Why We Need to Detox
In this modern world, we are more subject to toxins than ever through the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even the medications we take. These toxins harm the body by irritating and destroying it. Because our lives are crazy busy, most of us rush through the day without a thought to alleviating all the damage that is being done to our bodies by what we eat, the air we breathe, and the stress inflicted upon us.
Detoxification is the way the body removes harmful compounds naturally. However, we can also help out the body with a detox bath as it encourages flushing out of the toxins efficiently.
It is imperative to improve our body’s capacity to detoxify and dispose of waste while limiting our introduction to toxins. A detox bath is one of the best healing therapies that facilitates and enhances the natural detoxification process of our bodies.
A detox bath with epsom salt is one of the greatest healing therapies that can help to facilitate the natural detoxification system of the body. Epsom salt is an organic and inexpensive way to sweat out those toxins and alleviate their harmful impact. Not only that, epsom salt detox baths have a ton of other health benefits in addition to detoxification which makes them well worth adding to your health and wellness routine.
Health Benefits of a Detox Bath
A detox bath, when made with Epsom salt, has many of the health benefits listed below:
1. Relieves Stress
Epsom salt helps stabilize mood and relieve stress, anxiety and depression. In fact, some researchers claim that taking magnesium increases serotonin (happiness or relaxation hormone) production in the brain.
2. Improves Sleep and Concentration
Epsom salts are relaxing to the muscles and nervous system. Magnesium reduces the effects of adrenaline, which allows the nervous system to switch from sympathetic (I’m running from a bear, fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and digest). Many people are chronically stuck in sympathetic mode and have trouble switching it off before bed.
3. Asthma
Epsom salts can help with the constriction and spasm that happen in the bronchioles (magnesium is commonly deficient in asthma patients). The sulfate can help form the most potent antioxidant in the body, glutathione, which is extremely helpful to the lungs.
4. Regulates Enzyme Activity
The bath also helps the body to regulate its detoxification system hence regulating the enzyme activity to help the body in various functions such as digestion and removal of the toxins effectively.
5. Promotes Production of Insulin
Magnesium is often low in those with blood sugar regulation issues. It also promotes the production of insulin in the body to regulate its required levels in the body and hence help in an improved functioning of the body organs and functions.
6. Pain Relief for Headaches, Cramps and Spasms
Magnesium decreases spasms, which is often a large part of cramps before a period. I wouldn’t recommend a bath while you are having a period, but a few baths right beforehand and throughout the month can work wonders. Migraines also tend to involve spasmodic pain. There are many studies linking low magnesium levels (among other nutrients) to migraines.
7. Acute Sickness
A hot Epsom salt bath can increase your body’s temperature set point enough that the bacteria or virus can no longer live. The heat and nutrients will also stimulate the immune system.
8. Constipation
Magnesium relaxes the gut and helps the bowels move.
9. Skin Conditions Like Psoriasis, Eczema, Bites and Scrapes
The salts are healing and soothing to the skin. Since they are not actually salt, they do not sting on open wounds and can be a great disinfectant.
How to Make a Detox Bath
Here are a few terms to familiarize yourself with when preparing your detox bath:
- Essential oils: Essential oils are used to promote relaxation and relief. They provide therapeutic benefits.
- Carrier oils: Carrier oils are used to dilute or extend the usage of essential oils.
- Epsom salt: The magnesium in Epsom salt is absorbed into your body to alleviate muscle tension.
Again, epsom salt’s relaxing properties can be attributed to its high levels of magnesium. Epsom salt is inexpensive, always available at pharmacies or in the healthcare aisles, and easily mixed with essential oils, making it a great bath salt.
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 then 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. Click To Tweet 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 that 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 to 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. A few of my favorites are below.
While it may be tempting to dip into a hot tub and dry off quickly, the length of time spent in the tub will determine the success of your detox. Most recipes call for soaking of more than 20 minutes. You need to give those impurities time to float to the surface!
Detox Bath Recipes
Lavender Detox Bath
Lavender Essential Oils
Lavender has been cherished for thousands of years for its unmistakable aroma and therapeutic properties. It has a very soothing and relaxing scent.
- Widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities
- Soothes occasional skin irritations
- Helps skin recover quickly
- Eases muscle tension
When I am having a tough day and need to unwind, lavender oil is the first thing I reach for. It’s also great for those nights when I’m having trouble sleeping. lavender oil always does the trick for me, bringing me to a place of calm and peace.
Lavender Detox Bath
Ingredients
- 1 cup epsom salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 15-20 drops lavender essential oils
- 3 tbsp your preferred carrier oils coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil
Instructions
- Pour contents into hot bath water and soak for 20 minutes. Try to cover your entire body up to your neck.
- Once you get out of bath, avoid eating anything for 20 minutes and drink plenty of cold water.
Frankin-Rose Detox Bath
Rose Essential Oil
A rose oil massage or bath is a preferred treatment for female reproductive problems including premenstrual cramps and emotionality (PMS), menopause, and postpartum depression. Rose oil is also a choice ingredient in skin-care products for all skin types, but especially for treating mature, dry, or sensitive skin. This essential oil is an aphrodisiac for both men and women, alleviating sexual anxiety and inspiring confidence in one’s ability to express sensuality.
Essential oil of rose alleviates sadness, disappointment, and grief while nurturing and strengthening the inner spirit. It creates a comforting feeling that allows one to experience and express love toward others as well as his or her self.
Benefits:
- Helps balance moisture levels in the skin
- Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections
- Promotes an even skin tone and healthy complexion
- Emotionally uplifting
Precautions:
- Rose oil should be avoided in early pregnancy, especially if there is a history of miscarriage, but it is perfectly safe in the second and third trimesters.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Perhaps the most precious of the ancient oils, Frankincense is highly versatile in uses and benefits.
- Helps build and maintain a healthy immune system
- Promotes cellular health
- Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Frankincense is another one of my favorites! It helps my immune system stay strong and makes me feel healthier and more vibrant all around. Applying it to my skin also gives me a radiant complexion and helps reduce scars.
Frakin-Rose Detox Bath
Ingredients
- 1 cup epsom salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 5-6 drops rose essential oil
- 5-6 drops frankincense essential oil
Instructions
- Draw a warm bath and add your Epsom salts and baking soda, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Next stir in your coconut and essential oils.
- Soak for 20 minutes. Try to cover your entire body up to your neck.
- Once you get out of bath, avoid eating anything for 20 minutes and drink plenty of cold water.
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.
If you are looking for more tips and support, join me over on my group page, The Village – A Natural HEALing Community, to get tons of information, tips and recipes to help you take your HEALTHY EATING and ACTIVE LIVING to the next level. Monday through Saturday brief, specific yet helpful information is posted to help you improve in all aspects of your life.
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