As you probably know by now, detoxing is super important to me. But I'm not talking about doing a spring cleanse or once a season hitting the reset button, I'm talking about incorporating detox habits into your everyday life! It is totally doable to detox every day, deliciously and joyously. The proof is in my cookbook, Joyous Detox.
The reality is that even when we're sitting on the couch or washing the dishes, we could unknowingly be exposing ourselves to a number of toxic chemicals.
The accumulation of these toxic chemicals in our bodies is what can potentially lead to things like chronic fatigue, migraines , asthma, obesity and even cancer.
That's why, along with my favourite detox rituals, drinking a daily cup of detox tea, I like to incorporate detox-supportive habits into my day such as dry skin brushing, exercise, oil pulling and detox baths.
If you haven't heard of a detox bath before, that's entirely okay because I'm going to explain it all for you and share one of my favourite recipes for one below. If you already know and love using epsom salts or my dead sea salts in your bath, you are going to love this detox bath recipe!
Why should I have a Detox Bath?
First off, a bath serves as valuable "me" time (unless of course it's during your little one's daily bath time and requires you to jump in with them. I must admit though, I do love that mama-daughter time with my Vien bean!) It's your time to step away from the world, turn off all technology and just be. Just by taking this 10-20 minutes for yourself, you're already supporting your mental health by reducing cortisol, or stress, and putting your body into the parasympathetic state it needs to be in to detox and heal.
As I mentioned previously, we are exposed to more toxic chemicals in the environment and our homes than ever before, including lead (even in your lipstick!), formaldehyde, benzene, mercury, BPA, phthalates and pesticides. Sure, we can stock up on loads of detoxifying foods like cauliflower, broccoli, lemon, ginger, beets and garlic to help support the elimination of toxins in our body, but we can also benefit greatly by incorporating certain detox lifestyle habits, such as Detox Baths.
With a base of epsom salts and the addition of essential oils, Detox Baths will help your muscles to relax while drawing toxins out of the body.
These baths are loaded with magnesium and if you're using dead sea salts, trace minerals too, that our body can absorb right into the skin.
It really make you wonder what else can absorb into our skin so easily!
Depending on which essential oils you use, you can benefit from the various healing properties that they provide. For example, eucalyptus is an amazing anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve dry itchy skin while detoxing. Rosemary helps to improve memory (very necessary after a long day!) and soothe the digestive system.. My personal favourite is the lavender.
How do I know if I need a detox bath?
Typically, when something is out of balance in our body (or overburdened with toxins), it starts by communicating with us through whispers. These whispers can be anything from headaches, rashes, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, muscles aches, constipation and brain fog. If we choose to ignore these whispers and just accept them for what they are, we might later find ourselves faced with more serious conditions.
If you are affected by any of the above symptoms or an irritating symptom that is not listed here, it is likely a sure sign that you're in need of incorporating some daily detoxification habits, detox-loving food and a Detox Bath.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere away from distraction, phones and TV. Set aside at least 20-45 minutes so you don't feel rushed. My favourite time to do this is when Vienna is sleeping, just before I go to bed.
- Fill a standard size bathtub at least half full with warm water.
- Add 2 cups of epsom salts or 1/4 cup of dead sea bath salts (my personal favourite).
- Add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to the bath water. If using the dead sea salts, it already has essential oils added.
- Soak for at least 20 minutes, up to 45 minutes.
After your detox bath, make sure you slather your beautiful body with a healing and soothing oil or Ultra-Moisturizing Body Butter.
Wishing you joyous health!
Joy
Hi Joy! I love your blog!! Just a question on detox baths? how often should we try to have a detox bath? Thanks so much, Caitlin
ReplyHey Caitlin! You really can't have too many :) I would say if you had one once a week, that would be awesome, but if you can squeeze in a few more in the week, your body will thank you for it! Hope that helps to answer your question. Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Oh this sounds so wonderfully relaxing!!! I've never heard of the Dead Sea bath salts, but I just had a look and they sound awesome! I imagine this would be such an awesome end to a long day! Thanks for sharing
ReplyHey Savannah, Totally! It's one of the best ways to end a long tiring day. You absorb all of the beneficial trace minerals too! :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
I've had issues with hot baths and UTIs. Can you offer any advice?
ReplyAre you adding any bubble bath or any fragranced products bath soaps or otherwise to your bath? This can disrupt the natural pH of your lady parts which prefer a more acidic environment. I would suggest taking a daily probiotic. There can be more underlying causes of that doesn't correct the issue but I would recommend working with a Certified Nutritionist or ND to help uncover the root cause of why your ph might be off, can also be excess Candida. Hope that helps :)
Hello Joy, Can this be done is you're pregnant? I know we can't let the water get to hot, but is it safe to use Epsom salts? Thanks so much :)
ReplyHey Alessandra, Yes epsom salts are safe to use during pregnancy :) If you are concerned, I would just recommend double checking with yor natural health care practitione though. Rachel - Joyous Health Team
What detox teas do you recommend?
ReplyHey Patricia! We recommend the Joyous Detox Tea :) You can find it here: https://www.joyoushealth.com/23308-product-joyous-detox-tea Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Thanks Joy, I look forward to receiving my order and taking a detox bath then lathering on Smooth like Butta body butter. Sharon
ReplyIs it OK to share my detox bath with my wife.
ReplyAbsolutely! Continue to spread the detoxing-love :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team
you say skin can absorb the minerals in the dead sea salt, what about absorption of heavy metals and other contaminates in tap water?
ReplyI don't use tap water for baths because you can definitely absorb contaminants through the skin. I have a filter that removes the chlorine and other heavy metals. You can pick one up for relatively inexpensive from Home Depot.
Are epsom salt baths safe for toddlers? I would love for my babies to benefit. What are your recommendations?
ReplyFor a baby, I'm not sure I would suggest it in case they are swallowing the water and depending on how much magnesium you use, it may act as a mild laxative. That is of course, being extremely cautious!! It's up to you as a mom :)