No bathing suit required!
Date: 05/20/2021Detox baths are a favorite part of my beauty and health routine, and I want to share why! My nightly ritual includes a detox bath to help me let go of the day, focus on self-care and prepare for rest. There are a few key building blocks to a basic detox bath and then endless options to fine-tune to your personal preferences and health needs.
Here are the basics.
Prepare through the day by drinking plenty of filtered water. Detox baths pull toxins from the skin and you will want to be hydrated. Hopefully you have read my recent article on filtered water and how important it is to know what you drinking and how to achieve the highest quality water through filtering. Hydration doesn’t just happen with a glass of water when you are thirsty – once you are thirsty, it is too late. You are already dehydrated.
Be mindful that this is your time. Turn off your phone, tell your family goodnight, set an intention, turn the lights down, set out what you are going to wear after your bath to make the transition from bath to bed as easy as possible.
Warm bath water – not too hot but warm enough to last about 15-20 minutes. This may take some practice unless you are bathing in a Yeti mug where the contents never cool.
Epsom salt or magnesium flakes – Epsom is a compound of magnesium and chloride and Magnesium flakes are a compound of magnesium and sulfate. Both help restore the body’s magnesium levels, have natural calming affects, and help with joint pain. Experiment. Both are great – try one or the other or combine them both! They are both inexpensive and readily available in your local health food store or pharmacy.
A bit more about Magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral for your health. It plays a key role in over 300 biochemical bodily functions and helps the body use glucose and lactic acid. It also has a calming affect which is why I recommend this for the evening or before a nap. Magnesium is absorbed through the skin or can be ingested (make sure it is food grade before ingesting). I use anywhere from one to two cups in a standard size tub.
Here are some options:
A Pre-bath dry brush is a fabulous “add on”. Use a high quality, natural coarse brush and brush the skin in long sweeping strokes toward the heart. I start at my feet and work my way up. Dry brushing can aid in lymphatic drainage which helps the body rid itself of toxins and exfoliates the skin to keep it looking young and fresh. Link to favorite https://rstyle.me/cz-n/faumdzcjkcx
Essential oils – why not? Add some drops of your favorite single scent or blend. One of my favorite brands is Young Living because of their commitment to quality and purity. For relaxing benefits try – Bergamot, Geranium or Ylang Ylang and, of course, lavender is always a fan favorite! Feel free to become a member and save on each purchase!
These next ideas sound a bit like we are in the kitchen but, I promise, these are noteworthy detox bath essentials!
- Salts are another one of my favorite “add ons”. A splurge worthy bath salt I would recommend trying is from African Botanics which smells divine and melts away stress. Their seasweed salts are from Kalahari desert and are full of naturally occurring minerals. Yes please!
- Bath milks are the ultimate in luxury bathing. This favorite, (holi) Bath from Agent Nateur is soothing, creamy and packed with nurturing plant extracts. One of the main ingredients is coconut milk which rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that heal dryness and impart a luminous glow. It also contains chamomile, calendula and honey for incredible bathing experience. Agent Nateur is one of the best natural beauty brands and my bathroom is full of their products. Please use my code “AGENTLENA” to receive 15% off anything on their website.
- There is also research that suggests mustard seedsoaks can alleviates stress, insomnia, muscle soreness, and sinus pressure. Singha’s is a leader when it comes to pure, high quality, proven ingredients for a mustard soak. Mustard soaks have been known to stimulate the sweat glands, helping the body to naturally shed unwanted toxins. Link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/faumnycjkcx
And last, but not least some more obvious recommendations…soft music, candles, face mask, your partner? You get the idea. Detox baths are an easy way to make time for yourself and focus on self-care. Even when you aren’t in the bath, give your body and mind moments every day to restore and regenerate. There is power not just in the effort, but in the rest.
In good health,
Lena
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