If you are amongst the lucky ones who can call a bath tub their own, then you hopefully enjoy soaking in it every now and then. Super relaxing, warming, and lets you sleep like a log afterwards.
Instead of bubble baths though, I prefer to use my own detox bath blend, with sea salt and bicarb soda.
Both detox and neutralize your body, and the warmth relaxes your muscles. A detox bath can also soothe itchy skin, help clean and renew your skin, improve its’ appearance and soften it (more details below the recipe).
Sometimes I also add essential oils. All in all a whole bunch of positive effects in addition to the feel good factor, and better value for money than store-bought bath salts as well.
DETOX BATH – BATH SALT RECIPE:
Detox bath ingredients for 1 bath tub:
500g – 1kg (2-4 lbs) sea salt
3 TBSP baking soda
optional: 5-10 drops essential oils
Preparation:
Fill your bath tub halfway to 2/3 with hot water.
While the tub fills, boil 2-4 cups of water and dissolve the salt and baking soda in it.
Once the tub is 1/2 to 2/3 full, pour the salt solution into it.
Test the water temperature with your hand or by stepping into the tub. If you have a thermometer, use it to check the temperature. Add cool water if necessary.
If the temperature is comfortable for you, add some essential oils of your choice and lie down in the soothing water for 5-20 minutes.
Have a quick shower afterwards to rinse off the salt, stay warm and rest for at least 20 minutes or crawl straight into bed.
Temperature:
Your bath water should be between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius (96-100 F).
Any cooler is not comfy, and any warmer will only stress your heart and circulation while your skin will dehydrate more.
How long?
You should soak for at least 5 minutes (no problem there… ) to a maximum of 20 minutes. It takes a bit until your body absorbs the warmth and components of your bath, until your muscles relax and your metabolism has been stimulated enough to discharge more toxins. If you stay in your tub much longer though, it will only stress your circulation.
When?
A nice hot bath does make you tired, and prepares you perfectly for deep, restorative sleep. 9pm is ideal for soaking in your bath tub.
How often?
Once a month might be relaxing, but to reap in the health benefits as well, hop into your tub 2 – 3 times per week.
EFFECTS OF THE INGREDIENTS IN A DETOX BATH:
SEA SALT:
On contrary to table salt (which is simply sodium chloride), sea salt is chock-full with trace elements and minerals, such as iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Sea salt stimulates your circulation and detox process. It helps your body to eliminate toxins from your connective tissue and skin, which can help to reduce cellulite and clear skin imperfections: old skin cells are removed, new ones grow more easily, pores are being cleaned, toxins are being removed.
Bathing in salt water can also help with skin issues such as acne, neurodermatitis or psoriasis. It is also recommended when you are struggling with respiratory problems, colds, rheumatism, muscle aches or have trouble sleeping.
Why not Epsom salts in a detox bath?
Both salts reduce swelling and ease muscle tension, but Epsom salts are just magnesium while sea salt is rich in a whole bunch of minerals and also creates negative ions when dissolved in hot water which in return charges your body positively, reduces stress and promotes healing.
BAKING SODA, not baking powder:
The difference between baking soda (bicarb soda) and baking powder is, that baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, while baking powder is a mix of baking soda, an acidifying agent (cream of tartar) and a drying agent (mostly starch).
It is therefore important to make sure, that you are using pure bicarbonate soda (NaHCO3), without any additives.
Baking soda helps with skin imperfections, softens your skin and neutralizes odours. It also has an alkaline effect on your body and supports its deacidification process.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
stimulating – eucalyptus, geranium, mint, pine, rosemary
uplifting – bergamot, lemon, orange
dry / sensitive skin – almond, geranium, rose, wild rose
sore + tense muscles – eucalyptus, juniper, orange, rosemary
relaxing + calming – chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, linden blossom, melissa, passion flower, rose
Add-ons:
If you want to increase the effects of your detox bath, massage your skin with a terry cloth, skin brush or massage glove. This acts like a gentle peeling and helps stimulating your circulation.
NOTE:
Make sure to shower after your detox bath and also rinse your hair if it got wet. Salt crystallizes, absorbs any moisture and therefore dries out your skin and locks.
Be careful with hot baths if you have low blood pressure, serious cardiovascular issues or weak kidneys as (salt) baths can be exhausting for those organs.