A quick shower in the morning or after working out is favourable over a more leisurely soak with bath ingredients carefully chosen to support internal cleansing, overall health and even to remedy specific ailments or injuries.
The Japanese in particular greatly value cleansing, detox baths and they prefer using water as hot as a person can stand with a special type of cloth used to exfoliate and thereby encourage detoxification via the body’s largest organ – the skin. In the west, bathing is considered more for relaxation than detoxification as a general rule. However, one doesn’t need to indulge in the many artificially scented bath oils and additives that are commercially available in order to enjoy the benefits of detoxifying.
Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using a detox bath recipe.
How detox baths work
THE reason water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this is said to draw toxins to the surface of the skin. Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are pulled into the water via osmosis – the weak energy from the cooling water draws from the strong energy from the body heated up initially by the hot water.
If the wisdom of cleansing baths appeals, consider one of these four different types of therapeutic baths.
Generally speaking, a detox bath twice a week works well for most people.
Suggested essential oils which can be added to a carrier oil such as jojoba, fractionated coconut oil and so on –
- Lavender for calming
- Grapefruit which is uplifting
- Peppermint has fatigue-fighting properties
- Cedarwood curbs depression
- Chamomile and rosemary ward off headaches
Ginger Bath
THE ginger root possesses loads of healthy properties not when you eat it, but also when soaking in a ginger bath. You can either grate fresh ginger into your bath or sprinkle in some ginger powder.
It is understood to make the body sweat a lot more and get even extra amounts of toxins out, much like taking a sauna or sitting in a steam room. Ginger detox believers say it leads to increased energy, feeling cleaner and warding off symptoms of an oncoming cold.
Add half a cup of freshly grated ginger or a rounded teaspoon of ginger powder to your hot bath water and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to drink lots of water after your bath. Remember that the ginger bath will make you sweat profusely for at least an hour afterwards, so wear sweat clothes or a bathrobe. If you have sensitive skin or are allergy-prone, test ginger on your skin for irritation before dipping into the bath.
(Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using a detox bath recipe.)
Epsom Salts
DISSOLVE two cups of epsom salts in a regular sized bath (or more if your tub is larger). The temperature should be comfortably warm but not hot. Soak for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Rinse and towel dry.The scientific name for epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Magnesium and sulfur are both critical nutrients but surprisingly can be poorly absorbed from food. Soaking in epsom salts overcomes this problem as these minerals both absorb readily via the skin.
The Epsom Salt Industry Council says a simple soak is beneficial to heart and circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, helps ease muscle pain and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes.
Soak in epsom salts 2-3 times weekly for general health maintenance or to alleviate the discomfort of bruising and sprains. An epsom salts soak also encourages detoxification of drugs which remain in the body after surgery.
(Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using a detox bath recipe.)
Combination to draw out toxins and lowers stress-related hormones
THIS combination is said to draw out toxins and lowers stress-related hormones, while balancing your pH levels.
Mix a handful of Epsom salts, half a cup of baking soda and 10 drops of essential oil added to a carrier oil of your choice. Add the ingredients while drawing your hot bath and soak for 20 minutes, once weekly.
Rinse off with a cool shower for five minutes to wash away all excreted toxins and to close your skin’s pores.
(Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using a detox bath recipe.)
Apple Cider Vinegar
APPLE cider vinegar has a host of benefits when consumed internally and used externally to treat a number of conditions.
In a detox bath it can assist with conditions such as arthritis and gout, and other conditions caused by inflammation. This is a great bath to take if you’re feeling like you need to sweat the toxins out, and likewise if you want to get to sleep without lying awake with a wandering mind.
Simply add one to two cups of raw apple cider vinegar while running your bath. Soak for up to 30 minutes. Keep water to drink nearby as well as a washcloth – this bath is going to make you sweat. Get a head start by drinking some water while you are running the bath too. Dry off after the bath but don’t be surprised if you continue to sweat for a few hours afterwards. You may also find that the vinegar detox bath makes you a little sleepy, so you might want to head straight to bed after leaving the tub.
Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using this natural apple cider vinegar detox bath recipe.
(Importantly, check with your doctor if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or a heart condition before using a detox bath recipe.)
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