Ultimate DIY Detox Bath (5 Minute Tutorial)

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A hot bath is one of the best ways to relax after a long day of work, school or errands. Warm water is very soothing, able to relax worn out muscles and provide a peaceful state of mind to a tired student or worker. Even if you aren’t tired and just want to settle down and relax, a bath is perfect either way.

Our bodies are designed to eliminate toxins and waste products, however some toxins bioaccumulate over time. Also, a modern phenomenon is that of increased “toxic load” from everything we are exposed to. A thorough cleaning of the skin is valuable as the skin is actually one of the body’s most important organs of detoxification. The hot bath can also assist with circulation, which enables the transport of nutrients and the elimination of waste products. Furthermore, the addition of nourishing, healthful ingredients can be valuable as these are absorbed by the skin and used by the body.

The Detox Bath – Ingredients And Tips

Here’s the fantastic simple formula for the ultimate detox bath which will relax and refresh…

Ingredients:

1 handful of Epsom Salts
1/2 cup of baking soda
10 drops of essential oils (see below for oil suggestions)

Directions and tips:
• Add all the ingredients while the bath is running.

• Don’t forget to light candles to create an ultra-relaxing atmosphere!

• Relax in the hot water for 15-20 minutes

• Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after your bath to aid in the detoxification process. Lemon water is good.

• Massaging yourself – or your tub partner 😉 – can help with circulation and lymphatic drainage.

• Try cucumber slices on the eyelids to rejuvenate your eyes “spa style”.

• Do it once a week!

Note – be extra careful when getting in and out of the bath as essential oils can make the bath and bathroom floor a bit more slippery.

Top Essential Oils For Your Bath

To make your bath healthier, you can add these essential oils to your bath water! Not only do they smell amazing, they also perform specific functions that can improve your body’s health.

#1: Lavender

The mild aromatic scent of lavender is a favorite for relaxation, able to soothe both the body and mind. When ingested, lavender has powerful antioxidant properties that can help fight against chronic diseases like diabetes. As a topically-applied oil, lavender has significant antibacterial properties that are able to fight against skin infections. Its relaxing properties have been reported to be able to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature and improve energy levels and alertness. ^[1][2][3]

#2: Grapefruit

Grapefruit is quite rich in antioxidants that help detoxify the body from waste and free radicals. Adding grapefruit extract to your bath water can help turn your bath into a detoxification session! Aside from potent antioxidant properties, grapefruit has also been shown to repel mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti which is responsible for breakbone fever or “dengue” and other similar viral diseases. ^[4][5]

#3: Peppermint

Like lavender, the crisp scent of peppermint is able to soothe the most tired of people. However, beyond its wonderful smell, it also has a variety of beneficial properties that make it perfect to add to your bath. Peppermint is a natural antioxidant, best used when stewed in warm or hot water, either fresh or dried. Other studies have even shown that the peppermint plant has potential chemopreventative powers, inhibiting the worsening of oral lesions in people affected by cancer. ^[6][7][8]

#4: Cedarwood

When drawing a bath, you wouldn’t normally think of adding essential oils from wood to the water. However, cedarwood oil shows potent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus bacteria, a very common microorganism that causes a variety of diseases. Aside from adding a warm, woodsy scent your bath, cedarwood oil can help fight and prevent skin infections! ^[9]

#5: Chamomile

Chamomile is popularly used in tea to promote rest and relaxation but it also has powerful effects when used in a bath. It has been extensively studied and found to relieve severe migraines, alleviate depression, and correct disturbed sleep patterns. Its soothing scent is a plus too! Add a few drops of chamomile in your bath water and get rid of your headache in a snap. ^[10][11][12]

#6: Rosemary

Rosemary oil is widely used in aromatherapy because of its calming effects on the nervous system. The scent of rosemary has been found to improve mood, reduce blood pressure, and promote brain activity and alertness – all pluses if you want a truly relaxing bath. Further research has even shown that rosemary is a potent antioxidant and has significant liver protective characteristics. ^[13][14]