Detox Bath Recipes

With our busy lives, stopping to take a bath can be a challenge. That’s why I love baths with a purpose (they make me feel so productive!).  In a recent blog, Sarah Pope, The Healthy Home Economist gave recipes for 4 awesome detox baths and what each of them is best for. Here’s a quick summary, click here for full post:

Baking Soda Bath, great for digestive trouble, swollen glands, irradiated food exposure, sore throat/gums/mouth

Dissolve 4 cups of baking soda in a regular size tubful of water as hot as you can tolerate. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will take approximately 45 minutes. Do not rinse after the bath – simply towel dry.

Epsom Salts Bath, helps alleviate muscle soreness, can lower blood pressure, great for heart & circulation, and encourages detoxification of drugs post-surgery

Dissolve 2 cups of epsom salts in a regular sized bath. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. The temperature should be comfortably warm but not overly hot. Soak for at least 12 minutes and up to 20-30 minutes. Rinse and towel dry.

Sea Salt and Baking Soda Bath, great after any environmental radiation exposure such as x-rays, TSA screening or airplane flying

Dissolve one pound of sea salt or rock salt and one pound of baking soda to a regular sized tub of water (more if the tub is large) as hot as you can stand it. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will be about 45 minutes. If the bath is too hot, you can add some cold water if this is the only way you can manage to stay in for at least 30 minutes. Don’t ever add more hot water after entering the bath, however.

Do not rinse or shower but simply towel dry after the bath is complete. This bath will likely make you tired so do it in the evening before bed if possible.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Bath, great overall detoxifier and post-exercise soreness or achiness

Add 2 cups of pure apple cider vinegar to a regular sized tub of water as hot as tolerated. Use more as needed if your tub is oversized. Stay in the bath until the water has cooled which will be about 45 minutes. Towel dry and don’t shower for at least 8 hours.

“This bath is a great overall detoxifier and for muscle aches and pains brought on by physical exertion. An ACV bath also 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. An ACV cleansing bath can provide welcome relief for those with joint problems, arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis. It also is very helpful for those with excessive body odor problems.” (Sarah Pope)

Don’t Mix and Match

Be sure to only do one bathing formula per day and don’t mix ingredients. If you are pregnant, consult with your healthcare practitioner before trying any detox baths.

Enjoy one or more of these baths 1-3 times per week!