Body & Fitness

Five detox baths for when you’re feeling strung out

Bath lovers, rejoice.
Detoxifying bath idea

Detoxifying bath idea

Sometimes our bodies can really take a beating. And whether you’ve had a longer week than usual, are coming down with a cold or just need to take some ‘me’ time – there’s a detox bath for you.

**N.B: With all of these ideas pregnant women and those who have high blood pressure or heart problems should consult a doctor before taking a detox bath.

Always remember to keep the bath at a reasonable temperature to reduce the risk of fainting and dizziness, and if any problems arise always consult a medical professional.**

Baking soda detox bath

A staple in the kitchen cupboard, baking soda also has uses in the bathroom too. It helps to alkalize your body, which is great given the high acid diets most of us have.

Run a bath and add four to five tablespoons of baking soda to it. Submerge your body and aim to soak in there for around 10 – 20 minutes to get the full effect.

You’ll leave feeling soft and silky, and if you’re suffering with any stingy pains or the likes of piles, yeast infections and other discomforts, baking soda baths can definitely help.

Epsom salt detox bath

Epsom salt has been used since the 17th century for detox purposes, and it’s great for cleansing and purifying your skin. Hollywood health guru Gwyneth Paltrow swears by a nightly Epsom Salt bath, as does super-slender Victoria Beckham, who says it helps reduce puffiness and keep her stomach flat.

Run a bath and add 1-2 cups of Epsom Salts to it. You can also combine this with Baking Soda for a real detoxifying treat.

Apple cider vinegar detox bath

Many swear by taking a shot of apple cider vinegar to relieve heartburn, to prevent colds or just for day to day immunity. But you can also soak in apple cider to nourish your skin, kill fungus and help treat skin problems like eczema and dandruff.

Run a bath and add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar, soak for 20 minutes and make sure to submerge your head too.

Salts make for an excellent detox bath

Hydrogen peroxide detox bath

Not to be confused with a bleach bath, diluted hydrogen peroxide has many benefits for the body, and can help rid the body of toxins, bacteria and viruses. You can buy food grade hydrogen peroxide which is at 35%, and then simply add half a cup to a full bath. Soak for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Sea salt

Sea salt has long been praised for its healing properties. Add ½ to 1 cup of the stuff to a warm bath, and soak for 30 minutes. Great for general cleansing and for any cuts and bruises.

The good news is all of the above ingredients can be combined in their original quantities for the ultimate health-boosting bath time.

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