There are few things in life as relaxing and rejuvenating as a detox bath. It can help the body restore balance, fight off illness, soothe sore muscles, prepare the mind and body for a good nights rest, and much more depending on what you add to the bath. When I bath, it is always a detox bath, and I generally get one at least once a week. When I first started taking detox baths I just used Epsom salt. I had no idea that there were many more options and for many more purposes.
Awesome Detox Bath Ingredients
There are lots of different kinds of detox baths. It is amazing what can be absorbed through the skin for the benefit of the body. Here we will discuss many of your options and what they do for you. Keep in mind these ingredients can also be combined in different ways to amplify the benefits.
Epsom Salt/Magnesium Oil
Magnesium is needed for about 90% of the chemical processes in the body. It is rapidly depleted by consuming sugar. Leaving many if not most people rather deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is best absorbed through the skin, meaning although you can take magnesium supplements you will get the most absorption by bathing in it. According to the Epsom Salt Industry Council, magnesium is beneficial to heart and circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, helps ease sore muscles and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes. Additionally I have used it to tame PMS, relieve morning sickness, and help with quality sleep.
How to take an Epsom salt detox bath:
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt or magnesium oil to a hot bath. Soak for 30-45 minutes. Wrap in a towel or blanket to amplify the detoxifying effect when finished. Epsom salt and magnesium oil can be drying to the skin. Some people prefer to just soak their feet or to rinse off in the shower when done. And to follow-up with a good body butter. I use this kind of Epsom salt, and this kind of magnesium oil.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide will kill any anaerobic germs in the water and on your skin, and it is believed that it gives the body a surge of oxygen to help aid in your detox.
One thing that should be added is that Hydrogen Peroxide baths (or H202 baths) are highly detoxifying. When you soak in the hot bath, the H202 draws the toxins out of your body and pushes them to the lymphatic system. You need to shock your body with 1 minute of the coldest water you can stand, immediately following the hot H202 soak so the toxins don’t sit in your lymph nodes. This is extremely important.
How to take a Hydrogen peroxide detox bath:
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide to a full bath. Soak for at least 30 minutes. Keeping your head and hair dry… peroxide can bleach your hair and if you do this often can make it brittle. Follow the bath with a rinse in a cold shower. This bath is best for morning time, because the extra oxygen can be invigorating and make it difficult to sleep.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can do much more than just plump your pastries. It can detoxify and alkalize the body. Baking soda is a great aid for relieving hemorrhoid pain, vaginal yeast infections, and other discomforts around those delicate nether regions. Baking soda is fabulous for the skin, and relieves itching, soothes irritated skin, and reduces burning sensation.
How to take a baking soda detox bath:
Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to a hot bath. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Dry off and lay down when you finish to avoid dizziness from the hot water and the detox. Your skin should feel silky smooth! I use this kind of baking soda.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is most certainly an amazing food. I drink a little almost every day. Not only is it good to drink or add to your salad, it is also awesome for the skin. Using apple cider vinegar externally helps promote blood circulation in the skin and can prevent bacteria and regulate pH levels. It also helps sooth skin irritation, helps with skin or nail fungus caused by candida, and can even promote a good night sleep. Apple cider vinegar is awesome when you really need to sweat out those toxins, or to soothe sore muscles from exercise. I use this kind of apple cider vinegar.
How to take an ACV detox bath:
Add 2 Cups of apple cider vinegar to the bath. Soak for at least 30 minutes. Wait at least 8 hours before showering.
Essential Oils
Oh that sweet aroma! Whether you are hoping to relax from a long day or get energized and ready for a busy day… or perhaps you are hoping to give a boost to your immune system, or deal with that unfriendly monthly visitor, there is an oil for that. My favorites for the bath are Lavender and Thieves. But I also love Peace & Calming, and Peppermint depending on the purpose.
How to take a detox bath with essential oils:
Fill the bath with hot water. Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to an emulsifying agent like Epsom salt, sea salt, or baking soda. Stir emulsifier into the water. Bath for at least 20 minutes.
Or check out our recipe for Detox Bath Salts.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for thousands of years medicinally. I personally included it in my get well arsenal every time I illness strikes. It goes in my smoothies, and in my teas. And it even makes its way into the tub. When ginger is added to a bath it turns up the heat and helps the body cleanse of toxins by making you sweat… a lot! Hello home sauna. Ginger is also awesome for:
- easing nausea,
- relieving gas and bloating,
- stopping diarrhea,
- boosting digestion,
- easing menstrual cramps,
- relieving headaches,
- stabilizing blood pressure (for both too high and too low),
- lowering cholesterol,
- soothing cold and flu symptoms,
- freshening breath.
Also ginger is anti-inflammatory and is known for its anti-cancer properties.
How to take a ginger detox bath:
Ginger in any form will work for a bath. I have used both fresh grated ginger or dried ginger powder. Add 1/4-1/2 cup of grated ginger or 1 tablespoon of ginger powder to a hot bath. Soak for 15-30 minutes. When done wrap in a warm blanket or put on sweats. The ginger will cause the body to continue to sweat out the toxins for about an hour.
DON”T FORGET! Since you will be sweating a lot, remember to drink plenty of water, preferably with lemon, before, during, and after the bath.
Clay
If you wan ta bath that can safely and effectively draw out the toxins, then you need to add a scoop of clay to the tub. Clay baths are not only great for sore achy muscles and relaxation, but for stimulating the lymphatic system, radiation exposure, heavy metal poisoning, and for chemical and pesticide exposure. To find out more than you will ever need to know I highly recommend The Clay Cure by Ran Knishinsky. Among other things, he discusses how clay has the ability to draw toxins right out of the pores, not just release them into the blood stream.
The best clay to use is bentonite clay. I use this kind. When I take a clay bath I only use clay, I don’t add others things to the water.
How to take a clay detox bath:
Add 1 to 2 cups of clay to the water. To avoid clumping pour it directly into the stream of water as you fill the tub. Use water that is as hot as you can stand. Soak for 15-20 minutes. After the bath rinse the tub with lots of water to wash the clay down the drain.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is powerful stuff and it doesn’t mess around. The super fine granules of activated charcoal grab on to just about everything, making it a super powered detoxifier. It’s so powerful, in fact, that it’s vital not to overdo it and “detox” the good along with the bad.
However, there’s no greater natural remedy for common skin issues. This stuff combats acne, soothes eczema, and helps the healing process for rashes and bites. Bonus: When you rinse out the tub, it will look cleaner than you’ve seen it in months!
How to take an activated charcoal detox bath:
Add 1/4-1/2 cup of activated charcoal to your bath water. If you’ve never done it before start with less, not more. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse in the shower when done.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a powerhouse for skin health. Not only is it great for zits and blemishes it also works wonders for:
- Soothing and healing diaper rash,
- Soothing external hemorrhoids,
- relieving discomfort from varicose veins,
- soothing poison ivy, or poison oak,
- treating chicken pox blisters,
- healing bruises
- and postpartum care (hemorrhoids, episiotomies, anal fissures).
How to take a witch hazel detox bath:
Add 1/2-1 cup of witch hazel to a warm bath. Soak as long as desired, but at least 15 minutes. Witch hazel can be drying, so follow-up with a rich moisturizer or body oil (just wait until you stop sweating).
Sea Salt
Sea salt baths are one of the oldest kinds of soaks. They have been used to help with relaxation, soothe open sores and blemishes, and to draw out toxins.
How to take a sea salt detox bath:
Add 1/4-1/2 cup of sea salt to any other bath. Sea salt is mild and I prefer to couple it with other detoxifiers. Soak for as long as desired.
Additional Detox Bath Notes:
- Drink lots of water. Drink at least one glass before, during, and after the bath.It will help you to detox and keep you hydrated.
- The warmer the water, the more powerful the detox effect will be.
- If you have chlorine and fluoride in your water, I recommend adding a few tablespoons of bentonite clay to any of these baths to help absorb the chemicals so they aren’t absorbed into the skin.
- Any of these natural ingredients can be used alone or in combination for a cleansing effect.
- All recipes can be doubled or tripled but this will increase the detox effect.
- I recommend starting slowly with this or any health change.
- You can also use smaller portions and do a foot soak for a similar detox effect.
- Also, check out these other ways to detox the body.
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Lisa says
thank you for posting. I have used baking soda & Epsom salt.. wonderful….
Sarah says
Thank yo very much for these ideas. I love ginger and will start putting it in my baths!