and most of us rush through the day without a thought for alleviating at least some of the damage done to our bodies by what we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress inflicted upon us. A detox bath can help remove those toxins and alleviate their harmful impact. They also can 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? I didn’t know until now!
The process for a detox bath is quite simple. You immerse yourself in a tub filled with hot water and some essential ingredients: some active and some soothing. As you soak, the toxins are pulled up to the surface of the skin and then washed away.
The key to a successful detox bath is preparation. It’s essential to properly hydrate before you begin. The day before you plan to detox, increase your fluid intake and avoid dehydrating ingredients, such as caffeine. This will prevent dehydration during the bath.
Detox baths require hot water, as hot as your body can tolerate. Warm water will 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 favorites appears below.
While it may be tempting to quickly dip into a hot tub and then dry off, the length of time spent in the tub will determine the success of your detox. Most recipes call for soaking at least 20 minutes. You need to give those impurities time to float to the surface!
When you have completed the recommended stay in the water, be sure to get up slowly and carefully, gently wipe off your skin and drink some water. Give your body time to recover from the strain of detoxification. That will enhance the benefits and improve 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 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 the 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
If your bath water is not filtered, add 1 cup of baking soda as this helps to neutralize the chemicals in unfiltered water, primarily chlorine, as well as increase mineral absorption. For a great bath filter, click here.
Once you are done soaking, rise 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 imperative not to use moisturizers containing harsh chemicals or products on your skin because the pores are open and the skin will absorb the contaminants. Apply a natural moisturizer like coconut oil or shea butter to your skin directly after your bath.
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 a bath later at night and go straight to bed.
Enjoy – your body will thank you!
