The foundation of any good detox bath is Epsom salts, which are essentially powdered magnesium, a well-known natural sedative. There are a number of benefits of Epsom salts, including both detoxification and relaxation. Although magnesium has a myriad of benefits for our bodies, it is easier absorbed through the skin rather than the digestive track, making a detox bath the perfect way to derive its benefits.
Detox baths help remove toxins from the body by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and juices, which pushes these toxins right out of your body. You’ll emerge from the bath feeling cleaner inside and out than you have in years.
The most basic detox bath recipe is this: two cups of Epsom salts dissolved in warm bath water. You can make your own special detox bath blend, however, by adding six to 10 drops of the essential oils of your choice. Use oils that appeal to you via their scent or healing properties. Popular choices for healing oils include:
- Vanilla – this hypnotic will bring you to a place of blissful relaxation
- Lavender – this basic relaxing oil has a lovely scent and is widely used in detox baths
- Clary sage – another hypnotic, clary sage is not as powerful as vanilla but contains similar relaxation properties
- Ginger – an anti-inflammatory, ginger helps to soothe sore muscles and joints
- Juniper – this oil is also excellent for healing sore joints
For a more involved detox bath recipe, we encourage you to check out Amie Valpone’s post “Epsom Salt Detox Bath How-To” over on the TheHealthyApple.com!
Preparing a detox bath is simple. Just fill your tub with hot water – ideally water that is warm enough to make you sweat a little, which releases more toxins. Add your Epsom salt detox bath and swish the water around with your hand until the salts dissolve. If your water isn’t filtered, consider adding a cup of baking soda, which will remove any additional toxins from the water.
Once you’ve prepared your bath, soak in it with the water up to your chin for about twenty minutes. This is long enough to release the toxins but not so long that it will dry your skin. Don’t use any soap or shampoo in the bath. When you get out of the water, apply a moisturizer all over your body and drink a full glass of water to re-hydrate.
With a weekly detox bath, you’ll notice a definite improvement in your health, and you’ll feel better overall. It’s a simple addition to your routine that can pay large dividends for your well-being.
