Where detoxification is concerned, I am of the ilk that slow and steady changes lead to the most lasting results. Detoxifying baths a few times a week can be a small ritual that can add tons of vitality to your life!
If more of us had an awareness that our skin was an actual organ there would be a lot less chemical nonsense in the beauty stuff we slather all over ourselves filled with carcinogenic chemicals, allergens and other toxic pollutants.
The fact that we have this giant organ called our skin that can absorb and also expel pollution in our bodies shines a light on the fact that things like baths can actually affect our health.
There are a few baths I like to alternate when I am feeling tense, exhausted or run down.
**Before you start, make sure to scrub your skin a bit with a loofa or other coarse washcloth or a soft brush when you begin the soak so that you can maximize the effects.
**Always keep water beside you in the tub and drink tons while you soak
**Never use water that is too hot to handle, and be careful getting out of the tub too quickly, as these baths can be powerful!
**Shower off after each, even for a brief moment.
**Try one or all of them, but spread them apart. I will never do more than a two or three of these baths a week, except Epsom salts…but that’s from years of trial and error. Go slow and enjoy experimenting!
Apple Cider Vinegar Bath: Literally one or two cups of cider vinegar added to a nice hot tub (as hot as you can tolerate without feeling overheated) is all you need to rejuvenate. This is a really good bath for energy and it is fabled to help with urinary tract infections, though I can’t say for sure. The cider vinegar helps the body to become more alkaline; too much partying, alcohol, sugar, processed food and/or caffeine can make your body overly acidic. A 30-40 minute soak can help re-establish the balance. Shower afterward so that you don’t smell like a salad!
Baking Soda Bath: Could it be easier than pouring a cup or two of baking soda into your tub and soaking for 20-30 minutes. This super-simple, super alkalizing bath can be taken every two days for a stretch of time if you are changing your diet or shaking off a case of the “feeling blah’s”.
Ginger Bath: I have to say, this one is a favorite because it really warms you up. It can make you flushed red, and gets the circulation flowing. Peel and boil a hand of ginger in a big pot of water and dump that “tea” into your tub. Instant brilliance! This can make you sweat like crazy, so be sure to drink a ton before, during and after this bath. I would not do these often, and I stick to the wintertime when I am feeling particularly sluggish and cold.
Epsom Salt Bath: This bath is amazing for easing sore muscles, PMS cramps and even insomnia. Epsom salts are rich in magnesium that is a massive help both for muscle tension and for stress. I have been known to take these baths daily for a few weeks at a time. 20-30 minutes is perfect.
The next level of this: a bath in Magnesium Oil. You can find it at many health food shops and about 2oz. of the liquid added to baths is deeply potent in my experience. Just spraying it on my skin after a bath makes my whole body tingle and relax deeply!
* if you have any health problems, chemical addictions or any other concerns, do not do these baths without talking to a doctor first.
**I never take these baths when I’m home alone unless I have someone on speaker phone, as I have seen more than a few people faint at the spa.
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How much Epsom salt do you at to the hot bath?
You can adjust to what makes you feel most “refreshed”… Typically for a big bath I add two cups or more, but I’ve used just a cup and “felt” it.
I have a sensitive bladder. I can eat small amounts of ginger just fine, but would the soak cause a bladder infection or UTI?
hm, id stick to basics because i’m not sure. as far as I know (and I’m not a doctor, just psasing on what i’ve been told) the cider vinegar bath can be awesome for UTI’s. my friend did it while pregnant when she had that issue & it helped- rather than created them- for her! id ask your doc first…:)
I’m loving these ideas. I think the cider vinegar bath is going o be the first on the menu.
oh awesome~~~
Hey, I had a ginger bath, not a strong one and didn’t sweat but I am getting sharp pain feeling from internal organs.
Stay hydrated and talk to you doctor about these things. I make absolutely no medical claims. I have personally not sweat before when I was dehydrated and felt awful (more dehydrated) afterward. But please, by all means, see a doctor if you have any sort of pains! Be well! Dana
I was wondering what detox is the picture?
not one of them but it looks like a great milk bath- and I will blog one this week since you brought it up! đ
Neat!
I took a bath in Braggs apple cider vinegar and about 2 cups of magnesium salt (epsoms). I soaked really good for about 30 minutes. I was sure to turn over in the tub and soak from both angles lol. Then I used a body scrub after I washed up. I usually just use epsom salt in my bath but I am taking msm supplements to detox and I was told the acv bath would help clear those toxins out completely. Well I slept for 9 wonderful hours after my bath and I woke up feeling like I had a brand new body. I have eczema and migraines and allergies. My skin is super soft and my head is clear…I have to mention I even went under the water like I was swimming to get the effect on my face and neck as well. Sorry for the extra long comment. But this was awesome and will be a part of my regimen from now on đ
I love it Erika! How awesome!!!
Erika, *agree!* I thought it felt fantastic… I tried it with 2 full cups apple cider vin. and I put a little Vit. C in my hot water first to neutralize the chlorine. I feel so smooth.. and drank 2 glasses of water down so easy. Can’t wait to hit the hay.
yay!!!
Does it matter, or make a difference, if your apple cider baths is with undistilled/raw ACV? We have the Braggs and love it, but it can add up. The less raw ACV is more affordable, but I wasn’t sure if it decreased the effectiveness. Thanks!
you know, some people will say yes but since its such hot water, I don’t use raw! And it is effective for me!
I use the apple cider vinegar from walmart under 5 a gallon. the cheaper version. Works just as good.
Have you ever tried a dried mustard with Epsom salt bath? Oh it works wonders.
adding to my list!!!
Will try all these (even though I Hate the smell of acv!) what’s the dried mustard supposed to do? How much?
Thanks!
mustard baths are supposed to increase circulation, warm the body and promote detoxing among other things. Helps you sweat out colds, toxins, etc. And I hate the smell of ACV too, but I do it when I feel I need to be more PH balanced. (Ie, when I feel too stressed and crave lots of ick foods it seems to help me!) xxx
I’m using the Braggs acv and I feel differently and I haven’t even finished my bath. I have a huge garden tub so I used half of the small bottle. This is absolutely amazing for my sensitive skin. Thanks ladies. Enjoy your Holiday!
how amazing! i’d love to see your garden tub- they are soooo great!!!
I have been using the apple cider vinegar bath… it does smell, but makes my body sweat the impurities out. It also makes your skin tighter over time. It cleans your body out so sometimes you become gassy or need to use the bathroom. It gets the dead skin off and makes your feet softer too. If you have clog problems in your sink or bathtub vinegar and baking soda work to keep your drains clean. I’m going to try the others. I’m in the process of losing weight and trying to keep my skin tight. So any other ways to drop weight or keep me from gaining, it will be a great help… sorry for the spelling.
Thank you Dana, I was just looking for how much apple cider to put in my bath and your website came up. I’m glad I found you!!!! Three days ago I made a public announcement to start looking after myself more. I only have one vehicle to house myself and I know self care is the way to go. Here’s the video if you’d like to be witness to the promise I made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myarMP03qCk
what an awesome promise to make! and in addition to all these detox bath solutions, try some vitamin C powder! https://www.fengshuidana.com/core_20161207-181903/core_20161207-181903/2014/04/11/one-huge-tip-to-take-healthier-baths-showers/
Are you suppose to use soap while rinsing off? And also, should you put lotion on after the bath? Thanks!
Awesome question. I don’t and have never been advised to… but you can use a natural soap if you’d like. I put on oils (coconut, sesame, etc) or completely botanical lotions afterward. If you put on chemical-filled lotions or soaps, you defeat the purpose of the detoxification đ xxx
That is kind of what I have been reading! Most places suggest rinsing off quick and then waiting 8 hours to shower. I use the Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E lotion. Maybe I will just hold off on the lotion until after I shower:)
Dana thanks for the amazing info. I’m wondering if the Vitamin C crystals can be combined with any of the baths you wrote about. Should we put the C in for a few mins to get rid of chlorine then add say epsom or ACV and climb on in?
yes, thats what I have been doing!!!
Hi Dana,
Im curious about treating your personal hot tub at home, have you heard or know of any natural ways treat your hot tub water besides using chlorine tabs (bromide)
Great blog btw ))
hm, no⊠with hot water it’s dicey. I;m not sure if there are salt filters that work.
This weekend will be the first time I do a detox bath. I was wondering what are the results that you notice from it? Like the actual results you notice from your body? Thank you.
much calmer, brighter eyes at times, softer skin, better digestion (depending on the one) and lots of good energy! have fun!!! xoxo
Thank you! đ
No wonder I’d feel so tired and sleepy and drained from a hot Epson salt soak. The apple cider bath is next on my list, definitely need a few of those these days.
Love the ACV! I’m actually sipping it right now as a warm tea w/ honey and cinnamon! I haven’t tried it in the bath, but I’m totally going to after reading this post. Thanks so much for the yummy tips!
really? i am going to try this tea! thank you!!!
I have a condition call Hidradenitis suppurativa I don’t have it bad but can I use this to help with the boils and abs on my legs .
no idea, I would do some research and consult your doctor for this one~
My son took a hot vinegar bath and felt completely drained afterward. So weak, he needed help getting out of the tub. Is that normal?
not that i know of. was he dehydrated? for anything out of the ordinary, call your doctor asap. i’m just sharing natural tips, but your doctor is the health expert on whether or not its ok for you to do them đ