What to know about giving your kids a detox bath
Why are Detox Baths Important
The skin is the largest organ of the body that absorbs everything that is put on it. From the skin, those substances are transported to the liver to be pooped out, or into the blood stream to be filtered in the lymph nodes. The body does this automatically, and it does have a limit called the “toxic load.” Once the toxic load is met, the body cannot eliminate those substances that are harmful to your health and becomes ill in many different ways. In the United States, many products that are commonly used everyday (soaps, lotions, medications, cleaning products, cooking materials, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, and so much more) are not regulated for safety like in countries like Europe. Not to mention the environmental toxins like breathing in unclean air or being in close contact with someone who is sick. This means that without maybe even knowing, you and your kids are coming into contact with chemicals that are poisonous and the body could be reaching that toxic load faster than you think.
Signs of Toxic Overload
The body is smart and works automatically to filter and naturally detox when one is in good health, until you have reached your toxic load. Some of the signs of being over your toxic load can include: hives, rash, itching, headaches, muscle/joint pain, irritability (yup tantrums), excess sneezing or coughing, flu-like symptoms to name a few. These can be signs that your body has been storing toxins that it is unable to filter in the liver, fat cells, brain cells, or even nerve cells.
How A Detox Bath Works
When the body is submerged in a bath, the skin is surrounded and in direct contact with the water and everything in it. Therefore, if we are mindful of the water quality and the ingredients used to detox the body by opening up the skin’s pores to introduce helpful and healing agents, then the body has help to cleanse and heal.
What to Put in a Detox Bath
First, it’s import to consider the quality of the water since it is the main ingredient. To purify your water simply use baking soda to neutralize any traces of chlorine, medications in our water supply, and many other substances.
Next, add epsom salt made with pure/clean ingredients or pure/clean magnesium flakes.
Finally, add pure/clean/quality essential oils based on your kid’s need and a binding agent like coconut or olive oil.
Recipe for Detox Bath
Epsom Salt
Kiddos under 60lbs 1/2 cup for full bath
Kiddos 60-100lbs 1 cup for full bath
Kiddos or Adults over 100lbs 2 cups for a full bath
Baking Soda
Kiddos under 60lbs 1/4 cup for full bath
Kiddos 60-100lbs 1/2 cup for full bath
Kiddos or Adults over 100lbs 1 cups for a full bath
Binding Agent (Coconut or Olive Oil)
Kiddos under 60lbs 1 Tbsp for full bath
Kiddos 60-100lbs 2 Tbsp for full bath
Kiddos or Adults over 100lbs 3 Tbsp for a full bath
Essential Oils
Kiddos under 60lbs 4 drops for full bath
Kiddos 60-100lbs 6 drops for full bath
Kiddos or Adults over 100lbs 10 drops for a full bath
Essential Oils for Your Need
Immune Boosting
Thieves, On Guard, Germ Fighter, or Orange
Relax, Sleep, Calming
Lavender, Vetiver, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, or Peace and Calming
Respiratory Help (Colds/Congestion)
Eucalyptus, Peppermint, or a Respiratory Blend
Digestive Support
Peppermint, Lemon, Cardamom, or a Digestive Blend
Muscle Aches (Growing Pains)
Majoram or a muscle ache blend
How Long to Bathe in Detox Bath
Soak for 15-20 minutes
Pro Tips for Detox Baths
Don’t wash the hair on detox bath days with the detox bath water due to the binding agents (coconut/olive oil) as they can make the hair greasy.
Drink lots of water after the detox bath either by drinking some before bed or leaving it on a nightstand. The detox is a cleanser and can leave the body dehydrated and needing water to flush -- your kiddos may be thirsty.
Consider using Bentonite Clay in addition to the recipe listed to level up your detox. It has been studied to bind to pesticides which is one of the most present pollutants of our environment - especially in an area of heavy farming, as well as heavy metals such as lead, copper, and cadmium. It is great at binding to toxins to help draw out bacteria, dead skin cells, and other chemicals. Use same amount of bentonite clay as epsom salt for the appropriate weight of the kiddo/adult.
