GAPS Wonder Baths
We live in a very contaminated world, and it contributes to the degradation of our health. For this reason, detoxification is a very important feature of the GAPS healing protocol. One simple way to detoxify is through regular bathing. The hotter the water, and the longer you stay in the bath, the more detoxifying it is to your organism. Substances also can be added to the bath water that provide additional health benefits.
The skin is not an inert impenetrable barrier, but rather is a large living organ that readily absorbs what contacts it. Dr. Campbell-McBride stated that if you are comfortable putting something on your skin, you should be just as willing to put it in your mouth. This was not meant in terms of taste per se, but rather that we need to recognize that substances are equally incorporated into the body via the skin as the mouth. She said this in the context of cautioning us about the potential toxicity of standard personal care products, and the importance of vigilance in terms of what we put on our skin.
This absorbent capacity of the skin can be used to promote health, and can be taken advantage of in terms of bathing. Magnesium is a mineral which is crucial to many important bodily functions. It regulates a myriad of enzymes and plays an important role in muscle control, transmission of electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. The depletion of the soil through typical farming practices and the standard American diet has resulted in magnesium deficiency states in many Americans.
In addition, the exclusive focus on calcium supplementation is another cause of a relative deficiency of magnesium in many individuals. There is a reciprocal relationship between calcium and magnesium metabolism in the body. High levels of calcium deplete magnesium, yet magnesium is necessary for the optimal functioning of calcium. Research indicates that taking calcium supplements without magnesium can result in a depletion of both minerals. Many individuals have five times the level of calcium in their bodies compared to magnesium, though the optimal ratio is two to one.
Bathing with Epsom salts, hydrated magnesium sulfate, is an easy and effective way to supply your body with more magnesium and with sulfate as well. Both minerals are poorly absorbed through the stomach, but easily absorbed through the skin. Sulfates are an important component for the formation of joint proteins, brain cells, and the proteins which line the wall of the intestine, and also play a role in detoxification of environmental contaminants.
For some individuals, regular bathing with Epsom salts also has a therapeutic impact upon insomnia, depression and anxiety. Magnesium sulfate has a sedative and relaxing effect upon the nervous system and the musculature. In addition, the cooling of the body after the bath induces a feeling of sleepiness in many people.
Another useful addition to the bath is baking soda, which also has detoxifying properties. Baking soda has an alkalizing effect upon the skin and is soothing to skin rashes and can even help chronic problems like eczema and psoriasis. Some also claim that it helps counter the negative effects of radiation, whether from sunburn or cancer treatment.
Essential oils can also be added for therapeutic benefit to the bath, and smell heavenly. They need to be chosen carefully, as those that contain phenols can be irritating to the skin. The art of aromatherapy classifies many essential oils as having specific psychotropic effects as well as overall healing properties.
For instance, research suggests that lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders.
Rose Geranium oil added to the bath is purported to be useful for PMS, depression, stress, anxiety and tension, fluid retention, edema, and eczema.
Clary Sage essential oil is thought to be an over all tonic for well being, is warming and sedative, and can induce feelings of mild euphoria is some individuals. It is thought to enhance dreaming. These are only a few examples. There are many other wonderful oils with which to experiment.
I have a bath with epsom salts, baking soda and essential oil most nights before bed. It is a comforting and soothing ritual. I recommend it to all my patients as well.
Recipe for a GAPS Wonder Bath
2 cups Epson Salts (I order Epsom salts in bulk from a company called Salt Works. I like the fine grained variety. They offer free shipping)
half a cup baking soda
8 drops of an essential oil of your choice (Mountain Rose Herbs carries essential oils that I like)
I know I’m really late to the party, but I have a question.
I do not have a bath or access to a bath. I can fill up a tub outdoors. But I’m sure you know an ice cold bath any other time but midsummer is no fun. Is there a alternative “gaps detox” for when a bath is simply not possible?
Anything that makes you sweat like sauna or steam is detoxifying.
I have the same issue… i’ve come across pages that say a 10 min foot bath is an okay alternative. Is this true?
I am wondering about the possibility of using foot baths along with an epsom salt scrub or body mask. Research has shown that foot baths do not necessarily reduce body toxins, but it’s been used in TCM for this purpose for millenia, so I am not sure what to think. I would appreciate your thoughts! 🙂
My impression is that foot baths can be very helpful. I know one practitioner who regularly recommends them with Magnesium oil.
Do I still bathe…like with soap?
Yes, there is no problem with using soap.
I love your article and all of the wonderful posts. I am a certified aromatherapist and take this bath 3-4 times per week. I put some citric acid in mine, as I am used to using ALOT of essential oils in my bath and body, I have built up a tolerance to essential oils and the citric acid. If you are unsure about your tolerance level, always do a patch test on the inside of your arm before immersing taking a bath.
Thanks for writing. How does the citric acid help?
Day 6 on GAP 20 min epsom salt bath, almost fainted?
There could be many different reasons. It could be that the heat caused vasodilation and that your blood pooled in your extremities. There are some people who do not tolerate the sulphur in epsom salt baths. Those are just two possibilities.
Hello everyone I used espon salt (which I use on the daily), baking soda and I did drop in some grapefruit essential oils and I know know it was the oils that lead me to have his horrible burning sensation in the water.. It’s tolerable now because I got out and took a cold 5m shower to rinse my body and then added some 99% pure aloe to my body I hope it goes away soon it’s pretty uncomfortable. But now I know it was the oils..
actually, I had this skin-burning feeling from an epsom salt bath. I assume that means I’m allergic to it.
I am not sure about that, but I would not continue if you are having a painful reaction. Just very hot water and sweating is detoxifying as well.
Same reaction… 🙁 I was thinking it was the oil as well.
Is it normal to have burning spots on skin before getting out of bath and worsen upon getting out. They burning turn red and itch. Is this a normal detox? Or perhaps an allergic reaction. I’ve used everything before except for the baking soda.
It does not sound like a good sign. It does sound allergic.
I only wish E&B baths were a memory cure. I absolutely want to state the importance of drinking plenty of water before, during and after. It is the kidneys job to flush the sulfate compounds produced as apart of the detox. Think of it like using ‘oil dry’ in the garage. You sweep it up an dispose of it Sulfate ‘soaks up’ toxins and other wastes and must be removed via the kidneys. That is why the baths are not recommended for persons with kidney impairments. I never fail to void all the water I drink and then some. And thus why sulfur and sulfates are so important to health and so disheartening to realize how hard finding good food sources can be. I’m lucky in that I find kale to be delicious. But getting the sulfer/sulfate from the table to my joints is a challenge best.
Made a slight boo-boo in my post. I meant to say endothermic not exothermic. The paste gets cold
I have used the E-salt Bsoda & L-oil for several years and have recently added Vit-C powder. I suggested it to my nephew and roundly informed me that the one time he tried it’ it burned like fire. I was surprised as well. I began them as a sulfate source and had greats results (joint soreness reduction). I ‘pioneered’ my own version of premixing the salt-soda with just enough water to make a paste looking for a way for individuals unable to get into a bath to be able to apply the mixture to select body places. I do not recommend this with out caution however. The premixing apparently releases the magnesium such that it will produce pronounced flushing of the skin at the application site similar to application of magnesium oil. That said, I found that this ‘paste’ will produce a greater infusion of both Mg & Sulfate through the skin. When applied to my surgical scars which typically have no color they flushed pink which I can’t imagine to be a bad thing. That same flushing will help ‘wash’ some melanin spots as well, but it is not a dependable result. Adding water to epsom salts will produce an exothermic reaction which increased a bit when the B-soda is added. A cold paste can be a good thing when applied to a sore area. E-salts are legendary for sore muscles. So the long and the short is that for some folks, the magnesium may be playing a part in the burning. Sometimes I do get a little burn but it passes once I’ve rinsed; an important conclusion to any detox bath. One time I skipped rinsing, figuring I could get added sulfate absorbtion: WRONG. What I got was fine white salt residue everywhere my body went even after toweling dry. 😮 Next day was definitely bedding laundry day. So, try all things cautiously on your own recognizance. I rely on E-salts and B-soda baths. Saltworks.com is a good source for bulk supply. Don’t know what I would be like today had I not discovered this great reliever. Staves off colds etc as well for me too. Magnesium and sulfates are essential for good heath and this is a good way to get them when ingestion is insufficient.
What a wonderful knowledgable comment. Thank you so much for taking the time to share!
I took a detox bath with plain epsom salts and baking soda. Soaked for 20 min. Had just finished with the nebuliser. Once I got out I was itching and bright red all over. Not an inch was clear of lumps. I even was itching in my mouth. WOW i was not sure what happened but did not know those two together could cause an allergic reaction. I had plain epsom and regular baking soda. Wondered if it was from pulling out toxins that this happened. Just curious. I had no essential oils or ginger just the soda and salts. Curious what happened. Never itched or felt so ill ever.
I tppk a detox with epsom salts and baking soda. Soaked for 20 min. Had just finished with the nebuliser. Once I got out I was itching and bright red all over. Not an inch was clear of lumps. I even was itching in my mouth. WOW i was not sure what happened but did not know those two together could cause an allergic reaction. I had plain epsom and regular baking soda. Wondered if it was from pulling out toxins that this happened. Just curious. I had no essential oils or ginger just the soda and salts. Curious what happened. Never itched or felt so ill ever.
Carmen, I am so sorry to hear that you had that awful reaction. I had not heard of that before. I did a little searching and on a site about salicylate sensitivity I found a thread between a number of people who had adverse reactions. Not the same as yours, but headaches, feeling really nauseous, dizziness, stomach cramps. http://salicylatesensitivity.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=918
My bet is that it was the epsom salts and had little to do with the baking soda. I don’t have a good explanation. Some suggested using a much smaller amount and said that made a difference. It sounds to me like an allergic reaction that for some reason caused histamine release. In a post about epsom salts side effects, skin irritation is listed. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/epsom-salt-side-effects.html
Thank you for taking the time to write. It is so true that one size does not fit all, and what works for one person does not for another. Maybe this is just not for you. All my best.
I just took this bath and had to get out after a few minutes as my skin started feeling like being attacked by red ants.
I got up and washed off with soap, friend off, put lotion on and now its SO BAD! I might end up going to ER if the 2 Benadryl I took don’t help the burning.
What happened? I had Epson salt, baking soda, fresh ground ginger, few drops of grapefruit oil.
Oh my gosh this is horrible! Laying in bed rubbing back of legs against sheets.
I’ve had this happen, too. It’s the essential oil. Some are just too strong to use in the bath. Someone said to rub your skin in a coconut oil or such before putting essential oils in the bath. It seems to only happen with the citrusy oils for me. I just avoid those oils and stick to lavendar.
I’m very late to this conversation. But I wanted to add my own experience. My first time with an Epsom salt bath was just a few months ago, and I had the same experience as a few posters. Burning legs, like being bitten by ants. My bath was only Epsom salts, no baking soda and no essential oils. When I looked it up, I found that if Epsom salts are not completely diluted in the water they can act like little crystals that cut into your skin. Sure enough I recall that I had undiluted crystals still in the bath near the drain. The next time I took an Epsom salt bath, I made sure to dilute them completely and waited about 5 to 10 minutes before getting into the bath water. I had no problems this time. I hope this helps others.
Wow, that is really interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I have also heard of people who have a problem with sulphur metabolism who also do not tolerate Epsom salt baths. That is what I thought you were going to say before you wrote about the diluting the salts.
This happened to me too tonight! Mixed Epsom Salt, grapefruit Essential oil and lavender oil. Started burning immediately and had red blotchy legs for awhile. my essential oil kit said to use those two oils
burning after bath…its the fresh ginger that did it to you!
It’seems not the ginger…it’s the grapefruit essential oil. I have been taking detox baths for years with no issues until this morning when I added grapefruit essential oil. Burning red splotches!! Awful!
Thanks for taking the time to write. Others will be spared!
Not a doctor but I was VERY toxic when I began doing therapeutic baths. Luv this one, still do it few times a month. I think the nausea, queasy, sweaty and faint-ish feelings come from the osmotic effects (pulling effects) of the bath. You don’t realize it but because we can’t SEE it but it is a HUGE cellular workout. It pulls out a lot of junk out of our bodies and rebalances others. Over 300 enzymes in the body are being rebalanced with each bath. Epsom salt (magnesium Sulfate) is the 2nd most abundant element in human cells and the 4th most important positive charged ion. It’s vital in many bodily functions such as muscle control, nerve impulses, regulates electrolytes, lowers blood pressure, helps maintain insulin levels, eases pain, help regulate calcium, helps maintain serotonin levels, aids in proper digestion, intestinal mucin production, repair & formation of brain & connective tissue, basically, it’s a major avenue for removing drugs, toxins, foreign things out of the body and rebalancing everything. It took 2 months of baths for me but I no longer feel that way (shaky, nauseous, light headed..etc…stuff) because the baths and GAPS diet did and are doing their job, FEEL better and the baths have less balancing left to do. Luv how soft it makes my skin feel also. Have even used a similar version for severe nerve and muscle pain: Epsom salt, 3% hydrogen peroxide & ginger=works wonderfully (some dr’s use it for cancer patients for pain)***better then all the pain Rx’s on the planet -in my opinion. **** VERY important to hydrate before and after baths-it may take some of that nauseous ill feeling away also.. you are pulling stuff out …replenishing only makes sense. I usually do large glass of filtered water with fresh lemon (helps in your bodies natural cleansing process) before, during and after each bath (**organic products are best). Stay well, hope this was helpful .
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this very helpful comment. I never heard of the bath you mentioned with 3% hydrogen peroxide and ginger that is good for pain. How much hydrogen peroxide and how much ginger? In what form is the ginger and where do you get the hydrogen peroxide? This sounds like it would be very useful to many people and such a healthful alternative to pain medications.
Think it originally came from Dr David A Jernigan’s website. I received it from my GAPS practitioner.
Recipe is :
4-6 cups Epsom Salt (cheapest I have found is at Walmart but almost all grocery and other stores carry it),
32-64 fluid ounces of Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (found in any grocery or pharmacy stores-cheapest I have found it is at Family Dollar stores),
2-4 T fresh grated ginger organic if possible (from local grocery or health food stores) can wrap in a cloth or a tea ball drop in bath , fill standard size tub with warm water. add above ingredients dissolve & soak at least for 20 minutes..
BE SURE TO DRINK FULL GLASS OF FILTERED WATER WITH FRESH LEMON BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER BATH-to keep hydrated and assist with the cleansing process. *This bath will make you sweat and feel weak…it is an intense cellular workout…. depending on your condition & level of toxicity….so use it with caution for personal safety. And check with your trusted MD/ND if unsure if it’s for you.
It is recommended for at least 7 consecutive days for severe pain, or as per your doctor and then as needed.
I did it for 7 consecutive days and now only as needed. Your body will tell you. When I first started doing these baths I hardly had the energy to get in and out of the tub… It truly is amazing how well it works.
Some precautions to consider: **For people with color treated hair- it will take the dye out-use with caution-or put your hair up and don’t soak it. **Use GINGER with caution for anyone on blood thinners-it will enhance their effects. **Do not use if you are pregnant. Hope this was helpful. Stay well.
This is wonderful. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this all out. Much appreciated!
Thanks for sharing this. I took the Epsom salt bath with ‘Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Soothe & Sleep Lavender Soaking Solution’ last weekend for the first time. I was sweating so much and my heart was racing like crazy the whole time. It was a miracle I sat there for 15mins. I am not very keen in doing it again. Are you saying these sensations will go away after a few times?
I would be cautious. Some people react to the sulphur in Epsom Salts and you may be better off without Epsom salt baths.
Hi :o) Love this article! I have a 5 yr old daughter who has Autism, and I have Fibromyalgia and a list of other nerve/muscle issues. I never realized all of the other benefits to epsom salts, and baking soda in baths, and Vit C powder is new to me too. I’m definitely starting a new pre-bedtime bathing ritual!
As for essential oils, this is an area I am just starting to explore with my daughter….researching for now. Moving to BC and hopeful to find someone very knowledgeable with oils and Autism there, or online to give me some direction. So many things to explore!
I am glad that you found it useful and I hope that your daughter will benefit.
Does anyone know why one would feel nauseous after an epsom salt bath? This has happened to me twice and both times I used lots of epsom salts.
Thanks
I do not know the answer. But I have heard this from others. I don’t know what it signifies. Thanks for writing and maybe someone else will know what this represents.
getting over-heated can make me nauseous on occasion…it’s the hot water, not the epsom salts…
just an idea…may not be the case for you…
The same thought occurred to me.
You might want to add a 1000 to 2000mg of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) crystals to the bath as well. The Vitamin C Crystals remove chlorine and chloramines, which are otherwise damaging to your skin and health.
Epsom Salt baths are great for people who are just starting GAPS or SCD diets.
Hi Steve, Thanks for writing. That is totally fascinating. I am surprised that the Vitamin C crystals are not irritating to the skin. I have used essential oil with citrus in it in the bath, and it burns my skin. I take it that the citric acid does not have that effect?
1000 mg is a very small amount of Vitamin C…very very small…in all that water it gets lost as an irritant…
for more info see Chris Kresser, who I highly recommend in general…
http://chriskresser.com/is-your-daily-shower-making-you-sick
also, flouride is also a neurotoxin that can cause serious issues in sensitive people…we have a house wide filter to get rid of flouride and chlorine…I need to at the Vit C for the chloramine though…
Hi Gianna. That makes a lot of sense. I will definitely start adding that to my bath.
@ Judy – Gianna got it right. In a bathtub full of water, it is really not that much. I’ve seen recommendations higher than Chris’s, that’s why I put 1000-2000mg. In the past I always used around 1500-3000mg just because of various serving sizes of powders I was using. I never experienced any problems.
If you try it let us know if you notice anything on your skin… my guess is you won’t… but if you do it would be good to know.
Hi Judy,
I just found your blog when I looked up Gaps detox baths. I see we have a lot of links in common (I love Dr Kruse and Nom Nom Paleo too!). Anyway, I just had a question. I have been on the Gaps intro diet for 3 months now and am seeing wonderful results in terms of my allergies, nasal congestion and food intolerances. But as for the baths, I try to use epsom salts or baking soda and with each of these, I feel nervous and have trouble sleeping after the bath. I know I had this reaction to Natural Calm and could not take it before bed. I react to the magnesium in a paradoxical fashion, instead of being calming, it is more stimulating. Any other suggestions as to what I can put in the bathwater for detox? I haven’t tried ACV yet because I have not been able to tolerate any vinegar orally because of the histamine, so not sure if I should bathe with it. Any help appreciated. I will be spending more time reading your cool blog. Thanks.
Hi Sammie,
Thanks for writing and appreciating the blog. That is so interesting about your paradoxical reaction to Magnesium. I never heard of that. One other recommendation that Dr. Natasha had for detox bathing was with seaweed powder. I investigated it, but never ordered any to try it myself. I think that would be a great thing to try. If you do, please let me know what you think of it.
Sammie,
just wanted to let you know I’ve encountered folks having paradoxical reactions to magnesium many times among folks coming off of psychiatric drugs…it’s somewhat rare, but I’ve worked with thousands of folks now and it’s not in the least bit unheard of. In this particular population there are multiple drug, chemical and food sensitivities that are rarely seen elsewhere. It is however, uncommon enough that most doctors in private practice don’t generally see it. For me it means it’s dangerous to be treated with standard medicine by MDs who’ve not recognized it as an issue.
I imagine if you’ve not withdrawn or are withdrawing from psych drugs now it’s likely there are other scenarios that cause these odd sensitivities.
I have a post on my blog that speaks to it if you feel it might be helpful. http://beyondmeds.com/multipledrugsensitivity/
it’s seems likely that it’s a problem with the blood/brain barrier being compromised…
Thanks, Gianna, this is great information. Fascinating.
Wow, thanks for the great replies! I am not, nor have I ever been on psychiatric medications. I do, however, have multiple chemical and food intolerances. Many years ago, I tried Prozac and St. John’s wort (not at the same time) and got the same reaction as I do with magnesium, namely anxiety and heart pounding, etc. I also am self-diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. I am finding with the Gaps diet, my Aspie symptoms are improving (better eye contact and less anxiety) and also some of my food sensitivies are lessened. I am following a combined protocol of Gaps, low histamine and no FODMAPS or nightshades. I think figuring out I have high histamine was key in my healing, i.e. my main symptom being nasal congestion. Thanks again for the replies, and Gianna I will check out your blog as well, and Judy, I’ll look into the seaweed powder. Have a great day!
wow we are really similar!! i think its interesting that all these conditions overlap, ….. i just took an epsom salt and my heart was pounding after so thats how i came across this post because i wanted to look up why that happens! i also have asperger’s and struggle with eye contact and anxiety, going low histamine was HUGE for me too!! i also have food and chemical sensitivities as well… did you find anything else that helped with your communcation/eye contact?
If you have trouble with the epsom salt bath try using bentonite clay in your water instead. It will also pull out toxins.
Just thought I’d stop in and let you know I’m LOVING my new essential oils…
I’m particularly loving the Rose Geranium, but I really like the Clary Sage too!!
thank you!
Hi Gianna.
Thanks so much for writing and letting me know.
I am so glad that you are enjoying the essential oils. I also have an aroma therapy diffuser that Is electric. I put a few drops of oil on the little metal plate and turn it on and it makes the room smell wonderful. With the diffuser, you can use oils that are more resinous like Vetiver, which I am crazy about. When you use those resinous oils in the bath, they coat the tub and then its hard to clean. I love essential oils, and I love to read about their psychotropic properties and choose which ones to use on that basis, in addition to how they smell.
I actually have a diffuser somewhere…I had a really bad allergic reaction to a blend that had camomile in it…which is apparently related to ragweed…odd because I don’t get seasonal allergies but I was coughing like mad and had a really ugly “tickle” in my throat…calling it a “tickle” is a bit of an understatement as the coughing was so severe I was choking and gagging! That may be too much information, but that was all described to explain why I’ve never pulled out the diffuser again! Bad association…
it’s time I face my fear 🙂
I will find it.
That sounds awful! Some people are really sensitive to scents and for them it would probably be a terrible idea. You can experiment, but be careful! Thanks for writing, Gianna, I enjoy hearing from you.
Thanks for this recipe, Judy. I do lavender epsom salt baths, but have never put the baking soda in. As I have sensitive skin and can be rash prone, especially in the summer with working out in the garden , I welcome this addition.
I think we sooooo underestimate the power of good feeling and good smelling rituals like this. And this one is even “good for us” in other ways!
I just updated the post with links for bulk Epsom salts and essential oils. Bathing this way is a great way to take care of yourself and to relax and take pleasure in your body.
I take a similar bath with epsom salt and baking soda daily. Sometimes twice a day. I did a post on it too! It’s been a very popular post that I’ve reposted.
http://beyondmeds.com/2011/08/26/healingtool/
In any case, earlier today, I purchased a couple of other essential oils (at your recommendation) and look forward to trying the Geranium and and Clary Sage once they arrive in the mail. I’ve not learned too much about aromatherapy…perhaps the time is now. 🙂
thanks for sharing.
Gianna,
What a lovely post you wrote. It is very similar to mine. I am so glad to hear that it is such a valuable healing tool for you. For me, its a great way to end my day. I like to listen to podcasts as I lay in the hot water. I love trying different essential oils. One that I am crazy about is Vetiver, but it is resinous and sticks to the tub. Its better to put in an aroma therapy diffuser. Aromatherapy is definitely worth exploring. It adds beauty and a special dimension to the atmosphere. Thanks for writing.