Invigorating detox baths
The bathtub sits quietly in our home, a humble appliance neglected by many, patiently awaiting the annual bath that heralds its triumphant return to relevance. But this unsung household hero can and is being used by many to stimulate circulation, soothe muscle cramps, relieve stiff joints, decrease back pain, promote proper detoxification within the body (through the skin), and bring a calm and peace that is absent in the midst of the frenetic tumult that engulfs and surrounds our lives. Let go of your preconceptions of what you thought a bathroom was and expand your limits on what it can be: a powerful ally on your path to wellness!
The bathroom and beyond
Sure, in years past you may have taken the fizzing plunge into a bubble bath with the hot pink suds and scent-punishing fragrances invented by mad scientists. Perhaps you have even tried a packaged amalgamation of various salts and essential oils. The latter is closer to the essence, and both bring some relaxing elements. But once or twice a year doesn’t do your body justice, and a spoonful of salt in a huge tub is just scratching the surface. Here’s what we have in mind for you – some fun combinations to add a little zest to your bathroom:
- Epsom salts or bath salts such as Celtic or Himalayan sea salt Wonderful for drawing toxins out of the body and establishing the proper pH, Epsom salts can even raise magnesium levels in the body! Use 1 to 2 cups per bath; the more you use, the more powerful the effect will be.
- sodium bicarbonate – Calms the skin, alkalizes the body and is a natural antifungal. Use 1/2 to 2 cups per bath (a great addition to Epsom salts).
- Apple cider vinegar – Neutralizes the body’s pH and invigorates and softens the skin (note: be careful when combining baking soda and apple cider vinegar, you may want to do one or the other). Usage is 1 cup per bath.
- Essential oils – Lavender is great in a bath, usually 10-20 drops will do the trick. Consider adding other soothing essential oils, such as: basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, juniper, marjoram, neroli, rose and rosewood, sandalwood, clary sage, and ylang ylang. Typical use is 10-20 drops, but it depends on the intensity of the essential oil.
- Clays such as bentonite or monmoillonite – A powerful agent of attraction, which draws toxic elements from your body like a magnet. Clay can also do wonders for the drainage and circulation of lymph in the body. Use 2 cups per bath as an occasional treat.
A recipe for the perfect bath
Here is the stage. You come home after a long, hard day at the office, your muscles ache, your neck and shoulders are unbearably tense, and it’s road too late to call your chiropractor for an adjustment. What is your job?? Do some alchemical magic and collect the following from your cabinet!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of Epsom salts
- 1 to 2 cups of baking soda
- 10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil (or essential oil of your choice)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil for dry skin (optional)
Instructions:
Start by turning on the water, setting it as hot as you can tolerate (heat dissipates quickly, so it’s often better to set the bath too hot rather than too cold). Add the Epsom or bath salts, baking soda, essential oil, and olive oil, making sure to stir so the salts and baking soda dissolve completely. Fill the tub to the desired depth and dip one toe in the water. If the water is too hot, simply add a little cold water to balance the temperature to your preferred setting. Immerse your body in the tub and enjoy a nice soak for as long as you like (but no less than 15 minutes for optimal results).
NOTE: Be sure to drink plenty of water before your bath and after your bath. The bath tends to leave the body and can otherwise dehydrate. For bonus points, buy a filter for your shower and run the water for your bathroom through the filter (to filter out chlorine and other nasties). If this isn’t an option, add 1/2 cup of clay to your bath to help keep exposure to a minimum.
