A detox bath can do more than just relieve stress. It can also help in soothing sore muscles, relieve cold symptoms, assist in healing infections, as well as open up sinuses that may be congested. As blood is drawn to the skin and the pores begin to open up, detoxifying ingredients like Epsom salts can draw out toxins stored in the tissues of the body and deliver minerals to cells such as magnesium. Here are a few of my favourite soothing detox bath recipes to help assist the body with the never-ending job of detoxifying.

Liver toxicity is experienced to some degree by almost every person today in our modern world.

It’s not surprising when you look at our lifestyle habits, food choices, and the environmental toxins and pollution we come into contact with on a daily basis.

The liver and kidneys play key roles in filtering everything that goes into the body, with the liver performing 500 to 600 different functions per second!

It is so important that we take care of our liver by eating and sleeping well, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly.

However, a few other healthy lifestyle habits we can introduce into our daily routines include dry brushing, lemon water, and adding a few detox baths in here and there.

Detoxing the Body

These baths aid in removing stored toxins in the body, as well as help you to relax and feel sleepy (so I suggest doing them before bedtime).

Please note that if you suffer from severe liver toxicity, you’ll need to take more specific and immediate measures to help heal and de-congest your liver from long-term toxicity.

Marla Pietruszko HD BSc RHN has worked with hundreds of clients, helping to naturally heal their detox systems and more. So if this is you, you can DM her on Instagram, or go to her website to inquire further on how to help de-congest your liver.

We expose ourselves to toxins on a regular basis, from sources like pollution, pesticides, and processed foods.

When we’re constantly exposed to these harmful substances, it can be very difficult for the body to keep up with the toxin load, and overtime, these toxins can build up and accumulate in the body, overwhelming our detoxifying systems and impacting our health and the way we feel throughout the day.

Using ingredients like essential oils (which provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits), baking soda, Epsom salts, bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and honey, can help to flush impurities out of the body naturally (through sweating).

Before we get started in learning how to make these homemade detox bath recipes, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Detoxifying Bath Salts

It’s recommended that you soak in the bath for around 40 minutes to one hour for the best results. During the first 20 minutes, the body goes around removing toxins from your system. The next 20 to 40 minutes is spent by absorbing the minerals in the water.

It’s important to note that hot water (not too hot, though) should be used in these baths as it will help you to sweat out the toxins.

These detox bath recipes are quite strong, and you may feel light-headed or tired when you get out. Because of this, it is not recommended that you do a detox bath when you’re at home alone or about to go out somewhere in case you need help. It can help to take a few deep breaths to allow oxygen back to the brain before getting up (emerging slowly from the water to prevent dizziness).

Clay Bath Salt Recipe

The clay binds to heavy metals while the Epsom salts draw out a variety of toxins as well as replenish magnesium levels.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup bentonite clay
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 10 drops each of peppermint and lavender essential oil (you can also use frankincense essential oil)

To make:

In a hot bath, dissolve the Epsom salts and add the essential oils. For the clay, you can either:

1. Mix the clay in a small amount of water until the clumps dissolve in a glass jar (avoid using metal utensils as this will interact with the clay properties). Then, add the mix to the bath and soak in the water for 40 to 60 minutes.
2. Mix the clay with a small amount of water to form a paste. Then, stand in your bath, and rub the clay all over your body to create a thin mask on the skin. Let it dry for five minutes before sitting down in the water. This will help to pull toxins out from the skin. From there, soak in the bath for 40 to 60 minutes (you can use a wash cloth to scrub the clay off while you’re soaking).

Vanilla Eucalyptus Bath Salt Recipe

The baking soda, eucalyptus oil, and Epsom salts may help to relieve dry, itchy skin while also helping to detox the body.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 1 cup baking soda
• 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops vanilla in jojoba oil

To make:

1. Add the Epsom salts, baking soda, essential oils and vanilla-infused jojoba oil to a bowl and mix the ingredients together to combine.
2. Store the mixture in a glass jar or airtight container.
3. Use one spoonful per bath and soak in the water for 40 to 60 minutes.

Himalayan and Epsom Bath Salt Recipe

This bath is great for boosting magnesium levels, soothing irritated skin, and detoxing.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Himalayan salt or sea salt
• 1/4 cup Epsom salts
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops each of peppermint and lavender essential oil

To make:

1. In a large glass jar, dissolve the salt, Epsom salts, and baking soda in some boiling water, then set the container aside.
2. Fill a bath with hot water (not too hot, though) and add the apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour in the salt mixture and add the essential oils, then soak in the water for 40 to 60 minutes.

Ginger Body Scrub Recipe

Ginger helps promote regular digestion, is great for indigestion and nausea, and aids in healing bacterial infections.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp fresh or ground ginger
• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

To make:

1. If you’re using fresh ginger, roughly chop the ginger and add it to a food processor along with the Epsom salts. Pulse a few times until the ginger is well ground and has combined with the Epsom salts.
2. If using ground ginger, combine the powder with the Epsom salts in a small bowl and mix well to combine.
3. Add the lemon juice to the salt mixture, then apply the scrub to your body before your bath (make sure to apply the scrub in the bath to avoid getting the salt everywhere).

Mustard and Wintergreen Bath Salt Recipe

Mustard can help to stimulate blood circulation, warm the body and soothe sore muscles.

Please note that, while essential oils are great, they must be used safely. Wintergreen contains naturally occurring salicylates, a known blood-thinning compound found in aspirin, so it is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals taking anticoagulant medications, individuals who have major surgery planned, or individuals who have haemophilia or other bleeding disorders.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic mustard powder
• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 6 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops thyme essential oil
• 1/2 tsp ascorbic acid

To make:

1. Combine all the ingredients together in an airtight glass container and store the mixture in a dark cabinet to keep the essential oils from oxidising and deteriorating as a result of light exposure.
2. Dissolve a quarter of a cup (1/4 cup) of the bath salts per bath and soak for 40 to 60 minutes.

Back Pain Relieving Bath Salt Recipe

The high levels of magnesium found in Epsom salts makes it a wonderful remedy for relieving sore muscles and reducing inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Epsom salts
• 2 cups baking soda
• 20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 4 tbsp dried lavender flowers
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs

To make:

1. Combine the Epsom salts and baking soda together in a large bowl, then add in the essential oils and stir well to distribute evenly throughout salts. Then, gently stir through the dried lavender flowers and rosemary sprigs.
2. Transfer the salt mixture into a glass jar for storage, and use one cup of bath salts per bath. Soak in the water for around 40 to 60 minutes for the best results.

Lavender Eucalypt Bath Salt Recipe

Eucalyptus oil contains antimicrobial properties which can help fight colds, respiratory problems, and the flu. It is also helpful for treating sinus and allergy symptoms.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup dried lavender
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

To make:

1. Combine all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Fill a bath with hot water and add one cup of the bath salts. Soak in the water for around 40 to 60 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak Recipe

Apple cider vinegar can help balance the natural pH levels of the skin, soothing skin problems like sunburn, eczema, dry itchy skin, or dandruff.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar

To make:

1. One to two times a week, fill your bath with hot water and add the apple cider vinegar while the tap is running (to help disperse the vinegar throughout the water). Then, soak in the water for 40 to 60 minutes.
2. Use a wash cloth and clean your face with the vinegar water, ensuring your hair gets wet, too.

Almond Milk Soak Recipe

Almond milk contains high levels of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup homemade almond milk
• 2 cups Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 15 drops peppermint and wild orange essential oils

To make:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, then add the soak mix to a hot bath as the water is running.
2. Soak in the water for 40 to 60 minutes.

I am not a doctor or medical professional and the advice in this post is for informational purposes only. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, consult a doctor before adding anything new to your health routine. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.

Have you had a detox bath before? Do you have another recipe that you like? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa

Sources:

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Ginger Detox Bath + Body Scrub. (January 8, 2014). Hello Glow. Retrieved from https://helloglow.co/ginger-detox-bath/

Heather. DIY Mustard Bath For Muscle Relaxation and Better Sleep. Mommy Potamus. Retrieved from https://www.mommypotamus.com/mustard-bath/

Murray, Alison. (24 August, 2014). (No More) Back Pain Aromatherapy Bath Salts. Om Nom Ally. Retrieved from https://omnomally.com/2013/08/24/home-made-back-pain-bath-salts/

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Vitamin E. (May 9, 2016). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/

Pietruszko Marla, HD BSc RHN. (July 13, 2021). Liver Toxicity is Experienced to Some Degree by Almost Every Person Today in Our Modern World. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRJXxYrLv7/

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Lane, Jennifer. (May 25, 2021). Essential Oil Detox Bath Recipe with Epsom Salt – DIY Recipes. Loving Essential Oils. Retrieved from https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/diy-recipes/essential-oil-detox-bath-recipe

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