Looking for a way to keep your body warm and rejuvenated this winter season? Well, try a ginger bath. Ginger has always offered natural solutions to various ailments including aiding with digestion, reducing nausea, treating osteoarthritis, lowering blood sugar and more. But we bet you never thought to add some ginger into your bath water, have you?

It is a cultural Chinese practice as it’s a centuries old custom revered for its “soothing mind-body benefits.” If this sounds like something you’d like to try for yourself, let us explain the process to you. First, you want to make sure that ginger soaking on your skin will not cause irritation. You can do so by placing a piece of grated ginger or ginger paste onto a small patch of skin and letting it sit for up to five minutes. If you notice no irritation, you are free to proceed. You’ll also want to avoid taking a ginger bath if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or have a history of heart disease.

If you’re able to proceed, start by adding a half-cup of grated ginger or a teaspoon of powdered ginger to a warm bath. You’ll want to make sure that the temperature of the water is as warm as you can handle, so your body can fully absorb the ginger’s detoxifying effects. Next, you should soak in the bath for up to thirty minutes, being mindful that the color of the water will change to yellow or brown (so don’t be grossed out) and that your body temperature will rise causing you to sweat. It’s best to keep a cool, damp rag nearby, to place on your forehead and bring your temperature down if needed. Once your thirty minutes are up, feel free to lounge in your bathrobe, as your body may continue to sweat even once you’re out of the tub. Once you’ve stopped sweating, you can hop in the shower and cleanse your body.

Now, what does this process exactly do? Well, here’s six benefits of taking a ginger bath. 

  1. 1. Increases the flow of blood throughout the body + strengthens the immune system

It’s been scientifically proven that ginger speeds up blood circulation in the body. This is important because it causes the heat to rise within the body which causes a sweat response. This has proven to be a great way to treat cold and flu symptoms because it allows your body to release any bad toxins that may be negatively impacting your immune system. 

  1. 2. Can be used to regularly detox your body

The great thing about ginger baths is that you can take them as often as you like. Because of its detoxifying effects it can be used to purge your body after a long night out of drinking, or on a daily basis in “hopes of purging the everyday chemicals we’re all exposed to in the modern world.”

  1. 3. Promotes better sleep

Ginger baths are very much similar to your average bubble bath routine. The warm temperature of the water, combined with epson salt, a few drops of essential oil, and engulfing steam can be a very relaxing experience. One that is sure to ease you right into your bed for a good night’s sleep.

  1. 4. Alleviates body aches

The use of epson salt combined with ginger’s natural ability to relieve joint pain and stiffness is sure to take away any discomfort and tension you may be experiencing in your body or muscles. 

  1. 5. Reduces digestive discomfort

If you experience discomfort after eating, taking a ginger bath can be extremely beneficial. It’s believed that “delayed emptying of the stomach” is a major cause of indigestion so basking your body in a ginger bath will definitely help to soothe your aches and alleviate any indigestion altogether.  

  1. 6. It’s another way to pamper yourself, so why not?

With so much going on in our daily lives, why not take up an extra practice to show your body some extra love and self care? What can be better than taking a bath that not only relaxes you but keeps your body and immune system in great health?

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