Soak Your Way To Relaxation, Detoxification & Great Sleep

We spend a lot of time considering what we choose to put inside our body to improve out health, which I applaud! But, what about what we put on the outside to show it some love? How about we think about that a bit, too. And, I promise, my suggestion won't cost you a lot of money or take a lot of time.

Let's consider supporting that outside with this special "recipe" to do all this: improve your health, increase your mineral levels, induce deep relaxation, detoxify your body and bring on a great night's sleep - all at the same time! It is some "recipe," and, I really think you are going to find it very easy to follow!

Your liver and kidneys play key roles for removing toxins and do so every day, but your skin has a star role, too, filtering and detoxifying, right along with them.  To gently push that detoxification process along, following the "recipe" for a special bath that I describe below and regularly scheduling one for yourself can do wonders and be a great health-promoting tool. Besides, the time in the tub for some serious day-dreaming can't be beat!

The Health Benefits of a Detox Bath 

Besides the warmth of the hot water a bath can provide, a hot soak can create a great time of relaxation and rejuvenation.  But, while you are there, why not step it up a bit with the addition of a few ingredients to create a healthy habit of regularly detoxing (primarily through sweating) at the same time. But before I get to the recipe, here are some other considerations regarding detoxing baths to keep you motivated:

1.  Detox baths may help you clear toxins.

The full research on this is not firm, but many report the ingredients you place in the detox bath water can push the sweating process further along as well as simultaneously replenish minerals and soften skin. Let me assure you, this bath warms you head to toe! And, then some!



2.  Bath time can make for better sleep time.

The warmth of the water, the solitude and time to let your mind wander as well as the magnesium in the Epsom salts all can bring on deep relaxation. And, insomniacs take note: many say this bath can induce a wonderful slumber after.  Thus, it is best to take this bath at nighttime.

Don't miss this:  What to eat to help you sleep well and improve your health.




3.  Mothers-to-be should choose another means of detoxing.

This is not a process for mothers-to-be! Women who are pregnant or may even think they are pregnant, stay away.  Also check with your doctor first if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure or heart issues.

Don's miss this: Specific things you should be doing before you want to get pregnant.



4.  The Epsom salts in a detox bath may benefit those with autism.

Most people with autism conditions have a deficiency in a key detoxification pathway.  The Epsom salts can help restore magnesium and sulfate absorption into the body through the skin benefiting all but especially helping those with autism. Here is more information on that. And, more here as well.

Epsom salts have been a long time remedy for stiffness and muscle soreness, as well.  It is a great one to bring on a ski trip or bike trip or race of any kind.



5.  Detox baths can help the many deficient in magnesium.

Epsom salts in a detox bath can supply in a highly available form of magnesium that can be absorbed readily through our skin.  Epsom salts left on the skin after a bath can continue to be absorbed providing continuous ‘timed-released’ benefits much like a skin patch.

Don't miss this: Check this out to make sure you are not choosing the wrong kind of salt to cook with? It's an easy swap if you are not.

How to Create A Detox Bath To Improve Your Health

Follow this simple recipe to fortify your bath time with health benefits and deep relaxation to be on your way to sweet slumber.  Below is an explanation of the specific benefit to each ingredient listed. I included links to the products I use, if you are interested.  As always, I only link to products I use and find to be of excellent value.

Gather Before Your Bath

• Pitcher of purified water with some lemon, lime, cucumber or fresh mint for you to sip while soaking.  Make it a big pitcher, too! Dehydration is a common result of this bath. Drink a glass before the bath, sip while soaking and you may want a glass after, as well.  Do not skip this step! You will thank me later for this suggestion.

• 1 - 2 cups of Epsom salt. This reduces inflammation, relieves stiffness or soreness, induces sweating and the magnesium in the salt allows your skin to absorb this vital mineral.

• 1 cup baking soda. It is alkaline in nature and it may help balance an acidic system.  It softens the skin as well.

• 1-2 teaspoons ground ginger. This opens up pores and induces sweating. It also helps in increasing blood circulation.  Here is someone else's experience with a ginger bath and I must say, I agree! It brings on the heat!

• 1,000 mg of Vitamin C. Studies show this is an effective chlorine eliminator. You can crush a tablet before adding it to the tub.  If you have a water filter for your bath that eliminates chlorine, then no need!

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar. Optional. It softens your skin and is also good for those with acne.

• 3-4 drops of essential oil of choice.  Optional. Some good choices would be lavender for relaxation or geranium or sandalwood.  One of my favorites is rose essential oil as it smells wonderful, too.

Now do this

• Place dry ingredients in tub and begin to fill the bath with hot water, setting the temperature to what you like.  Keep in mind the hotter, the more sweating; the more sweating, the more detoxing.

• While the bath is filling, this is a great time to dry brush to open your pores.

Don't miss this: Why dry brushing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to soft, glowing skin and many other health benefits.

• Add vinegar while the water fills up the tub.  Ensure the ingredients are mixing well in the water. Depending on what you add to the tub,  the water may turn orange or yellow due to the ginger and vinegar.

• Soak yourself in the bath for a minimum of 20 minutes but longer is better. 

After your bath

• Get out of the tub slowly and gently holding on to firm surfaces.  This bath can make you a little woozy.  Go slowly.

• Briefly showering now is optional, as you may want to allow the Epsom salts to stay on your body for better absorption. 

• Drink another glass or two of purified water.

• For future detox baths, you may want to make a pre-measured "dry mix" of the Epsom salt, baking soda and ginger and store it in a jar for future use. Shake well to distribute evenly. All you will need when you want to have a detox bath is two cups of dry mix, one crushed Vitamin C tablet and one cup of vinegar if you are using that. And, that large pitcher of water, of course!

Tell me, do you turn to hot baths to relax and rejuvenate? Did you know it could do so much? What do you add to your tub for good health?


Note: This post appeared previously at THM but has been updated.
Featured on Pin Junkie, Jill Conyers blog hop., Urban Naturalle.

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