But which essential oils should you choose for your detox bath, and what benefits will each of them impart?
In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the best essential oils for a detox bath, as well as some of our top tips for creating the perfect detox bathing experience.
What is a detox?
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Before we begin looking at detox baths, we’ll first explore the meaning of the word ‘detox’ to give you a deeper understanding of the detoxification process.
So, what does detoxification mean? To put it simply, detoxification is a medicinal term and refers to the natural removal of toxins from the body to improve overall health and wellbeing. On a day-to-day basis, the body's internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, intestines and lymphatic systems work tirelessly to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals from our bodies, without ever getting the chance to rest.
Our bodies are exposed to a high volume of harsh chemicals on a daily basis from the food we eat, the air we breathe and the products we use on our bodies and around our homes. Whilst some of these are harmless, others can potentially damage our bodies if they’re not dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Whilst our organs do a fantastic job of removing toxins from the body, we can give them a little helping hand to help them to perform their best. That’s where the modern-day ‘detox’ comes in.
Why do our bodies need to detox?
Our bodies are extremely intelligent creations, and you may find yourself suffering from a few conditions if it’s calling for a detox. These may include unexplained tiredness, allergies, acidity, bloating, lack of focus, emotional instability, irritated skin or a lack of enthusiasm and zest for life. Should you experience any of these, it’s time to listen to your body and allow it to self-heal and cleanse by providing it with the best fuel, opportunities for rest and a little extra TLC. Essentially, how you treat your body will be reflected in your physical and mental health.
Just the same as your house needs a thorough spring cleaning once in a while, your body works just the same. One of the most harmful toxins for your body is actually stress, as it significantly alters the way the body functions and thrives. A detox allows you to rid your body of whatever is weighing it down, enabling your body to absorb important minerals and nutrients.
This is where a detox bath becomes so useful as it simultaneously allows the body to rid itself from harmful toxins and stress while absorbing the goodness from the essential oils in the water, leaving you feeling replenished and revived.
After detoxification, you may notice numerous physical and mental benefits. These may include increased energy levels, relief from muscular pain, reduced headaches, an improved immune system, better sleep, clearer skin, improved concentration, better general health and lower stress levels.
The great news is, all of these benefits can be achieved in the comfort of your own home by creating a detox bath, without the hefty price tag that often comes attached to other commercial detox plans. There are no strict rules to follow, and you can quickly and easily decide to detox on the spur of the moment at your own convenience, giving yourself no added stress and more flexibility.
How do I create a detox bath?
Timing is critical when it comes to your detox bath. Try to plan for when you have plenty of time so that you can fully immerse yourself in relaxation. This will enable you to relax and unwind, without the pressures of everyday life getting in the way.
The minimum time we’d recommend is 40 minutes, but you’ll find the greatest benefit if you can give yourself an entire evening to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life.
To create your detox bath, simply fill your bath with warm water and select your essential oils. You’ll need to mix your chosen essential oils with a carrier oil before adding them to your bath. This allows them to disperse through the water more effectively and helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation. We’d recommend sweet almond oil or jojoba oil for this.
How much essential oil you choose to add to the bath is down to personal choice, and it may take some experimentation to find your perfect strength. Most people find between 5 and 20 drops of essential oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil perfect for a detox bath.
You may choose to select a single essential oil with a particular property if you’re looking to focus on one specific area. Alternatively, you might choose to blend a few different essential oils together to create your own custom detoxing experience that is tailored to your needs.
Add the essential oil mixture to your bath just before you get in, and swirl the mixture through the water. By leaving it until the last minute to add your essential oil, you’ll reduce how much has evaporated, helping to maximise the effects of the essential oil.
To increase the absorption of the oil into the skin, try rubbing the essential oils combined with a carrier oil onto your skin either before getting in the bath or mid-way through your soak to really experience the benefits.
Which essential oils work best in a detox bath?
Now that you know how to create a calming detox bath, you might be wondering which essential oils are most effective in detoxing the body. At volant, we have a wide range of essential oils to choose from, each with its own individual properties and benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular detoxing essential oils.
For the ultimate stress-detox
If you’re looking to rid your mind and body of stress and pressure - and we know stress is a major source of toxicity - lavender essential oil is ideal. With a gentle scent, this essential oil promotes balance and relaxation of the mind whilst helping to reduce stress. Not only that, but lavender oil has been proven to aid sleep, helping you to have a more restful night.
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, combine lavender oil with frankincense essential oil. Frankincense is a calming scent that helps to ease anxiety and calm your nerves. Along with lavender oil, this is a powerful combination that will leave you feeling calm, relaxed and serene.
To boost your immune system
If you’re feeling under the weather, Eucalyptus oil is a great choice for your detox bath. Eucalyptus oil has been proven to be antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and analgesic, making it a powerful detoxing tool for purifying your body and getting you back on track when you’re feeling run down.
The antibacterial properties of Eucalyptus oil make it ideal for when you’re suffering from a cold or flu, helping to open your airways, relieve your blocked nose and ease your respiratory symptoms. That’s why you’ll find Eucalyptus oil in many commercial cold and flu remedies.
Not only that, but Eucalyptus oil can also help to soothe irritated skin and treat conditions such as dandruff, fungal infections and lice. Eucalyptus also boosts skin ceramide production, and ceramides are important for retaining moisture and protecting your skin!
The refreshing and invigorating scent of Eucalyptus oil helps to stimulate and awaken your senses, leaving you feeling energised and recharged when you need it the most. You’ll find your mind transported to a Bali beach which you’ll want to enjoy for hours. Be sure to play some calming music, and choose your favourite book to enjoy as you lay back and soak up the benefits of Eucalyptus oil.
