How To Create A Relaxing Detox Bath At Home
Use Mineral Salts To Detox
“After a period of indulgence involving both rich food and alcohol, the body can quickly become depleted in essential minerals, which can weaken the immune system and leave you feeling tired and bloated. Mineral salt baths can help top up essential mineral levels, and high-grade Himalayan salt is a great place to start as it’s essentially pure sodium chloride and contains over 80 trace minerals. This mineral-rich salt can boost the metabolism of your body’s cells, which can, in turn, help purify and cleanse the body. Epsom salts are also great – they are rich in sulphate, which breaks down and removes toxins. Soak for 30 minutes in either type of salt for the best results.” – Penny Hamilton, co-founder of Westlab
Try Green Tea For Bloating
“As well as Epsom salts, adding six to ten green tea bags (you can pop them in a large net bag if you have one) can also help with natural detoxification, while a few drops of cardamom oil can help the digestive system and ease abdominal discomfort. It also encourages sweating to aid detoxification.” – Nichola Henderson, holistic life coach & wellness expert
Tackle A Hangover With Juniper
“Epsom and Himalayan salts will work wonders to absorb toxins when you’re feeling sluggish and overindulged, so make these your first port of call. But you could also add juniper essential oil, which is great for detoxing. It works by aiding stagnant lymphatic flow and eliminating toxins from the body, leaving you feeling more energised and revived. Soak for at least 30 minutes and make sure you drink plenty of water while in the bath and afterwards to avoid dehydration.” – Marie Reynolds, skin & wellness expert
Use Oil To Ease A Cold
“If you have come down with a cold or aren’t feeling 100%, start by adding a generous amount of Epsom salts to your bath, then add four to eight tablespoons of a good-quality extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in vitamins E and K. It’ll help strengthen the immune system from the inside out. A few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree essential oil can also be a way to open the airways and clear nasal congestion. You could also try adding some fresh chopped ginger root, which has been shown to ease congestion.” – Nichola
Soothe Dry Skin With Milk
“Magnesium flakes are a fantastic tonic for dry, itchy skin as well as eczema and psoriasis, but adding a cup of milk to your bath has been shown to soothe and hydrate. One cup of raw honey will also deeply cleanse pores and provide some intense moisture, while three to four tablespoons of baking soda will restore pH balance and neutralise any acidity in the skin. Just be sure to do a patch test 24 hours before, as some people react to baking soda.” – Nichola
Stock Up On Sea Salt For Sensitive Skin
“If you suffer with dry, itchy skin, your skin barrier may need a helping hand. Dead Sea salt helps improve barrier function and maintain its integrity. This, in turn, both improves the skin’s texture and helps reduce the itch/scratch cycle. Relaxing in a Dead Sea salt bath can also enhance magnesium absorption which can improve sleep and reduce stress, which in turn can also help manage skin flare-ups. For general skin health and maintenance, use 100-250g regularly and if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, you may find using 500g-1kg once or twice a week works better for you.” – Penny
Ease Anxiety With Warm Water
“Your skin releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water in the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin. Plus, through increasing your core body temperature, you can help synchronise your circadian rhythm, which can rebalance melatonin levels to encourage a better night’s sleep. When people are suffering with depression, this temperature rhythm is often flatter, disrupted or delayed by several hours. So, a change in temperature can help get this rhythm stronger and kick start it back to life in turn improving mood.” – Annee De Mamiel, acupuncturist, aromatherapist & holistic facialist
…But Don’t Go Too Hot
“It can be tempting to run a hot, steaming bath, but the ideal temperature is comfortably warm, around 37°C. It’s at this temperature that the skin will absorb products more easily as blood is drawn to the skin’s surface. If it’s too hot, blood will rush too quickly to the skin; too cold and your pores will tighten, making it trickier for product to be absorbed. You should be able to get in easily, without wincing. Use a thermometer if you’re not sure. It’s always best to test the temperature of your bath with your wrist, not your hand, as your hands have a higher threshold for heat than the rest of your body.” – Nichola
Take A Shower First
“There are some theories that claim if you stay in a detox salt bath for longer than 30 minutes, your body starts to reabsorb the toxins which have been drawn from your body. However, there is no firm evidence to support this. To enhance the benefits of a detox bath, you can try exfoliating in the shower first and then bathing for around 20 minutes – you can also rinse the skin after the bath in the shower if you wish to.” – Penny
Swap Lavender For Valerian
“If you’re struggling with insomnia, you may be tempted to reach for products containing lavender, but valerian root is even more powerful when it comes to helping you nod off. It works on your nerve pathways and switches on neurotransmitters to help you relax. If you add it to your bath as a stand-alone essential oil, you may also want to include a more floral oil with it as valerian has a very earthy smell. Don’t discount the power of essential oils – they are absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream, so they instantly relax you.” – Marie
Reduce Inflammation To Ease Stress
“Settling into a calming bath is the ultimate pause button since you are forced to sit in one place and come to peace with your surroundings. To melt away tension, create your own healing bath by adding 500g of Dead Sea salt along with 250g of baking soda. Soak for 45 minutes and make sure you drink plenty of water. The direct link between your skin and organs will release toxins in your connective tissue to leave you feeling revived.” – Marie
For more, head to DeMamiel.com, CoachingByNic.com, WestlabSalts.co.uk and MarieReynoldsLondon.com
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DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.