Detox Bath
Self care is so important. So many people spend time doing things for others and literally no time for themselves. Quiet time in the tub is a great way to de-stress, rewind and reconnect with yourself. A detox bath will not only give you some relaxing time for you, but also provide restorative and detoxifying benefits for your body as well. Put yourself on the list to benefit your body and mind!
Why a Detox Bath?
Our bodies are subject to more toxins than ever. There are toxins in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink. Some of the biggest levels of toxins can be found in our personal care and cleaning products; things we use every day. Excess toxins can exacerbate issues and cause chronic inflammation.
A detox bath is a natural way to remove toxins by adding ingredients like epsom salt, bentonite clay, baking soda, apple cider vinegar and essential oils to your bath. These additional ingredients aid in removing toxins in the body. This is an easy and gentle therapy you can do to support your body’s natural detoxification system and give yourself some self care at the same time.
Detox Bath Enhancers:
Epsom Salt - Epsom salt is made of magnesium and sulfate. Both are critical nutrients for the body but can be poorly absorbed from our food. These salts have been used for 400 years to stimulate detoxification, reduce inflammation in sore muscles and promote circulation and relaxation. Magnesium also supports healthy sleep, so this is great to do before bed. Start by adding 2 cups to your bath. I use Ancient Minerals Magnesium Flakes for their purity and improved absorption.
Bentonite Clay - This is a great product to remove heavy metals from the body. This naturally-forming clay magnetically pulls toxins, heavy metals and waste from the body. It also helps to lower the body’s PH levels. Start with ½ cup to your bath and work your way up to 1 cup. I do not recommend combining it with epsom salt. My favorite brand of clay is Redmond Bentonite Clay.
Baking Soda - baking soda is naturally alkalizing and helps boost liver function. When combined with epsom salt, this is a great option to detox from x-rays, radiation, airport screenings, etc. Baking soda is also great for silky smooth skin. I love adding this to my detox baths. Dissolve 2 cups into your tub. Great to use with epsom salt or bentonite clay. I use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Great for inflammatory body ailments like arthritis, candida and body odor. It helps the detox process, so don’t be surprised if you sweat and continue to detox post-bath. Use 1-2 cups of unfiltered apple cider vinegar to the tub and soak for up to 30 minutes. I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar. You can use ACV with all the other ingredients listed above.
Essential Oils - Adding essential oils to your detox bath can help with relaxation, circulation, detoxification, discomfort and more. Essential oils are powerful and effective natural substances derived from plants. They have a wide variety of uses and benefits and they are a must for me in every bath I take! My favorite essential oils to add to my detox bath are as follows:
Calming: Balance, Lavender, Ylang Ylang
Discomfort: AromaTouch, Copaiba, Lavender
Cleansing/Detoxifying: Grapefruit, Zendocrine, Lemongrass
Clear Breathing: Breathe, Eucalyptus,
Get the basic oils HERE to help with your health needs. In addition to the oils, you’ll also receive a free 30-minute consultation with me (a $100 value), access to our natural health community and continuing support by me through your essential oil health journey.
Directions:
Fill up your tub with hot water...as hot as you can tolerate. Add the following:
2 cups magnesium flakes. I use Ancient Minerals
1-2 cups baking soda. I use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda
1 cup raw apple cider vinegar. I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a few pumps of Fractionated Coconut Oil or other nourishing oil.
Drops of your favorite essential oils. I use Balance and AromaTouch and add others based on the results I'm looking for (relax, immune support, detox support, liver support, etc)
Soak in the tub for 20-40 minutes (if you're new to this, start with a 15-20 minute soak). The first 20 minutes is to extract toxins while the second 20 minutes is when the body begins to absorb the minerals. You will sweat, and that's a good thing.
Listen to music, audiobook, or just enjoy the silence.
When finished, pat dry and relax. I personally like to rinse off with cool water.
Once you’re dry, I add a moisturizing cream. I use dōTERRA’s Body Butter.
After Care:
Drink plenty of water afterwards to continue to flush your system. You will probably sweat for a while after you are out of the tub, and that's normal. I love to do this before bed because it is so relaxing...you will probably even sleep better!
Pro-Tip: Dry brush before a bath for additional skin, circulation and detoxification benefits. Check out my Dry Brush Blog Post.