I’ve been feeling a bit worn out for the past few weeks, both physically and mentally. I bring a lot of it on myself, because I probably don’t get enough sleep and I hardly ever give myself any “down” time. But I try to eat healthy and I take vitamins, etc. But lately I’ve been feeling like my body is trying to tell me something. So after some good old fashioned internet research, I decided that my body could probably use some detoxification!
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We’re exposed to all kinds of chemicals and toxins every day, which can build up in your body over time. An overabundance of these harmful substances can cause a myriad of negative symptoms, including general sluggishness and brain fog like I was experiencing. The potential benefits of “detoxing” from all those environmental toxins include better sleep, lowered stress levels, more energy, better skin… the list goes on and on! This really struck a chord with me, and I decided to give a detox bath a try as soon as possible! (It certainly couldn’t hurt, right? The worst thing that could happen would be that I had taken a nice, hot bath and experienced some rare “down” time.) :-)
So I mixed up an all-natural detox bath, tried it out, and loved how I felt afterwards. And today I’ll be sharing my detox bath recipe with you, so you can enjoy the benefits, too!
What’s In It?
Many of the detox bath “recipes” I read while researching this topic contained several of the same basic ingredients, and I ended up using a handful of them in my own recipe! So before I show you how to make it, I want to take a quick moment to talk about what goes into it, to give you a better understanding of the benefits this detox bath can provide.
Epsom Salt
Did you know that most people are deficient in magnesium? Magnesium is an essential mineral in the human diet, and plays an important role in nerve and muscle function. Since magnesium can be absorbed through the skin, soaking in a bath with epsom salt is a great way to get more of the magnesium you may be missing out on. Another great thing about Epsom salt is that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with sore muscles, bruises, certain kinds of fungal infections, and skin conditions.
Related: The 10 Most Useful Things You Can Do With Epsom Salt
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar might seem like a strange ingredient to include in a bath soak. But the acid content of ACV can be beneficial for softening and soothing itchy, dry skin. The acid content of ACV can also help restore the pH balance of your skin!
Related: 28 Surprising Ways You Can Benefit From Apple Cider Vinegar
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Bentonite Clay
Clay is the star ingredient in my detox bath, in my opinion! When mixed with water, bentonite clay becomes highly absorbent, expanding and drawing in other substances like a sponge. When used as part of a detox bath like this one, the clay helps to draw out impurities and toxins from your skin. It also leaves your skin feeling super soft!
Related: How To Make An All-Natural Clay Face Mask
Essential Oils
Essential oils can also be very helpful in eliminating toxins. Geranium essential oil can help reduce inflammation and promote hormonal balance, which is why I included it in my detox bath recipe. But there are plenty of other oils with detoxifying effects, including lavender, sandalwood, and ylang ylang oil. Choose your favorite to personalize your own detox bath mixture!
Alright, now that you know a bit more about what goes into my detox bath, it’s time to learn how to make it! :-)
How To Make The Ultimate Detox Bath
Ingredients:
2 cups Epsom salt
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup bentonite clay
5-10 drops geranium essential oil (or your essential oil of choice)
How To Use:
Run your bath water as hot as you like. Add your “ingredients” and agitate to dissolve. Soak for 20-40 minutes. Drink a full glass of water when you’re finished.
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Just a word of warning… you will likely feel drained and exhausted after a good detox bath. I recommend taking your detox bath right before you’re ready to go to bed. You’ll be nice and relaxed afterwards, which should help you get a great night’s sleep! Here are a few additional tips for making the most of your detox bath:
- Set aside 30 minutes to an hour for your soak. Anything shorter is rushing it, so take the time to relax!
- Leave your phone outside of the bathroom. You’ll be more likely to truly relax if you’re not checking your phone (and it’s a surefire way to keep yourself from dropping your phone in the tub!)
- Create a spa-like environment by dimming the lights, lighting a few candles, and queuing up some relaxing music.
- Place a bath pillow (or a rolled-up towel) behind your head so you can lean back in the bath. We lean forward all day, so it’s a good way to give your back, neck, and shoulders a break!
- Create a weekly bath ritual. Many people like to take a bath on Sunday night to help them recharge before the new work week starts!
I recommended the detox bath to my partner yesterday and she did not get around to it so this AM I made it up and enjoyed it myself. I feel relaxed and pampered. I look forward to seeing any long term effects, I have lingering eczema on my right foot. As an Herbalist I continue to look for and experiment with natural healing methods. When I was younger I use to do the master cleanse detox drink. As I age I look for gentler, softer approach. In our stressful, hurried life, I see the importance of slowing down doing less… Read more »
This bath was AMAZING. I used lavender as my essential oil pick. I recommend as hot as you can tolerate for the water temp and taking the time to mix small portions of the clay with water, then adding to the bath. I used a wooden spoon and a large glass measuring cup. My bath water was brown as it drained out so I can imagine those were the toxins washing away.
I have never done any type of detox, the word scares me, no idea why just does. I am going to try the bath. I soak with espsom salt every so often, I am just wondering what it will do to my psoriasis ? and I dont want to be sick afterwards, I suppose that is why I havent done anything with the word detox in it. but I ordered the clay so Im gonna do it. any suggestions on how long I should soak until I see how it works?
Soaking in this bath will actually be great for your psoriasis! Soak for at least 30 minutes to get all of the benefits :-)
jillie I love this idea and would love to try it , however, my boyfriend and I live in an old school apartment with no tub- believe me this makes shaving my legs nearly impossible- i digress, is there a detoxing solution for a girl like me?
You can use a bucket to soak your feet in warm water with the detox mix :-)
As an essential oil user, I like to take my empty oil bottles and put them into a glass jar, then fill the jar with epsom salts and shake it up. After sealing the jar and leaving it set for a few days, I come back to epsom salts infused with the final drops of my oil!
I love this idea!
Waste not want nothing
Thank you,Jillie . Love your One Good Thing things!
Thanks!
Nice idea. I have to try this. Thank you for sharing this post.
Can the detox bath ingredients be mixed in larger amounts and saved for later use? For instance, in a nice container in the bathroom to simply pour to use without mixing each time? Also, how often can the detox bath be used?
You can soak in this detox bath about twice a week. :-) You can mix the epsom salts and essential oils together, and then add the clay. Do not mix in the apple cider vinegar ahead of time, you’ll have to add it separately when you are ready to bathe.
I am so grateful for this recipe! I was feeling pretty stressed so I decided to run this bath for myself and Wow! I didn’t use the clay but I used Dr. Teal’s epsom with Chamomile and the apple cider vinegar, I was amazed at how relaxed I felt in the bath and out of the bath. I literally just felt like I was in this cocoon of heaven and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much Jillee!
I’m so glad! :-)
My daughter just delivered twin girls. They are about a month old. She is also nursing. She needs some pampering and down time right now. Would this be safe for her since she is nursing?
I truly love reading your page. Please keep doing this. Your site is the best!
Leave out the apple cider vinegar, and this will perfect for a nursing mom! :-)