Blog Written by Vybe.
Cold or flu symptoms are the definition of misery. Imagine waking up with a runny nose, sore throat, body aches and chills, nasal congestion, and even a fever. If you're a parent, the only worse thing than having a cold or flu yourself is when your kids get sick too.
Most people run to the pharmacy for medication at the first sign of illness. But there are natural remedies for helping to relieve the terrible symptoms of cold and flu while providing sinus pressure relief. And today we're going to focus on detox baths.
In the age of quick showers and busy schedules, you probably wonder who has time for a bath anymore. But there are many benefits of a bath, especially if you add a few key ingredients. They can help you destress, decompress, support internal cleaning, and even alleviate certain ailments or injuries. And you don't have to go to the spa to get the best treatment for your body.
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What Is A Detox Bath?
It is just like any other bath, but with some detoxifying natural ingredients such as Epsom salt, bentonite clay, baking soda, ginger, apple cider vinegar, etc., which are added to the bathwater to help remove toxins in the body.
The process is based on osmosis theory; as your pores open, the detoxifying ingredients draw out various toxins through the skin and then release them into the bathwater. We are constantly exposed to toxins as they are found in the food, water, air, not forgetting the chemicals in medicines, soaps, household cleaners, lotions, etc. A detox bath soak can really give your body a break and boost health and overall well-being.
Do Detox Baths Really Work?
While studies are still limited on the efficacy of these baths, the ingredients added to the bathwater like Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), ginger, essential oils, etc., have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. These bath agents will help you relax, relieve body pains and aches, ease congestion, and help with other cold and flu symptoms.
What Draws Out Toxins in A Bath?
First off, sweating is the body's natural way of detoxifying, and soaking in hot water will definitely make you sweat. Then the bath agents work in different ways to remove toxins in the body. For instance, bentonite clay is highly regarded for its ability to pull toxins, heavy metals, and wastes from the body.
Which Is Better; a Hot Bath or A Cold Bath?
A cold bath isn't recommended since it constricts blood vessels to temporarily tighten pores, thus going against how detox baths remove toxins in the body. Coldwater will also cause shivering, which means your body is trying to raise its temperature, making a fever worse.
On the other hand, a hot bath initially brings toxins to the surface of the skin and opens pores so it can release toxins into the bathwater with the help of the bath agents. But don't make it too hot; you don't want to scald your body or stress your cardiovascular system.
Are Detox Baths Safe?
Detox baths can be a great relief during the cold and flu season, but they are not ideal for everyone. People with impaired kidney function and children should avoid them since their bodies might not be able to get rid of enhanced magnesium levels.
Those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as pregnant women should check in with their doctor before soaking. Remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a detox bath.
Is It OK to Take A Bath If You Have A Fever?
The benefits of hot baths include encouraging sweating and stimulating the immune system, which helps cool down a fever. However, don't take a detox bath if you're feeling dizzy or unsteady.
How to Take A Detox Bath
There are many different recipes for detox baths, depending on your symptoms. A simple detox bath recipe will include 1-2 cups of Epsom salt, a cup of baking soda, and two tablespoons of ground ginger. You can also add sea salt and essential oils for a detox bath, although these are optional.
Be sure to follow one detox recipe at a time and not mix ingredients from different recipes. That's because one element might compete with another. For instance, you cannot mix Epsom salt in a vinegar bath; the former pushes nutrients into the body while the latter pulls toxins out.
Once you've gathered all the necessary ingredients, draw your bath as hot as you can stand it and pour the ingredients into the water. Each of these ingredients has different purposes for detoxifying your body.
For starters, there are many Epsom salt bath benefits, like the fact that it contains magnesium, which has healing properties that the body absorbs as you're immersed in the water. Other ingredients in a detox bath are baking soda, which is known for its cleansing ability, and ginger - a simple and sure way to induce a sweat, helping to sweat out toxins.
Before you get into the bath, it's important to dry-brush your skin. This will help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores so the body can better remove toxins through the skin. Pick a brush that feels nice to your skin; dry brushing shouldn't be painful.
How Long Should You Soak in A Bath?
Ideally, 40 minutes with the first 20 minutes for drawing out toxins while the next 20 minutes are when the important minerals are absorbed into the body. That being said, start with a shorter period, like 10-20 minutes, and see how your body reacts to the detox bath.
The same rule applies to the question 'how often should you take a detox bath'? Start with one bath per week and gradually work up to three detox baths a week. This will work to keep elimination channels open and encourage the detoxification process regularly.
What to Expect After A Bath Detox
You might experience a range of unpleasant symptoms right after a detox bath. After all, your body has been working hard to push toxins out of your system. It's common to feel exhausted, a bit nauseous, lightheaded, and very thirsty. Your body might also continue to sweat long after the bath. The more toxins it eliminates, the more of these side effects you'll experience. But don't let this discourage you.
Regularly taking detox baths will lighten the toxic load, thus allowing your liver to function more efficiently. You'll also experience reduced muscle pain, increased blood circulation, better sleep, decreased joint pain, relief from stress and anxiety, and overall wellness.
In Summary
The human body is a machine, and like most machines, it needs cleaning and upkeep to function optimally. As mentioned earlier, toxins are everywhere. The body stores these toxins in the bloodstream, nerves, brain cells, fat cells, and in the liver, which can show up in different ways, including:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Trouble sleeping
- Coming down with a cold more often
- Muscle and joint pain
- Allergic reactions
- Headaches, etc.
Luckily, there are several home remedies for detox. A detox bath may not cure your cold or flu, but it will help alleviate your symptoms. That being said, visit the doctor if the symptoms don't improve in a week or so, as well as if your fever is above 101.3°F (38°C), you're wheezing, you experience shortness of breath, or if you have a severe headache, sinus pain, or sore throat.