. |
Seeds for Change Wellness
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Detoxification Baths: How To & Types
Detoxification Baths: How To & Types
Source: Herbs2000.com
Most people who do not have access to a sauna have a bathtub and can take detoxification baths -
sometimes called the "poor man's sauna." Baths are especially useful for people with a toxic
bioaccumulation of xenobiotics. The hot water increases blood flow and capillary action near the
surface of the skin, causing faster release of toxins. The heat also increases sweating and opens
pores, allowing toxin-containing perspiration to be excreted more readily. Although using filtered
water or safe well water is preferable for these baths, city water, even if it contains chlorine, is still
effective and helpful.
Approach these baths with caution and common sense. It is preferable to have a healthcare
professional supervise your detoxification program. If your chemical load is high, baths can make
you feel very ill. Have someone in the house with you when you take your detoxification bath in
case you develop symptoms and require assistance. Should you experience dizziness, headache,
exhaustion, fatigue, nausea, or weakness, stop your bath.
Clean your bathtub with tolerated cleaning products. It should be spotlessly clean for a
detoxification bath; you are trying to rid your body of toxins, not absorb more.
Follow these general instructions for both the plain-water baths and the detox baths:
Wash your body thoroughly with tolerated soap in the shower before you take your bath and
scrub with a loofa sponge, sisal mitt, skin brush, or rough washcloth to remove excess body oils,
dead skin, and any accumulated toxins. Rinse thoroughly.
Fill the tub with water as hot as you can tolerate without burning your skin. Cover the tub's
overflow valve so the water level will be high enough to immerse your body up to your neck.
Begin with a 5-minute soak in hot water. Do not exceed 5 minutes for your first bath. Gradually
increase the time by 5-minute increments until you can soak for 30 minutes without experiencing
symptoms. You may feel deceptively well while soaking, but it is extremely important that you do not
overstay your time limit. Symptoms sometimes do not occur until the next day.
Gently massage your muscles with a skin brush while soaking to increase circulation to the skin.
After soaking, take a cleansing shower. Scrub thoroughly with tolerated soap and rinse well in order
to remove any toxins deposited on your skin during the bath. Be sure to also wash your hair. Your
body will reabsorb any unremoved toxins. If you continue to perspire, or begin perspiring again,
repeat the shower.
Take your tolerated dose of vitamin C before and after each bath. This will help your body
remove the toxins released into your blood-stream. If you are taking antioxidant nutritional
supplements, take them before your bath.
Drink an 8-ounce glass of water before, during, and after your bath.
Take detox baths three times a week until your general health has improved. Then, use the
baths once or twice a week to prevent the accumulation of toxins. If you have unusual chemical
exposures, increase the frequency and duration of your baths. This should be done only under the
supervision of a health-care professional.
TYPES OF DETOXIFICATION BATHS:
When you can take a plain hot-water bath for 30 minutes with no symptoms, you may begin
detoxification baths. Various substances may be added to the bath to aid in detoxification. Follow
the general bath instructions above, adding one of the substances listed below to the bath water.
Except for Epsom salts, you may need to rotate the other substances, as their effectiveness may
subside quickly if some time is not allowed between their use
Epsom salts
Epsom salts help eliminate toxins by activating fluid movement in the tissues and increasing
perspiration. The salts work as a counter-irritant on the skin to increase blood supply, and also
change the pH of the skin surface. In addition, the sulfur component of Epsom salts aids in
detoxifying. Sulfur springs have always been recognized for their medicinal and cleansing
properties. Begin with 1/4 cup of Epsom salts. Gradually increase the amount with each bath until
you are using 4 cups per tub. Should you experience symptoms at any level, stay at that level until
you can soak for 30 minutes with no symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar also works as a counter-irritant, increasing blood supply to the skin and changing the
skin's pH. Begin with 1/4 cup of apple cider. Gradually increase the amount to 1 cup per tub. Be
certain you use only apple cider vinegar, as white vinegar is a chemical product.
Clorox
Use the Clorox brand of liquid bleach only, adding 2 tablespoons to a full bath. Chlorine-sensitive
people cannot use Clorox. The oxidizing properties of Clorox aid with detoxification. NOTE: this
should be the regular clorox only, fragrance free
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use up to 8 ounces of food-grade 35% hydrogen peroxide in a bathtub half-full of warm water. (Hot
water causes the hydrogen peroxide to deteriorate too rapidly.) Be aware that this bath taken at
bedtime may cause you difficulty getting to sleep. The increase of oxygen at cellular levels can
increase the sense of alertness.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, creates an alkalinizing bath to restore acid/alkaline balance
through osmosis. Use 8 ounces of baking soda to a full bath. These baths are particularly good for
cleansing and drying weeping, open sores, and relieving skin irritation and itching.
Baking Soda and sea salt
Soda baths with sea salt are effective for detoxifying X-ray and radiation exposure. Use equal
amounts of baking soda and non-iodized sea salt, building up to 1 pound of each.
Clay
Clay is most frequently used in compresses or packs. However, the drawing and alkalizing action of
clay baths is also helpful in detoxification baths. Use 1/2 cup of clay to a full bath. Several types of
clay are available from health food stores, all appropriate for bathing.
Ginger Root
Ginger's heating property causes sweating and improves circulation. Ginger also stimulates and
draws toxins to the skin surface. Cut a thumb-size piece of ginger root into small pieces, place in a
pot of water on the stove, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain
and pour the liquid into a full bath.
Burdock root
Burdock root baths help the body to excrete uric acid. They also aid in cleansing boils and clearing
rashes. Simmer a level handful of burdock root in 2 quarts of water for 30 minutes. Strain and pour
the liquid into a full bath. Herbal shops and health food stores carry burdock.
Oat straw
Oat straw baths improve skin metabolism, which helps the body to detoxify more quickly. Simmer a
heaping handful of oat straw in 2 quarts of water for 25 minutes. Strain and pour the liquid into a
full bath. Oat straw is available at health food stores and herbal shops.
Herbal tea
A number of herbal teas may be used in detoxification baths to aid in eliminating chemicals: catnip,
yarrow, peppermint, boneset, blessed thistle, pleurisy root, chamomile, blue vervain, and horsetail.
Most of these teas are diaphoretic and promote sweating. Use 1 cup of brewed tea per tub of hot,
clean water. Use only one of these teas per bath. Sensitive individuals may not tolerate the use of
some of these herbs.
Source: Herbs2000.com
Most people who do not have access to a sauna have a bathtub and can take detoxification baths -
sometimes called the "poor man's sauna." Baths are especially useful for people with a toxic
bioaccumulation of xenobiotics. The hot water increases blood flow and capillary action near the
surface of the skin, causing faster release of toxins. The heat also increases sweating and opens
pores, allowing toxin-containing perspiration to be excreted more readily. Although using filtered
water or safe well water is preferable for these baths, city water, even if it contains chlorine, is still
effective and helpful.
Approach these baths with caution and common sense. It is preferable to have a healthcare
professional supervise your detoxification program. If your chemical load is high, baths can make
you feel very ill. Have someone in the house with you when you take your detoxification bath in
case you develop symptoms and require assistance. Should you experience dizziness, headache,
exhaustion, fatigue, nausea, or weakness, stop your bath.
Clean your bathtub with tolerated cleaning products. It should be spotlessly clean for a
detoxification bath; you are trying to rid your body of toxins, not absorb more.
Follow these general instructions for both the plain-water baths and the detox baths:
Wash your body thoroughly with tolerated soap in the shower before you take your bath and
scrub with a loofa sponge, sisal mitt, skin brush, or rough washcloth to remove excess body oils,
dead skin, and any accumulated toxins. Rinse thoroughly.
Fill the tub with water as hot as you can tolerate without burning your skin. Cover the tub's
overflow valve so the water level will be high enough to immerse your body up to your neck.
Begin with a 5-minute soak in hot water. Do not exceed 5 minutes for your first bath. Gradually
increase the time by 5-minute increments until you can soak for 30 minutes without experiencing
symptoms. You may feel deceptively well while soaking, but it is extremely important that you do not
overstay your time limit. Symptoms sometimes do not occur until the next day.
Gently massage your muscles with a skin brush while soaking to increase circulation to the skin.
After soaking, take a cleansing shower. Scrub thoroughly with tolerated soap and rinse well in order
to remove any toxins deposited on your skin during the bath. Be sure to also wash your hair. Your
body will reabsorb any unremoved toxins. If you continue to perspire, or begin perspiring again,
repeat the shower.
Take your tolerated dose of vitamin C before and after each bath. This will help your body
remove the toxins released into your blood-stream. If you are taking antioxidant nutritional
supplements, take them before your bath.
Drink an 8-ounce glass of water before, during, and after your bath.
Take detox baths three times a week until your general health has improved. Then, use the
baths once or twice a week to prevent the accumulation of toxins. If you have unusual chemical
exposures, increase the frequency and duration of your baths. This should be done only under the
supervision of a health-care professional.
TYPES OF DETOXIFICATION BATHS:
When you can take a plain hot-water bath for 30 minutes with no symptoms, you may begin
detoxification baths. Various substances may be added to the bath to aid in detoxification. Follow
the general bath instructions above, adding one of the substances listed below to the bath water.
Except for Epsom salts, you may need to rotate the other substances, as their effectiveness may
subside quickly if some time is not allowed between their use
Epsom salts
Epsom salts help eliminate toxins by activating fluid movement in the tissues and increasing
perspiration. The salts work as a counter-irritant on the skin to increase blood supply, and also
change the pH of the skin surface. In addition, the sulfur component of Epsom salts aids in
detoxifying. Sulfur springs have always been recognized for their medicinal and cleansing
properties. Begin with 1/4 cup of Epsom salts. Gradually increase the amount with each bath until
you are using 4 cups per tub. Should you experience symptoms at any level, stay at that level until
you can soak for 30 minutes with no symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar also works as a counter-irritant, increasing blood supply to the skin and changing the
skin's pH. Begin with 1/4 cup of apple cider. Gradually increase the amount to 1 cup per tub. Be
certain you use only apple cider vinegar, as white vinegar is a chemical product.
Clorox
Use the Clorox brand of liquid bleach only, adding 2 tablespoons to a full bath. Chlorine-sensitive
people cannot use Clorox. The oxidizing properties of Clorox aid with detoxification. NOTE: this
should be the regular clorox only, fragrance free
Hydrogen Peroxide
Use up to 8 ounces of food-grade 35% hydrogen peroxide in a bathtub half-full of warm water. (Hot
water causes the hydrogen peroxide to deteriorate too rapidly.) Be aware that this bath taken at
bedtime may cause you difficulty getting to sleep. The increase of oxygen at cellular levels can
increase the sense of alertness.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, creates an alkalinizing bath to restore acid/alkaline balance
through osmosis. Use 8 ounces of baking soda to a full bath. These baths are particularly good for
cleansing and drying weeping, open sores, and relieving skin irritation and itching.
Baking Soda and sea salt
Soda baths with sea salt are effective for detoxifying X-ray and radiation exposure. Use equal
amounts of baking soda and non-iodized sea salt, building up to 1 pound of each.
Clay
Clay is most frequently used in compresses or packs. However, the drawing and alkalizing action of
clay baths is also helpful in detoxification baths. Use 1/2 cup of clay to a full bath. Several types of
clay are available from health food stores, all appropriate for bathing.
Ginger Root
Ginger's heating property causes sweating and improves circulation. Ginger also stimulates and
draws toxins to the skin surface. Cut a thumb-size piece of ginger root into small pieces, place in a
pot of water on the stove, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain
and pour the liquid into a full bath.
Burdock root
Burdock root baths help the body to excrete uric acid. They also aid in cleansing boils and clearing
rashes. Simmer a level handful of burdock root in 2 quarts of water for 30 minutes. Strain and pour
the liquid into a full bath. Herbal shops and health food stores carry burdock.
Oat straw
Oat straw baths improve skin metabolism, which helps the body to detoxify more quickly. Simmer a
heaping handful of oat straw in 2 quarts of water for 25 minutes. Strain and pour the liquid into a
full bath. Oat straw is available at health food stores and herbal shops.
Herbal tea
A number of herbal teas may be used in detoxification baths to aid in eliminating chemicals: catnip,
yarrow, peppermint, boneset, blessed thistle, pleurisy root, chamomile, blue vervain, and horsetail.
Most of these teas are diaphoretic and promote sweating. Use 1 cup of brewed tea per tub of hot,
clean water. Use only one of these teas per bath. Sensitive individuals may not tolerate the use of
some of these herbs.