Last Updated on May 28, 2026
If you want detox to feel like self care not struggle this bath is for you. I shared this detox bath recipe recently with clients and the messages poured in. Can a soak really help detox? What is happening in my body? Why have I never heard of this?
Your skin is your largest organ of elimination and when you support it well you can help your body let go of what it does not need while you relax in warm water.
Why Detox Baths Can Help
Warm water opens pores. The ingredients below support relaxation, mineral balance, and gentle binding. Together they can assist normal elimination while you rest. This is not a cure or medical treatment. It is a simple practice that supports the body you already have.
Detox Bath Recipe
Yield One bath • Time 20 to 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups quality salt or magnesium bath flakes – I recommend this salt
- 1 cup baking soda pure sodium bicarbonate
- 1 half cup bentonite clay high quality – I use this one
- 1 cup borax pure food grade – optional I use this one
Instructions
- Fill the tub with water that feels comfortably warm. Warmer water helps open pores.
- Sprinkle in Epsom salt and baking soda. Swish to dissolve.
- In a small bowl mix bentonite clay with a little warm water to form a smooth slurry. Add the slurry to the tub while stirring the water with your hand.
- Add borax and swirl again.
- Soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Breathe slowly and let your muscles relax.
- Rinse if you prefer. Pat dry. Hydrate well.
No Tub? No Problem
Use a large basin for a foot soak. Feet have large pores and this can feel amazing at night.
Science Backed Ingredient Notes
- Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium supports hundreds of cellular reactions related to muscle relaxation and calm. Sulfate participates in normal phase two detox pathways.
- Baking soda helps buffer the bath water and can soothe sensitive skin.
- Bentonite clay carries a negative charge that can bind positively charged impurities on contact.
- Borax is used in small amounts and is valued for cleansing and balancing properties. Choose pure food grade only.
Pro Tips For Best Results
- Use a simple bath filter if whole house filtration is not available.
- Drink water before during and after your soak.
- New to detox baths. Start with 15 minutes and once per week then build to two or three if you feel good.
- Listen to your body. Detox is support not stress.
Do You Need More Than A Bath
Detox baths can help you feel lighter, calmer, and clearer. If you notice ongoing signs that your body is struggling to clear stressors, a soak alone may not be enough. See my complete list of clues here : Symptoms and Signs You Need To Detox.
When To Level Up Your Detox
If you have several symptoms from the list above this bath will help, but you most likely need deeper support. My
Reset Cleanse
is a seven day food based liver detox that supports multiple elimination pathways with real foods and simple structure. It is perfect when you want faster results without guesswork.
- Feel clearer and more energized
- Reduce bloat and puffiness
- Support healthy skin and digestion
What People Notice After This Detox Bath
- More steady energy
- Better sleep and morning refresh
- Calmer skin and fewer breakouts
- Less brain fog
- Greater sense of calm
Safety Notes
This content is educational and not medical advice. Do not use during pregnancy or with open skin or if you have a known sensitivity to any ingredient. People with kidney or heart conditions or on medications should ask their licensed provider first.
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Ready To Soak?
Your skin wants to help you feel better. Give it simple support tonight. Then if you need deeper change, do a reset with my Reset Cleanse and let me guide you through a gentle system reboot… think replicating a high end detox retreat at home for a fraction of the price… you can also lose up to 10 pounds in 7 days.
Dr. Christina Carlyle is a Doctor of Functional Medicine, FDN-P, Nutritionist, & Trainer who transformed her body and health – getting off 7 medications and losing 40 pounds for good. Now, she helps other women get happy, healthy, and fit – quickly & naturally – without any BS
Can i add apple cider vinegar to this recipe?
You can but I wouldn’t recommend it. Diluted ACV isn’t going to do much. Better to ingest. Esp, if we’re targeting a specific thing like bacteria or fungus or if either are present externally on the body – also if either infections are present externally I wouldn’t recommend baths at all.
I need to just do the foot soak detox and love your recipe.
You mentioned that’s a great alternative to a whole body soak, but didn’t put the reduced amounts. Would you share them? 🙃
Yes, absolutely. For a foot soak, use about:
1/4 cup quality salt or magnesium flakes
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon bentonite clay
1 to 2 tablespoons borax, optional
Mix the clay with a little warm water first so it doesn’t clump, then add everything to a foot basin with comfortably warm water. Soak 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse and hydrate. Start smaller if you’re sensitive. 🙂
Where can I find food grade Borax please? Thank you!
This is the one I use and recommend most – https://amzn.to/4dAYvo2 – it’s pure and from France 🙂
how often can i do this soak can i do it daily
Hi Bonnie, you can! I try to at least 3 times a week. 🙂 It’s a nice relaxing ritual to have.