When balancing work, family and everything else becomes a juggling act, the first thing we tend to sacrifice is self care. If we don’t give ourselves time to recharge, the tension from day-to-day stressors can build up, slowly but surely wreaking havoc on our physical and mental health. The best way to combat stress is to find things that help you decompress and schedule time every week to do those things. One of our favorite ways to relax and recharge is to take a night off and enjoy a detox bath.
To prepare the perfect detox bath you will start by choosing active ingredients that will pull toxins from the skin. Recipes for detox baths often include at least one harsh ingredient to remove toxins, and one or more calming ingredients that restore your body and mind. Many of these recipes have optional additions for you to try so get creative with the ingredients that bring you peace. After all, the best detox bath is the one that makes you feel relaxed and stress free.
Benefits of Detox Baths
The main component of many detox bath recipes is Epsom salt. This magnesium rich ingredient has been used for over 400 years. It was named after the English town where it was discovered and used for its remarkable healing properties on skin rashes and injuries. In addition to aiding in relaxation, soaking in magnesium and other minerals can treat all types of ailments.
How Does a Detox Bath Affect the Body?
Detox baths affect the body by removing harmful toxins and introducing beneficial minerals for the skin to soak in. In addition to helping you relax, some proponents have found that these treatments help with:
- Relieving sore muscles
- Better circulation
- Skin health
General Tips on Creating the Perfect Detox Bath
Regardless if you are trying to treat symptoms or not, detox baths are sure to recharge you after a stressful day. To make sure you have the most relaxing and beneficial experience, follow these tips:
Do
- Make sure you are properly hydrated.
- Use active ingredients.
- Try ingredients on patch of skin before you submerge your whole body.
Don’t
- Soak for longer than the recommended time.
- Mix apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Remember the volcanoes at your elementary school science fair?
- Rush yourself. Carve out some time for focused breathing and mindfulness.
Whether you are a detox bath pro or you have no idea where to start, read some of these DIY recipes to get some ideas for you next night in.
Salt Bath Detox
Self care does not have to be expensive. For a relaxing night all you need is 2 cups of Epsom salt, warm water and a bathtub. If you want to step up this simple recipe, try adding coconut oil to moisturize your skin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Epsom salt
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Fill bathtub with warm water.
- Add Epsom salt and coconut oil (optional).
- Soak for 12 minutes to an hour.
If you love detoxing in a salt bath try adding lavender oil, baking soda and sea salt to the mix for a calming and recharging soak.
Mustard Bath Detox
Spice up your self care routine with this recipe from Joy the Baker. This mixture combines the detoxing effects of Epsom salt and baking soda with the stimulating properties in mustard powder for a powerful cleansing experience. This ancient treatment has been used to alleviate symptoms from colds, flus and sore muscles. Clear your thoughts by breathing in the added eucalyptus and peppermint oil for a more relaxing experience.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Epsom salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup mustard powder
- 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional)
- 15 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk salt, baking soda, mustard powder and essential oils (optional) in a large bowl.
- Add 1 cup of mustard mixture to a hot bath.
- Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you love this bath, try adding cocoa and oats! This indulgent chocolate bath is sure to reset your body and mind.
Clay Detox Bath
Bentonite clay face masks are often used for bringing out impurities in the skin. Enhance the detoxification benefits of this natural ingredient by adding it to your next bath. Some of the internal and external benefits from using bentonite clay are restoring pH balance, increasing circulation and relieving sore muscles. If you want to rebalance and repair your skin try this recipe from Bulk Apothecary!
Ingredients
- 1 cup bentonite clay
- 1/2 cup unscented dead sea salt
- 10 drops essential oils of your choice (choose a relaxing scent like lavender or eucalyptus)
Instructions
- Mix the clay in a separate bowl of warm water until well dissolved.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water and mix in the Epsom salt.
- Pour in the clay mixture and the essential oils and to swirl until well incorporated.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Ginger Bath Detox
Whether you are feeling under the weather or just enjoy your detox with a little heat, this recipe from MBG Lifestyle will leave you feeling like a new person. Ginger baths have been known to decrease cold and flu symptoms, aid in proper digestion and increase blood circulation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 4 tbsp ground ginger
- Lavender or tea tree essential oils
Instructions
- Fill your bathtub with hot water.
- Sprinkle in ingredients and stir.
- Submerge yourself to your neck and soak for 20–40 minutes.
Green Tea Bath
People all over the world enjoy cups of green tea after a stressful day. The antioxidants and detoxification properties that green tea provides is beneficial internally and externally. Try detoxing with green tea by following this creative recipe. Proponents of this treatment have found that a green tea soak can relieve achy muscles, soothe rashes and even contribute to faster wound healing. Try adding jasmine flowers or Epsom salt for a more intense detox.
Ingredients
- Add 5–10 green tea bags
- Jasmine flowers (optional)
- Epsom salt (optional)
Instructions
- Fill tub with hot water.
- Add 5–10 green tea bags and Jasmine flowers (optional).
- Soak for 40 minutes.
If you love detoxing with green tea, mix up your regimen with a camomile detox instead!
Vinegar Bath Detox
Apple cider vinegar has been getting a lot of attention over the past few years. From aiding digestion to losing belly fat, the benefits seem to be endless. Apple cider vinegar baths balance the skin’s pH, which can soothe skin problems, such as eczema, dandruff or dry skin. Try detoxing with this quick and easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Fill tub with warm to hot water.
- Add apple cider vinegar.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Eucalyptus and Sea Salt Detox Bath
If you plan on implementing a detox bath into your weekly self care routine, then try this weekly detox from Hello Glow. The salts and baking soda draw out impurities and excess water while providing minerals for the skin to soak in. Adding eucalyptus essential oil will leave you feeling stimulated and rejuvenated making it the perfect weekly reset.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sea salt
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 2 cups baking soda
- 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
- Fill bath with warm water.
- Add salts, baking soda and eucalyptus oil and stir until well incorporated.
- Soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
If you love your weekly eucalyptus and sea salt detox, She Knows suggests adding vanilla jojoba oil to your bath next week. The added vanilla creates a more comforting and relaxing detox.
If you constantly give of yourself to others but don’t take time to recharge, you will find yourself stressed and overwhelmed. Be kind to yourself. The version of you that is properly cared for will have more energy for your job, family and everything else in your life. Try out these amazing DIY detox bath recipes and don’t be afraid to get creative. For an extra special self care day treat yourself to a decadent tea and treats tray or spa basket. Find what works for you and enjoy every minute. You deserve it!
Sources:
Root and Revel | Joy the Baker | Bulk Apothecary | MBG Lifestyle | 54 Health | Wellness Mama | Hello Glow | Natural Fit Foodie
