Best Detox Bath - Using Epsom Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide
by Nancy Hearn, CNC

The best detox bath that I have found is based on using Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide. However, I think the term “best” is subjective and relative to individual needs.

In addition, when it comes to health, what is best for one person is not necessarily going to be the best for everyone. In certain cases, it can even be worse.

The reason I like the Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide bath is because it is both detoxifying and relaxing. It is beneficial to be used with most any type of body cleanse or healing program.

When I had a family member who was dealing with cancer, a colleague told me that this was the best detox bath to mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment and to help draw toxins out through the skin without creating additional burden on the body.

David Jernigan, D.C., D.N.M. writes that not only does this bath therapy “detoxify the body and relieve pain, but it seems to also stop many infections quickly and help the body regain balance. Through medical studies, this therapy has shown to relieve pain that did not even respond to narcotic medicines.”

Ingredients for Best Detox Bath

One of the best things about this bath therapy is that it is so simple. In addition to water, the two ingredients include:

1. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) - 2 to 6 cups.  The amount of Epsom salt depends somewhat on the size and health condition of the person taking the bath.  I recommend starting with the lesser amount and increasing the amount as needed for future baths. Look for a high-quality 100% pure magnesium sulfate that is made in the USA and preferably GMO free (Genetically Modified Organism).
2. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) - 16 to 64 ounces.  Again, I highly recommend starting with 16 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide concentrate and gradually increasing the amount only after you have done several of these detox baths.  (I know there are a number of individuals online who recommend using 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. The 35% concentration of hydrogen peroxide is extremely corrosive and will bleach and burn fabric within minutes.  I am not one to believe that more is always better or more effective. I am comfortable with the 3% and it is effective, so I have never been inclined to even try the 35% concentration.)
3. Optional ingredients.  The first few times you try this detox bath, I recommend you just stick with the above two ingredients. But you can eventually add other ingredients such as freshly ground ginger (to enhance sweating) or aromatic essential oils (such as lavender, bergamot, or patchouli) for additional relaxing or therapeutic benefits.

How To

1. Preparation. To prepare for this best detox bath, gather the ingredients and then fill the tub with water (as hot as you can comfortably bathe in).  
2. Brush skin (optional). Dry brushing your skin before the bath helps to remove the dead layer of skin, stimulates the lymphatic system and thus may improve the effectiveness of this therapy.  If you don’t have a dry brush or loofa mitt on hand, you can simply use a wool sock (like a mitt) or dry wash cloth.  Use gently sweeping motions on your skin, starting with your feet and legs, and working upwards.
3. Clean water. Of course, it is always preferable to use bath water that is free of chemicals (such as chlorine) and other contaminants. Thus, if you are using tap water and like to take baths regularly, a bath water filter is highly recommended, especially for therapeutic baths like this one. Quality bath ball filters (like the one shown in the image above) are portable and can remove up to 95% of chlorine and other contaminants.
4. Soak for 20 minutes.  Research has shown that the essential benefits of this detox bath are gleaned within the first 20 minutes. There really is no need to stay in longer and doing so may even have the reverse effect. According to some advocates of Oriental medicine, warm baths are yin and can create an imbalance in the body if taken too frequently. For this reason and others, I do not recommend taking more than 1 or 2 detox baths per week, and only as needed.

Cautions:  Get up and out of the bath slowly as any detox bath can cause dizziness. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or any serious health condition, talk to your doctor before taking any type of detox bath.

Reference

David Jernigan, D.C., D.N.M.; Hydrogen Peroxide and Epsom Salt Detox Bath; 2010.

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