One of the simplest ways I know of to aid the body in natural toxin-removal, stress relief and even pain relief is by enjoying a DIY stress relief & detox bath two to three times weekly. A detox bath doesn’t need to be complicated; in fact, my DIY Stress Relief & Detox Bath Recipe is simple, effective and so very relaxing – mind – body – soul.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and plays an important role in some areas of detoxification. Sweat glands in the skin play active roles in the excretory system. Some say that your skin is responsible for eliminating 25% of the toxins in your body. It’s also important to note that your body can also absorb much of whatever you apply to your skin. This is why it is extremely necessary to always use non-toxic skincare products.
History of Detox Baths
The history of the detox bath goes back thousands of years. According to author and Naturopath Linda Page in her book, Linda Page’s Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, the ancient Romans had elaborate complexes for healing and detoxification baths. History tells us the ancient Greeks used seawater and seaweed to take detoxification baths. Mud baths, clay baths and baths using essential oils and herbs were also used throughout history to assist the body’s natural detoxification abilities.
Why Perform a Stress Relief & Detox Bath?
- Can aid the body in the natural elimination of excess toxins.
- Can be performed in the privacy of one’s home.
- May increase energy levels.
- May aid in normal digestion and sleep.
- May boost metabolism.
- Increases oxygen rich blood circulation.
- Softens skin.
- Improves relaxation.
- May help release stress and tension. A Detox & Stress Relief bath is perfect to us as your own quiet time – especially if you incorporate some relaxing music. Add some candles and you have made your own relaxing spa without paying the price of those fancy, high-priced spas.
What Ingredients are Used in the Detox Bath Recipe?
All of the ingredients that I recommend for the detox bath recipe have a specific function in helping your body to release stress, detox impurities and minimize pain. So let’s take a look at the ingredients.
- Himalayan Salt contains 84 essential minerals that can efficiently detox the entire body. A very strong Himalayan salt bath (1-2 full pounds of salt per bath) is claimed to be the equivalent of a 3-day fast in terms of detoxification. Don’t worry, you will not need that much for your weekly detox bath.
- Epsom Salts is magnesium sulfate. Epsom salts promotes relaxation, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle and joint pains, helps nerves function properly and improves the absorption of nutrients. Did you know that magnesium regulates the activity of 325+ enzymes in your body?
- Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate crystals) will neutralize the chlorine and chloramine that may be present in your water. If you have a whole-house water purification system or a water filter on your bath faucet, you can eliminate the Vitamin C. (NOTE: Water softener systems do not filter water.)
- Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps neutralize the body’s pH. It also helps neutralize the chlorine in the water. Baking Soda will also soften skin.
- Ginger increases circulation, opens pores, helps your body to release toxins through sweat, naturally contains anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties. You may experience some sweating while enjoying your detox bath. Don’t worry this is just the ginger doing its job.
- Lavender Essential Oil promotes relaxation and eases tension and is a lovely fragrance.
Other ingredients commonly used in a detox bath recipe: Raw apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay are also recommended in some detox bath recipes. 1/4 cup of bentonite clay along with 1/4 cup of baking soda can also help with detoxing and skin softening. Clay is sometimes an irritant to the lungs, so you should definitely avoid inhaling it. PLease do your own research before doing a detox bath with these ingredients.
DIY Stress Relief & Detox Bath Recipe
Ingredient List
- 1 cup Epsom Salt
- 1/3 cup Himalayan Salt
- 1/2 cup Baking Soda
- 2 1/2 tsp dried Ginger Powder
- 1 tsp pure Vitamin C crystals
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- Dry body brush (optional)
Combine all the ingredients into a glass bowl. (Note: Any of the natural ingredients mentioned above are fine to use alone or in combination in order to achieve a detoxification effect. The detox bath recipe ingredients can be doubled, but understand this will increase the detox effect. If you are new to detox baths, I highly recommend that you begin slowly with any type of detox bath. (Please read the IMPORTANT INFORMATION included below.)
Instructions for Stress Relief & Detox Bath Recipe
Dry body brush before showering to stimulate your body’s detox processes and shed dead skin cells. Jump into the shower and wash thoroughly using a non-toxic soap.
Fill your tub with hot water. The heat of the water opens your pores and allows for maximum absorption. It will also help to make you sweat which is a natural detoxification process in itself. As the water begins to fill the tub, add the ingredients directly under the running water. Give the water a stir to help incorporate the ingredients into the water and allow it to mix thoroughly. The water may have a yellowish to orange tint from the ginger.
Soak as much of your body as possible for about 20 to 40 minutes. Relax, deep breath, breathe in the lavender scent. Listen to calming music. Calm your mind.
When finished, drain the tub and rinse off your body and pat dry with a soft, flully towel. Be extremely careful when getting out of the detox bath as the water temperature and length of time, along with the detoxification process may cause you to feel weak or light-headed if you stand up too quickly.
Most people find that they often feel very tired after taking a detox bath. This is why it’s best to take a detox bath in the evening right before bedtime. After your detox bath, I suggest getting into bed under the covers and quiet your mind and body into a relaxing zone for another two or more hours. Most likely you will drift off to sleep and feel very refreshed in the morning.
Important Information to Know BEFORE Using Any Detox Bath Recipe
When detoxifying it is important that you don’t allow your body to become dehydrated. The minerals in the detox bath will draw out toxins and excess water from your body. It is VERY IMPORTANT to drink a full glass of purified water before, during, after taking your detox bath.
Herxheimer Reaction – Depending on your body’s level of toxicity, you may experience symptoms such as headache, fatigue, aches and pains or feel flu-like. Don’t panic. This is your body’s natural response as it releases toxins and cleanses itself. It’s very important to stay hydrated with purified water and get adequate rest to help your body perform its natural process of detoxification.
CAUTION: If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, DO NOT use this detox bath until you have talked it over with your healthcare practitioner.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
