Pinheads Revisited – The DIY Detox Bath
A few weeks ago, I took a detox bath, based on a pin displaying a “Natural Cold Remedy” and was a little disappointed with the results. After a note from a reader pointed out that I had been mistaken in thinking that the ginger was supposed to be fresh, I decided to give it another try. I did not personally have need for a detox bath, but my older son, Edison had a cough and sore throat, and he was kind enough to agree to be the test subject.
First I poured the peroxide into the bath water, and then I got the right kind of ginger.
The water was murky, to say the least. At first, Edison was reluctant to get in, but once the delicious smell of the ginger tickled his nostrils, he was game and then submerged.
And then he relaxed for the next half hour.
You probably can’t tell from this photo, but he looks a lot like I did at his age.
He did really sweat, and toward the end, he couldn’t wait to get out.
He rinsed off, and it did seem to have loosened some of the fluid in his throat and chest, but he was ultimately no better. In fact, a day later, I had to take him to the doctor, where he tested positive for strep, so obviously, this bath did not sweat the bacteria out of him as the original pinner on Pinterest claimed it could.
Oh, and the clean-up for this bath was even worse than for the grated ginger.
So basically, I am going to stand by my original assessment: debunked.
This is just the kind of thing I’d see and think “I should try that!” So glad you did first!
Hi there – I work as a marketing consultant and I specialize in working with holistic practitioners. So I’ve tried and tested A LOT of alternative therapies. Let me tell you that a detox bath CAN work – but I recommend seeing an aromatherapist for a cough and cold essential oil blend. You put a couple of drops in the water with some epsom salt. There is practically no clean up, and the medicinal properties of the ginger (or eucalyptus or whatever they give you) is greatly strengthened. You’re going from 3% strength to about 40%-60% depending on the grade of the oils. The only way to go higher is through a homeopath. 40%-60% will keep a cold at bay if you catch it right away, or greatly reduce symptoms – but it wont cure you same day.
I am a long time detox bather. I don’t necessarily do it just for cold remedy but as a way to remove toxins and relax the body. I have never heard of using peroxide in a detox before. When I detox, I use Epsom salts, baking soda and essential oils added to a very warm bath. I have used ginger in my detox in winter months to stave off colds but never as a remedy for one. Just wanted to note that after a successful detox, there will be a greasy ring around the tub even without ginger added. That ring is the gunk that was pulled from the body. It is also important to drink lots of water while detoxing as it can dehydrate you. If you don’t drink water while detoxing, it can actually make you feel worse once the detox is over. I hope you’ll consider giving detox baths another try. My standard detox recipe is 1 cup Epsom salts, 1/2 cup baking soda, 10-15 drops of a quality essential oil (like young living or doterra) I usually use tea tree or lavender oil. I sit in the bath until the water is too cold to stay in it and drink lots of water (I generally drink half a gallon of ice water while in the bath). I also use a loofa to exfoliate and open the pores. When the tub is drained, I take a shower to remove the residual salt on my skin and then use extra virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer on my skin. I do this as a migraine remedy as well. It works well for me. There will be a film on top of the water and on the tub after draining. This is normal. I have been detoxing like this for over ten years. It is my favorite part of the week. I feel relaxed and refreshed after. Best wishes to you and your family.
I bathe nightly. Yes, every night! I put my 2 girls to bed at 8pm and I am in the tub from 8:30-9:30 every night. My standard bath is 2 cups epsom salt, 2 cups apple cider vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 10 drops lavender essential oil and 5 drops geranium essential oil. I don’t do this to “detox”, I do this because after 20 years of birth control pills I need it! I have an overgrowth of yeast so the ac vinegar and a daily probiotic is helping. Not only this but I am naturally high strung and have a really hard time saying no. This hour is mine to relax and recharge. It makes me a better wife, mom, daughter & friend. Women are the support system of the family just like a foundation to a house. If you don’t take care of the foundation, your house is going to crumble. Lots of women say that they don’t have time to take care of themselves because they are too busy taking care of everyone else. I say that you have to make time. Bonus, this keeps me out of the refrigerator every night and helps me get a good nights sleep.