HEALING AND DETOXIFICATION BATHS
Compiled by Ellie Evans, RN, MS, CNM
Therapeutic bathing is one of the least invasive approaches to detoxification. The skin is the largest organ of the body and is continually active in the detoxification of our bodies. Submerging the body in water that is considerably warmer than skin temperature increases the blood flow to the skin and promotes sweating (which is an effective form of eliminating many toxins). Adding different substances to the bath water can enhance that process significantly.
Below are a number of “recipes” for detoxifying and healing baths.
PLEASE NOTE: Consulting your doctor is advised, but if you have heart trouble, high blood pressure, or are diabetic –– do not take hot baths without consulting your physician first.
It’s strongly recommended that you have someone available should you need help, at least the first time. The warm water will cause dilatation of peripheral blood vessels (which enhances detoxification), but this may also result in lightheadedness. Be sure to always get up from the water slowly and have something secure to hold on to,
It is not unusual to sweat profusely following detoxifying baths. Dressing in something that is very absorbent (flannel, terry robe, sweat suit) may increase your comfort level. Be sure to drink lots of liquids. It is also a good idea to allow time to rest following the bath. Bathing before bedtime is perfect. Most authorities recommend waiting at least four hours before showering.
EPSOM SALTS AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
(Ellie's Favorite Therapeutic Bath for Basic Detoxification, Pain Relief and Healing)
There are different recommendations regarding quantities of ingredients, so I’m giving the range of product amounts I've seen and tried. (EE)
Add 1-2 lbs. (approx. 2 - 4 cups) of Epson Salts as you begin to fill bathtub with water (hot to tolerance).
Add 32 oz. to 128 oz. (1-4 of the 32 oz. bottles) of Hydrogen peroxide. Add peroxide just before getting into the tub. (Note: Depending on amount added, this may cool the water temperature to some extent.)
Soak for 15-20 minutes or until water cools.
OTHER THERAPEUTIC BATHS
(Information drawn from Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Celestial Arts, © Elson M. Haas M.D.; and How to Stay Young and Healthy in a Toxic World, Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S., C.N.S., © Ann Louise Gittleman, 1999.)
Energizing detoxification bath — Add 2 cups apple cider vinegar to hot bath; soak 15–20 minutes or until water cools. Can be used for radiation exposure in place of salt-soda. (Ann Louise Gittleman recommends "While in the bath, sip a glass of warm water into which 1 tablespoon of unflavored apple cider vinegar have been dissolved.)
Radiation exposure alternative — salt-soda bath — consider following doctor or dentist's x-ray exams, radiation therapy, airline flights, long hours at a computer, irradiated food, living within 50 miles of a nuclear plant. Add 1 pound each of sea salt (or rock salt) and baking soda to hot bath; soak until bath is cool. (Ann Louise Gittleman recommends "While in the bath, sip a glass of warm water into which ˝ teaspoon of baking soda and ˝ teaspoon of sea or rock salt have been dissolved.)
Metal or chemical exposure (may result from cooking with aluminum pans, aluminum-containing antacids and deodorants, mercury amalgam fillings), heavy metals found in some pesticides, carbon monoxide and other chemicals released in car exhaust.
Add 1 cup Clorox bleach to hot bath; soak for 15–20 minutes or until water cools. (Dr. Cynthia Olson recommends this bath for radiation exposure as well. EE)