It’s no secret – we’re bombarded with toxins on a daily basis. Toxins are in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in the air we breathe. While our bodies are designed to naturally eliminate these unwelcome visitors, an overloaded system is often unable to perform that natural detoxification process on its own.

One simple, inexpensive way we can safely remove unwanted toxins is by taking a detox bath. The skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to bath water will help to safely remove those pesky invaders.

The process isn’t at all complicated. In fact, it’s downright relaxing.

3 Simple Ingredients for Your Detox Bath

• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 1 cup of baking soda (optional, but a good idea if you don’t have filtered water)
• 5 – 10 drops essential oils for relaxing (While these are optional, you’ll find they make your bath extra special, and add a host of benefits.)

Why Epsom salt?

Epsom salt is the bomb! It’s 2 key components are magnesium and sulfate. They work together to not only pull toxins from your system but are extremely beneficial to your health. As the pores of your skin open up to let out the toxins, they also allow entry to the minerals provided by Epsom salt. In other words: out with the yuck and in with the good!

Check out all the benefits Epsom salt has to offer: (source)

• Eases stress and improves sleep and concentration
• Helps muscles and nerves function properly
• Regulates activity of 325+ enzymes
• Helps prevent artery hardening and blood clots
• Makes insulin more effective
• Reduces inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps
• Improves oxygen use
• Flushes toxins
• Improves absorption of nutrients
• Helps form joint proteins, brain tissue, and mucin proteins
• Helps prevent or ease migraine headaches

For more information about Epsom salt, visit the Salt Works website.

How to Take a Detox Bath

1. Using hot water,  begin to fill your tub (as hot as you can stand it as this will cause sweating and help with the toxin release). When the tub is ¼ to ½ full add the Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oil. Give it a good swirl with your hand to mix it all together.

2. When the tub is full, slowly step in, immersing yourself as much as possible.

3. Soak and relax for 20 minutes. Set a timer so you don’t soak too long – especially important if you’re new to detox bathing.

4. Make sure you get up slowly as you may feel slightly light-headed.

5. Shower off with cool water. Don’t use soaps and shampoos right now as your pores are wide open and you’ll simply reabsorb those dreaded chemicals.

6. Use a natural moisturizer if you’d like. Coconut oil is my favorite.

Tips for getting the most from your bath:

Drink plenty of water before and after. This will help you feel more comfortable as well help to flush out toxins. I even take a glass of water with me to the tub.

The best time to take a detox bath is before bed as you’ll definitely be relaxed and probably a bit tired when you’re through.

You will likely sweat (a lot). It’s helpful to have a dry cloth on the side of the tub for wiping your face during the detox.

Essential oils can be a great addition. Many oils help with relaxation. My favorite, by far, for this purpose is lavender oil. A few drops can go a long way, tho, so don’t overdo it.

Words of caution:

1. Drink plenty of water before and after your bath. Yeah, I know this is also #1 in the tips section, but I can’t say it enough. Drinking plenty of water (see, there it is again) is very important. You don’t want to become dehydrated.

2. Stick with a 20-minute soak. Especially if you’re just starting out.

3. Detox baths aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure.

What has been your experience with detox baths? If you’ve never tried one, there’s no time better than now to get started! (C’mon, mom, this is even better than Calgon.) Remember, ya’ gotta take care of yourself!