I’ve talked quite a bit about detox baths and why we take them for our family… So, I finally decided to sit down and put it into words for you to refer to! This clay detox bath recipe was originally created by Shawna from @alittlelesstoxic on Instagram. However, I’ve changed the process a little to increase the benefits! I’ll explain more in detail in this post but you can find her original recipe and directions within her highlights on her Instagram page.
As with any other protocol, I highly suggest you speak with your healthcare provider when trying something new. What works for us, might not work for you and vice versa.
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What Is A Detox?
A detox is a way to aid your body in it’s process of ridding toxins through the liver, sweat, urine, and feces.
There are many kinds of detoxes you can do. However, the best ones are organic, whole food based detoxes – as I’ve said before, there are no shortcuts to health. If you’re into drinks, here are 5 detox drink recipes that have some amazing benefits!
Before detoxing though, it is important to stop or minimize incoming toxins.
I highly encourage you to look at the toxins you bring into your home before deciding to detox. Detoxing without stopping the main source of where the toxins are coming from will become a waste of effort, time and money.
I say that with so much love. It cuts any benefits from the detox very short and thus don’t end up making much difference in the long run.
Why We Detox
As a family, we strive to live an 80/20 lifestyle. This means we will opt for organic, whole foods whenever possible. We’re careful about the processed foods we eat, we cook at home from scratch more often than we buy anything premade. We also only use non-toxic products in our home.
Doing all of this really cuts down our exposure to toxins such as harmful pesticides, preservatives, and genetically modified ingredients. However, we do allow ourselves to indulge on the rare occasion when my daughter and I go out to eat. We remain mindful, but do not strictly hold ourselves to our normal diet.
We have also learned that even with certain foods, such as rice, buying organic is simply not enough. It can and will probably always contain some level of arsenic. Since there’s no way to really prevent that, we are mindful of how much rice we consume and take regular detox baths to help our bodies eliminate it.
There are also many things that we are exposed to which are not in our control such as toxins in the air we breathe and other things like that. For my husband, a lot of the toxins come from his job as a technician (I mean, technically he could control that, but he likes what he does).
Nonetheless, it is important to recognize that there will never be a 100%. No matter how hard we try we will come into contact with toxins at one point or another. That’s not to say that living a toxin-free lifestyle is a wasted effort, but rather that toxins are everywhere and many diseases can be linked back to toxic overload.
Benefits Of Detoxing
After you’ve reduced your toxic load and have begun to detox, it might surprise you all of the benefits you’ll start seeing… Keep in mind this will always differ person to person! Some might start noticing a difference right away, others may take longer. This all depends on bio individuality, the length of time of exposure (for most of us, it will be years if not most of our lifetime) and the amount of toxic load each person carries.
By eliminating toxins from our foods, beverages, home or hygiene products you may experience increased energy, reduced cravings, less headaches, less inflammation, and all of this is nothing compared to the long term benefits!
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is, in very simple terms, very old volcanic ash. It is a super fine powder made from weathered deposits. Bentonite clay is also referred to as “healing” clay for all it’s amazing benefits.
This can be used both internally and externally. A few of the benefits include helping with dental health, supporting the digestive system, providing nutrients, treating skin irritations, and of course, detoxing!
When using bentonite clay it is best to avoid using metal spoons or bowls as it can reduce its effectiveness.
Magnesium Sulfate OR Magnesium Flakes
Did you know nearly 80% of people are deficient in magnesium? Yup.
As I explained in my favorite supplements blog post, our food is no longer as nutritious as it used it be. Due to that, it makes it difficult to obtain the adequate amount of this essential mineral from our foods.
People with gut issues are among the highest to have deficiencies in this and many more essential nutrients; as the gut is where all of our nutrients are absorbed. Though, it is said that magnesium in particular is better absorbed through the skin!
Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions such as converting food into energy, creating and repairing DNA, regulating neurotransmitters and so much more! Studies have even shown that supplementing with magnesium may help reduce symptoms of depression.
RELATED POST: MY FAVORITE SUPPLEMENTS
Ascorbic Acid
Or more commonly known as (synthetic) vitamin C, can help neutralize chlorine in water!
Chlorine is one of many harmful chemicals in our water. It is known to increase allergies and asthma, cause cancer, and reduce gut flora.
I always recommend getting a shower filter if you can, but ascorbic acid is an inexpensive and easy way to neutralize chlorine. This ingredient is not needed if you already have a filter that takes it out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I always opt for an organic apple cider vinegar with the mother, as it contains extra proteins and enzymes that help improve the protective skin barrier.
Apple cider vinegar will also help balance your skin’s PH levels and its added benefits of healthy bacteria may help those with skin infections or rashes.
Recipe & Instructions
You’ll need:
- 3/4 cup Bentonite Clay
- 3 cups Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) or Magnesium Flakes
- 1 tsp Ascorbic Acid
- 3/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- Non-Metal Bowl + Spoon
- Dry Brush (optional)
- Essential Oils (optional, can do both or either)
- 5 drops Zendocrine – Detoxification Blend
- 5 drops On Guard – Protective Blend
Clay Detox Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
If using essential oils:
add the drops to the epsom salt to be absorbed. Oils and water do not mix.
Run bath water as warm as you can handle and add ascorbic acid.
The warmer the water, the more you’ll sweat (another way our bodies detox)!
Gently dry brush.
In a circular motion brush arms, legs, and your abdomen.
If you don’t know what that is or what the benefits are, I highly recommend reading Wellness Mama’s post on dry brushing for the skin.
Add epsom salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, and bentonite clay into the bath water and mix.
For added benefits, add epsom salt to the bath water and then separately mix equal parts ACV and clay together using a non-metal spoon and bowl.
Mix until well blended and it turns it into a paste. Then apply it as a mask to your body, avoiding sensitive areas… Let dry for 5 minutes then get into the bath and use a washcloth to wash it off.
You can use the same mask to use on your face or doTERRA’s clay mask is a really good option as well.
Doing all of this particular step intensifies the detox; I would recommend that only adults do this.
Sit for 40 minutes to an hour.
Take advantage of this time to relax, read a good book and sweat!
Drain the tub and shower as normal.
Fair Warnings
- You can adjust the recipe if you need to. Magnesium can have a laxative effect if your body is not used to it in a large amount. You can choose to gradually work up.
- If you decide to try the body mask, please keep in mind that bentonite clay can and most likely will turn your skin red as it works. This is normal and particularly more noticeable on areas where the skin is thin and on your face. If you are sensitive, you might consider skipping this step – but it shouldn’t take long for your skin to return to normal.
- Don’t get this in your eyes! The epsom salts will burn… You can wash it out with clean water. Take special care if detoxing children.
FAQ
When sharing the information on this clay detox bath recipe, quite a few questions arise. I figured I’d answer the most common here as well!
Which Is Better? Epsom Salts or Magnesium Flakes?
This is a highly debated question. I have heard that magnesium flakes are more potent and that you are likely to need less using it… It does cost a little bit more. However, the argument I have also heard is that magnesium sulfate (epsom salts) is only less effective than the flakes when consumed orally and that it is just as effective when used topically.
Since we use quite a bit, we use the epsom salts as it is much more cost effective for our family. Do what is best for yours. You can also try this detox bath with half and half; or switch between the two and see what you like best!
Will The Clay Clog My Tub?
It shouldn’t. I have yet to have any problems, but if it makes you feel better you can use a cheese cloth when draining it!
Will a Clay Bath Stain My Tub?
Again, this has not been a problem for me whatsoever.
Can I Do This For My Child?
You can do this for children older than a year old; younger than that, their skin is simply still very thin. For babies and toddlers, I would definitely skip the body mask, skip the oils, and divide the amounts by three (keeping the ascorbic acid the same and being mindful about the temperature of the water).
I would actually recommend the ascorbic acid for any age if you don’t have a filter for your bath.
With my toddler who is now two, I will say, it is definitely a longer process… But isn’t it always with children? 🤪
I still divide the recipe by three, let her sit and play for as long as she can stay happy. I take her out (this is where it gets crazy)… Let her hang out while I clean out the tub really quick then set up another regular bath for her which thankfully, goes much quicker. She ends up a little pruney but that’s ok!
How Often Should I Do This?
The detox bath? At least once a month, but once a week is ideal. Reducing your toxic load? Always.
Final Thoughts
I personally love to use this as an excuse to get some time to myself, the benefits of it are just extra! If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them, simply leave them in the comments below.
I hope this was helpful in understanding why we do these gentle detoxes and how beneficial it can be!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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