PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Pink Himalayan salt can be added to food, beverages, and baths for a variety of health benefits. A salt bath may balance the body’s pH, lower your blood pressure, and deep clean your skin. By mixing the water and salt properly and taking a few safety precautions, you can experience the benefits of a Himalayan salt bath.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Preparing for the Bath

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wash thoroughly before you attempt to take a detox salt bath. You want to wash away any additives like perfume, soap residue, or conditioner that could throw off the composition of your bath. Make sure the tub gets a good rinse too after you’ve finished using any toiletries. [1]
  2. The water should be at or just above body temperature. Himalayan salt baths are not meant to be taken in very hot water. If you have a thermometer, aim for about 97 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). [2]
    Advertisement
  3. As the water is running, add enough Himalayan salt to create a 1% solution. This means adding about 2.5 pounds (a little over 1 kilogram) to a standard-sized tub, which holds 27-32 gallons (102-121 liters) of water. [3]
    • Himalayan salts can be purchased online, at health stores, or at some organic grocery stores.
  4. A fine grain salt should dissolve quickly, but if your salts are chunkier this may take more time. If you’re concerned that your salts will take too long to dissolve, place them in a large bowl the night before and cover them with warm water. The next day, pour the entire contents of the bowl into the tub as it’s filling.
  5. Essential oils can increase your level of relaxation or rejuvenation in the bath. If you choose to use one, such as eucalyptus oil or lavender oil, add about 3 drops as the tub is filling with water. Do not add more than this, since it could irritate your skin.
  6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Soaking Safely in the Bath

PDF download Download Article
  1. Salt baths can place a lot of pressure on your circulatory system, so if you have poor heart circulation, heart disease, diabetes, or are pregnant, always check with your doctor first to be sure that you can safely take a salt bath. [4]
  2. You can quickly become dehydrated while taking a salt bath. Make sure you have a glass or water bottle near the edge of the tub to sip from while you soak.
  3. Soaking in a salt bath can be intense for your circulatory system and your muscles, so spend no more than 30 minutes in the tub. Even after that short amount of time in the salt water, you will likely feel weak when you get out of the bath.
  4. When you’re done, drain the tub and rise slowly. Hold onto something sturdy, like the edge of the sink, as you attempt to climb out. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down immediately and sip some more water until you feel ready to stand again.
  5. The salt water is safe to leave on your skin, so no need to rinse yourself off or even wipe your whole body down with a towel. Use this drying time to rest for at least 30 minutes, since you will need some time to recover from the detox. [5]
    • It’s best to take this bath right before bed so that you won’t be doing any more physical activity for the day.
  6. Since Himalayan salt baths can be so intense, you should not be taking them every day. Start out by taking one a week, and then build up to two or three if you really like them. [6]
  7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it safe to soak in pink Himalayan salt?
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Expert Answer
    While Himalayan salt is generally safe, using excessive amounts might not provide additional benefits and could make the water too salty or irritating for your skin. It's also important to step out of the tub and rinse off under a quick shower after your desired soaking time—this helps remove any remaining salt from your skin.
  • Question
    Should you moisturize after a salt bath?
    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! Pat your skin dry with a towel and apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration, as salt baths can be mildly dehydrating.
  • Question
    Is Olde Thompson Himalayan Pink Salt a good brand of salt?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is a good brand of salt.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make the experience even more relaxing by lighting a candle on the counter and playing soft music.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skincare, check out our in-depth interview with Barbie Ritzman .

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Taking a Himalayan salt bath can be relaxing and may help lower your blood pressure and exfoliate your skin. You don’t need your bath water to be very hot. Just above body temperature is ideal. You’ll need about 2 ½ pounds of Himalayan salt for a standard bathtub. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an extra fragrance. While Himalayan salt baths can be relaxing, they can also dehydrate you easily, so have a glass of water nearby while you soak. Stay in the tub for 20-30 minutes to get the most from your bath. When you get out, take it slowly and hold onto something in case you feel dizzy or lightheaded, since Himalayan salt baths can sometimes have that effect on people. For more tips, including where to buy Himalayan salt, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 81,445 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Miriam Cox

        Jan 11, 2019

        "Helped me a lot! Thanks!"
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement