What is a detox bath?

This bath helps you to eliminate toxins and absorb minerals in the water, encouraging more oxygen and blood flow, de-stressing, clearing skin issues, strengthening the immune system, and boosting health. Our skin is our largest detox organ which is why a bath is so beneficial. Minerals and salts are alkaline, cleansing, and make your skin soft. The warmer the water the more powerful the detox effect will be, drawing toxins from your body into the bath. After the bath you may feel tired or lightheaded with this in mind it is recommended to have a detox bath right before bed.

HISTORY

Hippocrates encouraged his fellow healers to make use of salt water to heal various ailments by immersing their patients in seawater. The ancient Greeks continued this and Dr. Charles Russel, an English author, and physician, published “The Uses of Sea Water” in 1753. The earliest writings concerning bath salts were published in China around 2700 years BCE.

HOW DOES A DETOX BATH WORK?

The reason water as warm/hot as can be tolerated is typically used is that this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are pulled into the water via the principle of osmosis – the weak energy from the cooling water draws from the strong energy from the body heated up initially by the warm/hot water.

TYPES OF SALTS TO TRY Sea Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Epsom, Himalayan Pink Salt, or a combination of these.

DETOX BATH INGREDIENTS

1. HIMALAYAN CRYSTAL SALT
   Contains all the elements of which the human body is comprised. From the periodic table of elements, we are familiar with 94 natural elements. Apart from inert gases, all of the elements (84) can be found in crystal salt. Hence crystal salt contains all natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body. 
   
2. EPSOM SALT
   This a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate which can be absorbed through the skin. Within the body, magnesium is necessary for over 300 different enzymatic processes that are critical for maintaining an optimal system. Some of these processes include inducing relaxation of muscle and the nervous system, improving inflammation and swelling, supporting the cardiovascular system, and many more. Sulfate, the other component of Epsom salt helps process and flushes toxins from our bodies and has the potential of improving the absorption of nutrients. 
   
3. BICARBONATE SODA
   Due to its high alkalinity, baking soda can help with a number of common health issues, such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), rashes, and hemorrhoids. Alkalinity optimizes heath by providing a  setting that allows your body to function at optimal levels. Because baking soda is alkaline, it can have detoxifying effects on your skin—and other exposed areas—that can provide healing and regeneration.
   
4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
   Contains vitamin C and B vitamins, which help to nourish your body’s largest organ, your skin. By soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath your body can absorb the vitamins leaving your skin moisturized and feeling soft. It is naturally acidic it can work to restore the pH level of your skin (which should be slightly acidic) Natural anti-bacterial properties can kill any bacteria or fungus on your skin making it especially beneficial to people who suffer from eczema or dry skin. Finally, ACV helps to draw excess uric acid out of the body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines in certain foods and drinks. 

How To Make a Detox Bath

INSTRUCTIONS:

While the warm water is running add:

1 Cup Epsom Salt

Half a cup of Himalayan salt (or a salt of your choice)

Half a cup of Bicarbonate Soda (aluminium free)

Half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar (organic)

Additional extras: one tablespoon of powdered ginger helps to sweat out toxins.

Make sure all ingredients are dissolved before soaking in the bath for approximately 20-30 minutes.
When finished rinse off the salts in a cool or cold shower. 

DISCLAIMER:

• Do not have this detox bath if you are pregnant or have serious heart or kidney issues.
• If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before taking a Detox bath or soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath. Soaking your feet may actually increase your risk of foot problems.
• This is not recommended for children.
• Avoid putting your hair in the bath as it can dry it out.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water and or herbal/fruit teas are all really helpful in the detox process.

Until next time, be human, be kind, be you.