A nice hot soak is something I have always enjoyed. Typically in our Western culture baths are marketed as a relaxation method. However, in additon to being relaxing, baths can also serve as a detox tool. Our lives are crazy busy, and most of us rush through the day without a thought to alleviating all the damage that is being done to our bodies: what we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress inflicted upon us. Toxins are poisonous substances that negatively affect our health. We expose ourselves to toxins on a daily basis, from sources like pollution, processed foods, and pesticides. And when we don’t release these toxins, it’s reflected in our health and the way we feel throughout the day. That’s why I’m such a fan of detox baths.

A detox bath can sweat out those toxins, and alleviate their harmful impact. They will boost your immune system! The process for a detox bath is really 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 t hen washed away.

The key to a successful detox bath is preparation. It is very important 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 ensure that no damage occurs to your body as the impurities are drained 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 tha t the body sweats during the detox process, and that won’t happen if the water is too cool.

To actively draw out toxins, detox baths should contain at least one strong, active ingredient and several soothing ones. For example, harsh ingredients such as apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide might be offset by essential oils. The ingredients you choose will determine the benefits to your body. Many recipes are available on the Internet. But also be aware that you should keep like substances together. For example, Epsom salts and baking soda are both bases, so they work well together and with the body. You would want to avoid combining an acidic substance like apple cider vinegar (ACV) with a basic substance, as they compete against each other. Reserve ACV for a bath all on it's own. Here is one of my favorite bath recipes...

4 cups Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate)

2 cups baking soda (aluminum free)

tablespoon of ginger (brings out the sweat)

10 drops lavender & frankincense (relaxing & healing)

I have a big bathtub so I use larger amounts to account for dilution in my big bathtub. If you have a smaller tub you can lower the quantities. Have fun & play around with other ingredients like bentonite clay, other essential oils etc.

While it may be tempting to quickly dip into a hot tub and dry off, 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.

Let me know in the comments your favorite bath combos and your favorite bath practices. I love hearing about what you all are doing.

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As always, to your health!

Lara