Why Detox Baths are Important for Kids

No matter how “green” we try to make our home space, our kids are exposed to hundreds of contaminants in air, water, food and personal care products on a DAILY basis. The body can detoxify itself of these chemicals, however, because our exposure to toxins is ever increasing, it’s a good idea to help the body detoxify whenever possible.  A detox bath is one of the best ways to help boost the body’s natural skin/sweat detoxification system.  I like to give my kids a detox bath weekly for general health and wellness.  I also find detox baths to be particularly  helpful when one of my kids starts to show signs of illness.  I put my “almost” sick kid in a bath to boost the immune system quickly.  

Detox baths not only help rid the body of chemicals and heavy metals, but they also provide rich minerals like magnesium and sulfates that help to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Regulate enzyme activity
• Increase immune function
• Improve absorption of nutrients
• Relax the nervous system and muscle fibers
• Promote a good night’s sleep

How to Give a Detox Bath

Everyday Detox Bath for Kids

• 1/4 cup of baking soda OR 1 teaspoon vitamin C powder
• 1/2 cup of epsom salt or magnesium flakes (flakes are more easily absorbed by the skin)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
• Everyday Detox Essential Oil Blend: 2 drops lavender

Immune Boosting Detox Bath for Kids (uses more salt for maximum effectiveness)

• ¼ cup baking soda OR 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder
• 3/4 cup of epsom saltor magnesium flakes (flakes are more easily absorbed by the skin)
• 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
• Immune boosting Essential Oil Blend:  2 drops of wild orange essential oil

Directions:

Add neutralizer of choice to a very warm bath and let sit for 5 minutes.  In a bowl mix the epsom salt/magnesium flakes, coconut oil/olive oil and essential oil blend of choice.  Add salt mixture to the bath.  Add bentonite clay if using.  Have kids get in bath and soak for 20 minutes.  Do not use soaps or products while in a detox bath.  

Key Points to Remember for your child’s detox bath:

• First you want to draw a hot bath (not too hot, you don’t want to burn your precious children but hot enough to sweat).  Make the bath as deep as possible (use common sense safety precautions with kids), you want as much of the body in the water as possible for maximum effectiveness.
• If your water isn’t filtered you need to neutralize the chemicals (like chlorine) in your water or the detox bath will not work and your children will absorb toxic chlorine instead of eliminating toxins!  You can neutralize your water 3 ways: 1) Crystal Ball Bath Dechlorinator (good for 200 baths!) OR 2) 1 teaspoon vitamin C powder.  There are 2 different forms and either will work.  You can use this one or this one.  OR 3) ¼ cup baking soda.
• Add your de-chlorinator of choice to the bath water and let it sit for 2-5 minutes to neutralize the chlorine.
• Mix the epsom salts, coconut or olive oil and essential oils in a small bowl or cup.  After the bath is neutralized, add the salts/oils to the bath.
• Add bentonite clay if using.  Bentonite clay binds to chemicals, including heavy metals, and removes them.  To add the clay to your bath, mix it together with water first in a cup to get the clumps out (however you are not supposed to let the clay touch metal so use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir) and then add to bath.
• Have your kids get in the bath and let them soak for 20 minutes.
• Do not use soaps or personal care products in a detox bath.  During a detox bath your children’s pores are wide open and they will absorb all the chemicals from personal care products if you use them!  Skip the soap during a detox bath and just soak and relax!
• Detox baths can be done once a week on a regular basis.  During times of illness you might increase the frequency to stimulate immune function.
• Make sure your kids stay hydrated with filtered water before and after a detox bath.