Annie: I’d like to start making myself detoxifying baths. How do I do this? Baths are wonderfully healing. Hot water draws toxins out of the body to the skin’s surface, and while the water cools it pulls toxins from the skin, according to Naturopath Dr. Hazel Parcells. Epsom salts augment this detoxification by causing you to sweat. Other salts—all highly alkaline and cleansing—used in baths include sea salt, baking soda, clay, and Dead Sea salts. Caution: Do not take hot baths and salt baths (including Epsom salt baths) if you have heart trouble, high blood pressure, or are diabetic. Basic Salt Soak Bath Formula Minerals and salts make the bath water feel silky and leave your skin cleansed and soft. 1 cup sea salts 2 cups baking soda 1 cup Epsom salts 1 to 2 tablespoons glycerin per bath Combine the sea salts, baking soda, and Epsom salts in a bowl. Stir to blend. Pour 1/4 cup or so into the bath while the tub is filling. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons glycerin to keep your skin from drying out (more for dry skin, less for oily skin) and essential oils of choice. Preparation Time: 2 to 3 minutes Shelf Life: Indefinite Storage: Glass jar with a screw top Sign up for the Care2 ASk Annie newsletter!