Detox Ginger Bath
Ease Cold Symptoms | Anti-Inflammatory | Promote Better Sleep
Besides the occasional sniffles from allergies, I haven't gotten sick in YEARS thanks to an anti-inflammatory diet and incorporating a healthy lifestyle. The weather in Houston has been CRAZY lately, and we are literally getting all 4 seasons in the span of a week. I have always been very sensitive to weather change, and in the midst of a stressful, busy month my immune system weakened and I found myself with a nasty sinus infection. Many people get prescribed antibiotics for a sinus infection, however most sinus infections are viral and therefore, antibiotics will not help. I am very against taking antibiotics for a multitude of reasons. I won't get on that rant here, but I will say to do your research on antibiotics and what they do to your body, and also look into antibiotic resistance which can easily happen with the amounts of antibiotics the average person takes.
ANYWAYS. Let's chat about this detox bath. The main ingredient is organic GINGER. Ginger baths have been used for healing for centuries. Ginger is an incredible anti-inflammatory root, promotes cardiovascular health, and relieves muscle pain and fatigue. The thought behind a ginger bath is that you are soaking in the benefits of ginger through the largest organ in your body (your skin!) while also getting the relaxing benefits of the bath. The ginger bath has a thermogenic effect, which means it raises the body temperature slightly. AKA- get ready to SWEAT! Sweating is a good thing, and is your body's most effective form of detoxification. So grab a glass of ice water, fill up your bath, and grab a book or something to do for 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
-
2-3 T organic ground ginger (go for less if you have very sensitive skin
-
1 cup plain epsom salts
-
1/2 cup baking soda
-
optional- essential oils of choice. Thieves oil works great!
Instructions:
Run the bath water as hot as you can handle it, but not too hot- keep in mind you'll be in here for at least 20 minutes and your body temperature will rise. As the water runs, add the ginger, epsom salts, and baking soda under the running water to help mix them in. Add the essential oils if applicable.
Once the bath is full, get in, and get ready to sweat. You will sweat a lot. Like, literally sweat pouring down your face. That's a good thing! Stay in for at least 20 minutes, then get out, towel off and put on a robe or comfy clothes that you don't mind sweating in. You will continue to sweat for at least 20-30 minutes after the bath. Once your body is completely cooled, you can shower if you wish (I did this because my hair was super sweaty and I felt gross!).
Results:
I woke up the next morning feeling significantly better. My symptoms had subsided and I had more energy and mental clarity.
Notes:
Bring some water to the bath with you. I started to get slightly uncomfortable with the heat, and drinking some cold water helped me. Note that you will continue to sweat AFTER you get out of the bath due to the thermogenic effect of the ginger. I recommend doing this in the evening before bed.
Disclaimer- The advice on my website is available as a guide to chemical-free living, but keep in mind every body is different and what works for one person may not work for all. I am not a medical doctor. Please always consult your physician for your specific health concerns.