Bishop, TX
A 25-year-old male asked:
Any opinions on a detox bath? detoxifying your body by laying in a tub with epson salt, ginger, baking soda, and essential oils?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Randy Bakeranswered
Holistic Medicine 42 years experience
Reasonable to try: There is not much research on this topic, but epsom salt baths are a proven way to get magnesium into our bodies, which most people need more of. Baking soda and essential oils are said to help our bodies to detoxify and I have many patients who tell me they do feel better if they do this when feeling toxic. There is certainly no harm in trying. At the very least soaking in a warm tub is relaxing!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Sounds good to me, especially the aroma of essential oils. :-)
Jun 8, 2013
Dr. Erik Borncampanswered
Wound care 27 years experience
Why would you ?: By definition, "alternative" is different than modern western medicine. Generally any drug, herb, treatment, or oil that stands up to rigorous scientific scrutiny is included in modern medicine. Many alternative practices, oils etc do not stand up to scientific scrutiny and cannot be shown to work.nor safe. Some could do serious harm. Check https://nccih.nih.gov/
for research
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
315 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Believe if you wish: Taking any bath can be relaxing and therapeutic. However, the skin is an effective barrier to any of the things you mention such that they do not enter your body (via the skin). The fumes may enter in a minor degree through inhalation into your lungs, but you don't need a bath for that. If you choose to believe in this practice it will have a benefit to your mindset. Would I ever do so myself=no.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
315 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 30, 2019
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