How To Get Rid Of The Flu Fast: Detox Bath
How to get rid of the flu fast, that’s always a question I search when I feel like I’m getting sick. There’s never really a clear answer. Thursday I began to show some minor flu symptoms: a headache, body aches and just not feeling 100%. Then Saturday came, and I felt like I was knocking on death’s door. It was time to try a detox bath.
I had big shopping plans on Sunday and didn’t have time to milk the flu so I took matters into my own hands and made a DIY Detox Bath. I originally got the idea from The DIY Guinea Pig, but changed up the measurements and added sea salt (I read somewhere that it’s good to add sea salt to detox baths).
How To Get Rid Of The Flu Fast | DIY Detox Bath
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A detox bath is simple to create and you probably have the ingredients you need around the house. Mix together and you’ll be easing your symptoms in no time.
Don’t forget to try these natural sore throat remedies.
Detox Bath Recipe
- 1-2 cups of Epsom salts
- 1 cup Baking soda
- 2 tbsps powdered ginger (I’m sure ginger root would be best, but I was sick. I was not going to be chopping anything.)
- 1/2 cup sea salt (optional)
Draw your bath as hot as you can stand it. Pour ingredients into the bath and soak for 40 minutes. They say the first 20 minutes is to detoxify and the last 20 is so your skin can absorb the minerals. You should be having a good sweat at this time, be sure to hydrate during your bath. I drank two glasses before, one during and two after.
When you get out of the tub, do so slowly. You are more than likely light headed at this time. Dry off and wrap yourself in a towel and cover in a robe. I took it a step further cuddled up on the couch with a blanket. You will feel very warm for at least an hour afterward. You want to keep sweating it out!
Randa’s Tip: DO NOT apply lotion or anything on your skin after and don’t eat immediately after. Give yourself that hour to let your body do its thing.
Can Pregnant Women Have a Detox Baths?
I am not a doctor so I cannot give medical advice, it’s always best to check with your physician beforehand. I do not recommend doing this if you are pregnant.
What Does a Detox Bath Do For Your Body?
I honestly don’t care for the word “detox” since your body naturally detoxifies yourself. However, in my experience, a detox bath will help rid your body of toxins. I tend to sweat more with these epsom salt baths and they also ease my sore and achy muscles. This eases your flu symptoms and makes you feel better.
Detox Bath
I felt much better after doing the detox bath, not 100% but well enough to have pizza for dinner and to participate in a 12 hour shopping day on Sunday.
If you like this then you’ll love these 5 Easy DIY Detox Baths, the no pain one sounds like it’s a keeper.
Recipes For When You’re Sick
I’m one of those people that when I’m sick, I eat more! I know I’m not the only one out there so I wanted to share a few things I like to eat when I’m not feeling that well.
- Healing Turkey Soup – I usually make a bunch of turkey or chicken soup and freeze it. That way when I am feeling under the weather, I just have to toss it in the microwave.
- Pineapple Popsicles
- Berry Beet Popsicles
- Gelatin Cups
- Tropical Power Smoothie
Healthy soup, lots of fluids, and a detox bath are a great combination to ease your symptoms and help your body get rid of the flu fast. Let your body do its thing and relax while you can. You’ll be back to the grind soon enough.
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Epsom Salt Baths
If baths relax you (which they should, they’re on my list of 11 self care examples) here are a few Epsom salt bath recipes.
Easing Muscle Aches & DOMS (Leg Day Saver)
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How often can I do this? Im heading into finals and need to kick the flu!
I’m not a doctor, so I’m not sure….but I only did it once. Maybe every second day?
Good luck on your finals!
Did you feel achy during and after doing this? Is that normal?
Hey Rachel,
No I didn’t. That very well could be the flu aches 🙂 Feel better!
I need this today! If you use raw ginger – how much would you use?
Hmmm, I’m not sure I’d probably just cut off a chunk? Roughly an inch? Feel better!
I’m happy you felt better but I do have a comment/question. You say you would not do this detox bath to a baby. Did you discuss taking this bath with your OB doctor? Not sure how safe this is for pregnancy. I’m a nurse-not an OB./GYN nurse though. PLEASE discuss this with your doctor about taking baths as hot as you can stand with the ingredients you used. Better safe than sorry.
Hey Vickie,
I wouldn’t do it while pregnant either (which is a shame because I have had a flu and a head cold for WEEKS).
Hi Randa
Just read your remedy for detox bath going to it tonight , According to my doc I’m having tamiflu and he gave me tamiflu med which has 2 pages of side effets .Also I never been sick by last 12 years with help of goid food/ workout/ meditation , slowly I walked away from my healthy life style and there it is I visit a doctor think I’m having flu.I respect doctors but also know big industry of drugs need be supported by doctors.thank you so much for your brilliant remedy .
Hey Zora!
I have never been offered Tamiflu before, but from those I know who have taken it – it does help so at least you have the script. This is not a cure for the flu, but it does help with some of the symptoms 🙂 Feel better!
Today is day 6 that I have been down and out with unconfirmed flu. Fever, bodyachez, coughing and sneezing with weakness and lethargy. I found your recipe for the detox bath and it works! After my bath I did feel more weak, but followed your suggestions and by evening I was remarkably better. I ended up vomiting and we wondered if that was how toxins were expelled. At any rate I was able to accomplish a few tasks and felt a lot better later in the day. Thank you for this recipe. It feels good to feel good again!
I’m glad you’re on the upswing!
When you say to put a scoop, approximately how many tablespoons?
I’m searching this post for the word scoop, but I can’t find it? What party Janice?
OK so I have the flu and I just came across this. I’m going to try it out and be honest with my outcome. Fever 103, chills, body is aching soooo bad. We will see.
Do you have to use a carrier oil when you use essential oils in the bath?
Hey Ryan,
I don’t. One of my friend’s who is big into oils told me that if you mix epsoms it helps … but you have to be careful with “hot oils” (like oregano). For this mix, you’re all good 🙂
Yes to eating more when having the flu! I was diagnosed yesterday and like every modern age women does, I turned to the internet. This bath has been LIFE CHANGING and took me from feeling like a 2 to feeling like a 5 in a handful of hours. So much less achy and a little bit more get up and go. But back to the eating, I’m so glad to read I’m not the only one. My appetite changes a lot but I get so hungry, it must just be comforting. Thank you for sharing!
I am so happy you’re feeling better 🙂 I hope you feel 10 soon 😀