DIY Detox Bath Soak
Detox Bath Soaks are a natural way to support our bodies' built-in detoxification system. Soaking in a hot bath with bath salts, like Epsom, Celtic or dead sea, that are blended with specific detox-triggering essential oils can promote deep sweating and help our bodies release toxins that make us feel dull and sluggish.
Plus, as we soak in the warm water, we encourage the pores of our skin to open and absorb the powerful minerals from the salts so that we can improve our overall health and wellbeing.
The minerals from salts, like Epsom salts, sea salts and dead sea salts, have been known to regulate our nervous system, soothe physical pain and calm a wide variety of skin ailments. In fact, bathing in mineral rich salt baths has been a powerful healing ritual since ancient times. From Greek and Roman antiquity, across Europe and into Asia, warm salt baths that include aromatics and herbal Medicinals have been a pillar of traditional healing practices.
Although our bodies know intuitively how to release toxins and substances that cause harm, sometimes our hurried lifestyle and the tolls of emotional stress from our modern-day living can slow down this natural innate process.
So, to help encourage our body’s natural ability to reset and rebalance, bath soaks have now been re-introduced and have become an easy go-to at home remedy to bring our bodies and minds back into balance.
Here is a list of our top 5 essential oils to use in your DIY Bath Salts
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata):
Steam distilled from the resin of a craggy ancient tree found growing in India. This species smells different from the Frankincense we may be more familiar with that is from Oman and Somalia, but it shares many similar healing benefits. Calming to the nervous system, soothing to strained muscles, and easing inflammation, bathing in Frankincense can offer an experience of deep calm and relaxation while supporting the health and well-being of the skin.
Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum):
Steam distilled from the seed of the common cilantro herb. Its aroma is slightly grassy and herbaceous with a sweetness that lingers. The aroma can be deeply sedating to our nervous system, but what is so gently powerful about this essential oil is its capacity to promote flow and movement, encouraging our bodies to release and let go.
Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis):
Steam distilled from the leaves of the common rosemary herb. Its aroma is mint-like and one sniff can make our breathing feel easier and clearer. Rosemary can help stimulate our circulation, and help our bodies and mind clear out the gunk that makes us feel clogged up and stuck.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
Steam distilled from the flowering tops of the Lavender herbaceous bush. There have been countless studies over many years showing how Lavender reduces stress levels, soothes muscle aches and pain, and offers the experience of deep relaxation. When blended together with Bergamot, Geranium and Frankincense, these sedating and anti-inflammatory, pain relieving properties are further elevated.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi):
Cold pressed from the peel of Grapefruits and it has a light refresh and uplifting aroma that encourages movement, brightness and clarity. It is a wonderful oil to use when we are looking to release and let go, start anew and regroup and refresh. It’s uplifting, revitalizing and clearing.
Read below for How to Make DIY Bath Salts, for a powerful detox bath soak:
Makes one 4 oz jar of bath salts, that is good for 2 baths
What you’ll need:
- Measuring cups and spoons, or glass beakers
- A small mixing bowl
- Small metal spoon, or wooden popsicle stick for stirring
- 1 empty glass 4 oz jar
- Blank Labels
- Parchment Paper
- Paper towel
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of Bath Salts. You can use Epsom salts, Celtic Sea salts, dead sea salts or himalayan pink salts.
- 1 TBSP of Jojoba Oil
- 7 drops of Grapefruit Oil
- 4 drops of Frankincense Root Oil
- 7 drops of Lavender Oil
- 3 drops of Rosemary Oil
- 4 drops of Coriander Seed Oil
Steps:
- Before starting to make the recipe make sure the area where you will be blending is very clean. That means wiping down counter spaces with rubbing alcohol and putting away any food items and extra clutter. Once your counter space, or table top is clean, line the area with some parchment paper, pull your hair back and thoroughly wash your hands.
- Set out all blending tools so they are easy to grab when needed.
- Bring out all of your ingredients so they are accessible.
- Using your measuring cups and spoons, measure out each ingredient separately into their own beaker or small bowl. Place the essential oils close by.
- Pour your ½ cup of bath salts into a small mixing bowl.
- Next, add your essential oil drops (as listed above) into your 1 TBSP of Jojoba Oil which should be measured out separately in its own small glass beaker, or bowl. Once all the essential oils are added into the Jojoba Oil, mix them together well.
- Slowly pour your blended Jojoba Oil and essential oils into the bowl that has ½ cup of bath salts, and mix thoroughly.
- Once everything is well combined, carefully spoon the mixture into your empty glass jar and cap tightly
- Make up a name for your bath salt, and write the name and the ingredients on the label and attach to the jar.
- Use half the jar per bath.
To reap the most benefits from your DIY bath salt recipe, it’s important that you prepare your bath correctly.
First run the bath water until you get the desired temperature. Plug the drain, and let the bath fill to the point where you are almost ready to get it. But before you actually step into the water, pour in ½ your jar of bath salts and swish around, helping to dissolve the salts. Next, slide into the tub and close your eyes! And let the relaxing aromas and the mineral packed slats do their job in relaxing your body and mind.
It’s recommended to soak in the tub for at least 10-20 minutes, or until the water starts to cool. Try sitting in silence, avoid looking at your devices, or any screens, dim the lights and get as much of your body under the water as possible.
Aromatic baths are recommended for the evening, before going to sleep, as they can have a powerful effect on soothing the nervous system especially after a hectic work day, and help the body and mind prepare to rest.
We recommend drinking at least 8 oz of water after your detox bath soak, as your body will need replenishment after it has released so many toxins.
Enjoy your bath and let us know how fresh and rejuvenated you feel!