A home remedy for cold & flu season
Ginger baths work as anti-inflammatories while also having antiviral and antibacterial properties. A ginger bath can be especially effective for a sick child because if their body is too warm, the bath will cool them down or if their body is chilled, the bath water will warm them right up.
How to make a ginger bath
Straight from Dr. Brad, here are all the ginger-bath-making details you'll need to get started.
Slice up some fresh ginger
Simmer the ginger in a medium sized pot on the stove for 20 minutes
Take the warm ginger water from the stove and poor it into the tub
Fill the tub with bath water that’s between 99 – 100 degrees F (you can use the same thermometer you use to check to your child’s temperature). Just be sure the bath water isn’t too hot or too cold.
Awww... now relax! Go ahead and stay in the gingery-tub for as long as it’s comfortable, adding more warm water as needed.
When you’re ready to get out of the bath, be careful not to stand up too quickly! Ginger baths tend to relax our kidney systems, which can often lower our blood pressure a little. If you feel a slight bit light headed when you stand up, try strongly contracting your thigh muscles – this should help. Just remember to be gentle with yourself and move slowly.
Who should take a ginger bath?
Ginger baths aren’t just great for kids and teens; ginger baths are also great for adults too and especially good for infants. When making a ginger bath for your baby, a good option is for mom or dad to get in the tub with the baby. This can often be more relaxing and soothing for your sick little babe.
Next time your kids get sick the best thing you can do right away for your sweet, sick child is to plop them, gently of course, into a ginger bath.
Left with more ginger bath questions? Ask Dr. Brad at your next appointment or leave your questions in the comments below.
One more gingery extra tip: this short video will show you the easiest and fastest way to peel ginger. How helpful!