Environmental toxins are a reality of modern life. Your body absorbs toxins created by air and water pollution, as well as artificial ingredients in food. You are even exposed to toxins through the products and items you handle every day. According to a study done by the Washington Toxics Coalition, the cash you use to buy your morning coffee may be coated with Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to infertility and cancer.
Detox
The concept behind detox is simple: to help your body rid itself of toxins that build up in your colon, liver, kidneys, and even in your cells. The general goals of any detox method is to achieve better overall health, improved immune function and to lose weight.
Body Wraps
Body wraps involve spreading an herbal mixture, mud or other natural substance directly on the skin, then wrapping several layers of blankets or other materials around the body. To perform a body wrap at home, you should spread a plastic sheet over a bed to protect it, then cover that with a warm blanket, followed by an insulated space blanket such as those sold for backpacking. Cover that with a cotton sheet. Spread a detoxifying substance over your body, then wrap tightly in the blankets. Most body wraps last 45 minutes to an hour.
Weight Loss
When the goal of a body wrap is weight loss, stretchable bandages are used in addition to blankets. Wrap bandages around your entire body to apply deep pressure. This encourages sweating, which will reduce water weight. Body wraps are not useful for long-term weight loss but can temporarily reduce body size.
Types
You can use many natural substances in your home body wrap. A basic body wrap uses a mud made from green clay, which is available in natural food stores, coarse sea salt, olive oil and water.
You can experiment by adding powdered aromatics such as rose petals, basil, lavender or sage to your mud mixture. Coffee grounds are sometimes used in place of sea salt for a finer exfoliating experience.
Warning
While body wraps may help you relax, there is little scientific evidence to support the claims of detoxification. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, your liver and kidneys do a fine job of eliminating waste and toxins without any assistance from detox remedies.
If you choose to use herbs in your body wrap, consult an experienced herbalist first. Some herbs, such as juniper and jasmine, are harmful during pregnancy. Other oils, such as cinnamon, can cause skin irritation.
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