Detox Bath

The Detox Bath — a simple soak that actually supports your body.

The first thing I do when my kids start getting sick is getting them into a detox bath.

It is a super simple and effective way to support their body so it can fight off the illness more efficiently. It soothes their body, supports detoxification, and can support their immune system.

Everyone does it a little differently but the recipe that I usually use is:

• Magnesium Flakes (or Epsom Salts)
• Baking Soda OR Apple Cider Vinegar
• Bentonite Clay
• Optional: Essential Oils (We don’t usually use)

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and reflects traditional folk herbalism practices. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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Why These Ingredients?

Magnesium Flakes or Epsom Salts

Both contain magnesium, just in different forms. I prefer magnesium flakes.

The magnesium flakes help relax their bodies and support their immune system, which is vital because our bodies burn through magnesium faster when we’re sick. This mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune response, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall wellness. Magnesium also aids in detoxification by supporting the liver and ensuring efficient elimination of toxins. It helps regulate neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and better sleep, which are essential for recovery.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar restores the skin’s pH balance and has antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe irritated skin and prevent infections.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps alkalize the body, creating an environment that is less conducive to illness and promoting overall health. It also neutralizes the water that often has chlorine in it. (I recommend using a bathtub filter to filter out toxins and chlorine so you don’t absorb those into your/your children’s skin).

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay binds to impurities and facilitates their removal.

It offers comprehensive skin detoxification, deep pore cleansing, and mineral nourishment, resulting in softer, clearer skin. The negatively charged clay binds to positively charged impurities, heavy metals, and toxins, drawing them out while relieving inflammation, soothing eczema/psoriasis, and relaxing sore muscles. 

Warm Water

The warm water promotes blood flow, delivering nutrients to cells and supporting healing.

The Combo

The combination of magnesium salts, baking soda, and bentonite clay helps draw out toxins and supports your body.

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Essential Oils

I don’t often use essential oils. A few years back, a lot of creators in the holistic health space shared information on sourcing and volatile compounds. It was then that I stepped back on using them. I have since started to incorporate them more, as I have seen how everything oscillates to extremes. As I learn more, I think they can be a great tool when used appropriately.

Like you, I’m always learning and adjusting as I learn more information.

Here are some of the common essential oils one could use:

• Eucalyptus – for respiratory support and opening airways
• Lavender – for relaxation and calming
• Tea tree – for its cleansing properties (use sparingly, it’s strong)
• Peppermint – for muscle relief (just a few drops, it’s very cooling)
• Frankincense – for grounding and immune support

With everything, it’s important that you do your own research and learn which ones are safe for what ages (and around animals). Not all essential oils are appropriate for young children, and some can be harmful to pets. When in doubt, less is more — you can always add another drop next time, but you can’t take it out once it’s in the bath. It is also recommended to use a carrier.

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A Common Argument

I have shared this bath recipe on my Instagram for years. And I have heard it time again, “you can’t detox in a bath. That is what your kidneys and liver are for.”

While that is *somewhat true* — your skin is your largest organ and you most DEFINITELY detox through your skin.

In addition, supporting your body = giving it what it needs to do its job. 

So, YES, we have kidneys and a liver that naturally detox, but for optimal function, they need support too.

✔️ Nutrients, minerals, electrolytes to fuel detox pathways
✔️ Hydration to flush out waste efficiently
✔️ Sweating & movement to stimulate lymphatic drainage
✔️ Red light therapy to reduce inflammation & boost cellular energy
✔️ Detox baths to support circulation & draw out impurities

When you’re sick, supporting detox pathways →helps your body clear waste, process toxins, and reduce inflammation for a smoother recovery.

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Boosting Your Detox Bath with Red Light Therapy

Want to take your detox bath to the next level when you’re fighting off illness? Add red light therapy.

I started using my red light panel in the bathroom during detox baths, and the combination is incredible. Red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) has been studied for its effects on cellular energy, inflammation, and immune support—all things your body needs when you’re sick.

How it Works:

Red and near-infrared light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by your cells’ mitochondria, helping them produce more ATP (cellular energy). When you’re ill, your cells are working overtime, and they need all the energy support they can get.

The Benefits When Combined With Your Bath:

• Enhanced circulation: The warmth of the bath plus red light therapy work together to improve blood flow even more effectively than either alone
• Inflammation support: Red light has been shown in studies to help modulate inflammatory responses
• Immune system support: Some research suggests red light may support immune cell function
• Deeper relaxation: The combination helps you relax more completely, which is crucial for healing
• Improved recovery: Your body can focus its energy on fighting infection rather than managing discomfort

How I Use It:

I position my red light panel so it shines on my upper body while I’m/my children are soaking. Usually, 10-20 minutes during the bath is plenty. The warmth of the water, the minerals from the ingredients, and the red light all work together.

I have this portable panel. I love it because it’s portable and the battery lasts for a very long time. My link will always give you the best price/current promotion. Right now, you can save $260 off with this link—make sure you see the code “gondekacres” applied.

Some people worry about using electronics near water—I keep my panel at a safe distance (3-4 feet away) and never have it over the tub or within reach while bathing. Safety first, always.

What the Research Says:

Studies on red light therapy have shown potential benefits for reducing inflammation, supporting mitochondrial function, and even modulating immune responses. While we need more research specifically on red light during illness, the existing evidence on its cellular effects is promising.

If you already have a red light panel, try adding it to your next detox bath. If you don’t have one, the bath alone is still incredibly effective—the red light is just a bonus enhancement, not a necessity.

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A Realistic Perspective:

This isn’t going to cure you overnight and I’m not claiming it will. But when you’re sick and miserable, every bit of support helps. The combination of heat, minerals, rest, and red light creates an environment where your body can focus on healing.

I have noticed that when I use this bath at the first signs of illness, we all often recover faster and do not have as severe symptoms.

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A Word of Caution

Don’t take super hot baths if you’re pregnant, have heart issues, or have high blood pressure. The temperature change can be too much. Stick to warm, not hot, and keep baths short (15-20 minutes max).

Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after your bath. You’re sweating, and you need to replace those fluids.

Don’t do this if you have open wounds or skin infections. It can irritate broken skin.

If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded, get out of the tub immediately. You might be overheating.

Never leave children unattended in a bath. And use much cooler water for kids—their bodies heat up faster than ours. We have this cutie thermometer.