Detox baths can be an effective way to promote whole body detox and induce relaxation at the end of a long hard day. Benefits from a detox bath include:
Detoxification
Induces sleep
Increase magnesium levels
Relieve pain & soreness
Soothe skin irritation
Reduce headache pain
Improved mood
You'll be adding both Epsom salt and ginger slices to enhance your experience. Why?
The Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfate that stimulate detoxification pathways in the body. Magnesium plays an important and essential role in both the body and the brain and is responsible for over 600 different reactions. It is the sulfate in epsom salts that begin to pull toxins and heavy metals out of the body in a reverse osmosis process.
Adding ginger to your bath kicks up the detox game to purge the bod of everyday chemicals. Ginger speeds up circulation which creates heat and causes a sweat response! It is also known to help alleviate aches, digestive discomfort and cold symptoms.
Below are ways to upgrade your bath time routine for the ultimate detox bath
Ultimate Detox Bath Prep
Step 1) Draw a Bath and Add Epsom Salt and Sliced Ginger
Place 2 cups of Epsom salt into your bathtub and begin to fill the tub with water. Slice some ginger and sprinkle them around into your bathtub.
Step 2) Neutralize Toxins Your Water
It's counterproductive to bath in toxic water when you're attempting to detox. Tap water contains chlorine which disinfects bacteria and sanitizes our water supply but also has negative health effects.
Add ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate into your warm bath water to bind and neutralize chlorine. Add1 teaspoon of either to your water (2 teaspoons if you have a very large tub). Wait for 5 minutes (this is a great time to begin your dry brushing routine!).
Another option is purchasing a bath filter to attach to your faucet.
Step 3) Dry Brushing
Dry brushing your skin before your ultimate detox bath stimulates the lymphatic system opening up your detox pathways increasing your bodies ability to eliminate stored toxins in the body. Dry brush your arms and legs first always brushing with gentle movements towards your heart. Purchase a good quality dry brush and google video tutorials on how to properly dry brush your skin. You can learn more about dry brushing by reading my blog post about it here.
Step 4) Essential Oils
Before you jump in add fragrant essential oils to your ultimate detox bath to enjoy a therapeutic experience. Adding the essential oils directly to the water will cause the oils to float the surface. First add the oils to a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil as a carrier. To do so mix 5-20 drops of essential oil per ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) of your base oil. Use the following essential oils in your ultimate detox bath:
lavender
vanilla
bergamot
frankincense
eucalyptus
Ultimate Detox Bath Instructions
You've gone through all the prep and now it's time to soak. Schedule 40 minutes ideally and 20 minutes at a minimum of your day to rest allowing your body to purge toxins. The first 20 minutes of your bath your body works to pull toxins from your skin and the remaining 20 minutes of your bath your body remineralizes...both essential for optimal detoxification.
After you are done with your ultimate detox bath schedule time to rest and relax afterward. Some individuals report feeling relaxed post detox bath. Listen to your body and relax and make sure to drink plenty of liquids.
Avoid placing lotion on your skin for 1 hour after you bath as the body continues to sweat even after your detox bath.
Some individuals feel epsom salt baths can relieve a herxheimer reaction while others feel it can induce one. This is where listening to your bodies cues and respecting them becomes imperative. Do not push your body beyond its limits.
Add epsom salt baths into your routine 2-3 times a week to increase detoxification.
Stefanie is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist who specializes in Detoxification, Functional Nutrition, Lyme Disease & Mold Illness.
She is available for one-on-one health coaching sessions to support you and walk by your side. Please reach out for a complimentary consult to learn more about how partnering with me can help you along your healing journey. Together we thrive!
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Disclaimer: I am not a licensed doctor and do not diagnose or treat disease. Please do not substitute the tips I have shared today for the personalized advice of your healthcare practitioner. I have share the above information for educational and encouragement purposes only.