Natural Detox Bath

I love to soak in the tub.  Soft music, candlelight, glass of water and me alone with my thoughts to relax.   A great way to either begin or end the day.

However, I also enjoy a good hot detox bath as well.  It is hot, I sweat, I drink a lot of water and I rid my body of all kinds of yucky stuff that makes me unhealthy.  It can be used as a preventative to illness or a way to shorten the life of the illness.  There is so much sickness going around right now, anything we can do to help ourselves naturally is a step in the right direction. 

A detox bath is also very beneficial after working out as it calms the body and helps reduce inflammation, making less discomfort in the joints and muscles.

My detox is:

1-2 Cups Epsom salt

1-2 Cups Baking soda  (Aluminum free!!)

Make the water as hot as you can deal with.  Pour ingredients in and stir well.  Drink plenty of water before, during and after the soak to help from becoming dehydrated as well as helping to remove toxins.  Pull the shower curtain closed to keep the heat in...you want to sweat!   Soak for 30 minutes.  Rinse in a cooler shower afterwards.

The reason water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin.  Then, 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 very hot water. 

Using an exfoliating  cloth will also help to remove the toxins from the skin after soaking.

*A detox bath can leave you very relaxed and maybe even sleepy* 

Epsom salt is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.

Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits.

According to the Epsom Salt Industry Council, a simple soak is beneficial to heart and circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, helps ease muscle pain and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, provides a naturally alkaline substance with a reputation for helping to remove toxins.  Yep, this is the same stuff you use in baking and to freshen your refrigerator.

The baking soda helps to detoxify and alkalize your body.  You should also notice a softness of your skin.

Another way to detox is with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). 
Add 1-2 cups to a very warm bath and soak for 30 minutes.   It is very important that you do not mix the ACV with the epsom salt and baking soda.  One bath is alkaline and the ACV bath is acidic.  The two will fight against each other.

 - Fungus fighter

ACV helps clear up quite a few pesky skin conditions, including fungus and bacteria that like to settle on your skin. Your regular soap or body wash won’t always kill these unwanted guests.

- Sunburn soother 
 Not only will it soothe the painful sunburn, but it may also help you heal faster so you can continue to enjoy sunny afternoons.

- Body odor
Admit it, we all occasionally suffer from the stinky and sometimes embarrassing stench of body odor. Slathering on more deodorant is not the answer. In a promising environment that is warm and slightly moist, bacteria tends to mix with your natural sweat.
This combination doesn’t bode well for those of us who like to smell our best. Over time, bacteria buildup in places with these criteria, such as your armpits, start letting off that odiferous smell. Bathing in AVC can help get rid of this bacteria backup and ward off against stink, by creating a less hospitable home for future odor.

- Healthy hair
ACV works wonders as a hair detox. The acid in the vinegar helps strip off the oily residue that builds up on your hair, restoring its natural shine.  It also keeps your hair soft, supple and even prevents split ends and reduces dandruff.

-  Friend to your feet
Feet can be gross. They stink, sweat and sometimes grow strange things on them. Our feet are often abused and neglected.  Not only does this amazing vinegar help reduce that unseemly odor, but it can also even eliminate warts and athlete’s foot!

- Joint pain relief
You stand up, your back hurts, kneel to pick something off the ground, and your knees creak and groan. If you suffer from joint pain, ACV may help.

An ACV bath draws excess uric acid out of the body. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down substances called purines in certain foods and drinks. Most uric acid is eliminated via the kidneys in the urine, but some folks such as those with gout can have issues with excess levels. 

I would recommend a detox bath at least twice a week and an ACV bath once a week.  I cannot stress how important it is to drink lots of water before/during/after this process and avoid alcohol and caffeine.