In our last article, we looked at the various forms in which water is available for our consumption, and why some water would be preferable over other water. In this article, we want to look at how water can be used for detoxification, and its use in natural “cures”.

Next, to oxygen, water is the most vital element to human life. The body consists of about 60% water, on average, and each day we loose approximately 2 ½ quarts of water through exhalation, perspiration and elimination. If we did not replenish this loss, death would eventually be inevitable. Eleven days is the maximum a person can live without drinking any water.

Water is also a powerful solvent necessary to carry metabolic waste out of the body. In fact it is the best liquid to cleanse the tissues and remove poisons from the system, and to purify the blood. On average, we need to drink 1 ounce of water for every 2 lbs of body weight. If you are overweight, you need to add and additional cup of water for each 25 lbs you are overweight. If you are sweating, or the weather is very hot, you also need to drink more water.

Water can be used both externally as well as internally for detoxification. External water therapies are known as hydrotherapy, and they range from saunas or steam baths, to simply body wraps. These therapies encourage better circulation through the use of hot and cold temperatures. Heat encourages the deeper flow of blood and lymph throughout the body as vessels dilate. Thus toxins can be removed in areas where the circulation of these fluids had been sluggish. Higher temperatures also boost functions – including heart rate and metabolism. As temperatures rise, these body processes become more efficient, and thus detoxification is enhanced. If cold is used as a follow-up to heat, circulation is further improved as tissues constrict and move fluids and toxins along.

• The Sauna

The sauna is especially conducive to profuse sweating. We eliminate up to 30% of our toxins through the skin, and as we open the pores through the artificial fever brought on by the sauna, we “drive” the toxins out of the body. This approach is very beneficial for those individuals who have had extreme over-exposures to toxins, such as on the job or through the use of illicit drugs, smoking, alcohol, or prescription medications.

Spend 15 minutes in the sauna, then step quickly into a cold shower for 30 seconds. Repeat this two more times, finishing with the cold shower. After treatment, lie in bed for at least 30 minutes. This procedure is very excellent for boosting the immune system.

• Baths

The temperature of the bath determines the effect that will be realized by the body. A neutral bath (about 92F) increases the circulation and helps to dissipate heat throughout the body and induce sleep. It is also very beneficial for congestion in the brain.

To encourage detoxification of heavy metals from the body, heat the bath water to approximately 105F (no higher than 110F); add 1 ½ cups of baking soda or 2 cups of epsom salts to the bath; stir the water with your hand to mix the soda or salt through; submerge the body up to your neck if possible, and soak for 20 minutes adding more hot water as necessary; use a loofa to brush the skin. If heavy metals are present in the body, they will be “pulled” by the alkaline action of the water, and you will notice the water turn grey in color. Exit the tub carefully when finished as you may feel slightly light-headed. This bath can be repeated daily for 7-10 days, after which it is good to give the body a rest of a couple of weeks before repeating the procedure.

Aromatherapy baths can also assist the detoxification process, by the use of essential oils. Each essential oil is different in its aroma and effects, so you will want to consider which one(s) you will choose for your bath. In a tub of hot water, add 8 to 10 drops of the oil of choice and stir the water with your hand. Relax in the bath for 20 minutes, adding hot water to keep it at a warm temperature. Good detoxifying oils are: lavender, eucalyptus, fennel, geranium, ginger, peppermint, rosemary.

To simply improve the circulation, add several tablespoons of cayenne pepper to the warm bath, and soak for 10 to 15 minutes; rinse with a warm shower.

• Body Wraps & Packs

Body wraps and packs are simple but effective therapies for many ailments.

For a sore throat, tonsillitis or laryngitis, use the heating compress.  Soak a piece of flannel material (wide enough and long enough to wrap around the neck) in ice water. Lightly wring flannel cloth so that it does not drip, and wrap snugly around neck; cover with a piece of plastic so that air does not circulate; wrap a piece of wool around the neck and secure with a safety-pin; leave on over-night. Often, by morning, the sore throat is completely gone, or greatly relieved.

A wet sheet pack is used for fevers or infections, for insomnia or as a general tonic in chronic illness. Wring a sheet out as dry as possible from cold water and spread it out on top of a wool blanket which has been placed lengthwise on the bed. Have the patient lie down on the sheet and quickly wrap the body, making sure that every part of the body is in contact with the wet sheet. Now pull the edges of the wool blanket up and wrap securely around the patient. Additional blankets may be used as well as a hot water bottle if desired, to speed up the heating process. During the first 5-12 minutes, body heat is removed into the cool sheet, helping to reduce fevers. When the sheet reaches skin temperature, a sedative effect is realized, tending to induce sleep. When the treatment is finished, have the patient rest in bed for 30 to 60 minutes.

For bowel irregularity or menstrual discomfort use a piece of flannel, a hot water bottle and castor oil. First, place a towel on the bed where you will be laying to protect from any oil that may drip onto the sheet. Take 2-3 Tbsp. of castor oil and apply it to the abdomen, between your pubic bone and rib cage. Lie down on the bed and cover the abdomen with the piece of flannel. Put the hot water bottle on top and cover everything with towels to keep the heat in. You may want to cover up with a blanket to keep yourself warm. Relax in this position for about 20 minutes, before cleaning up.

In closing, please remember to first check with your health professional before doing any of the above treatments, especially if you have any serious or chronic health conditions.