If you are looking to cleanse the system, Ayurveda has countless methods to promote detoxification for both the body and mind.  The Ginger Detox Bath is a great addition to any cleanse, but is equally beneficial to use on a daily basis as well.  This holistic remedy is one of the key svedana or sweating therapies in an Ayurvedic home cleanse and is recommended to be utilized each day before, during and after the program.  Since most disease is caused by toxins in the body, often this therapy is recommended in the lifestyle treatment protocol for healing disorders of all kinds.

As the name implies this bath can be utilized for its ability to increase detoxification.  However, this simple remedy also possesses many other healing properties.  For instance, a warm ginger bath is a great tool to stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (aka the rest and digest system), while turning off the Sympathetic Nervous System (aka the fight or flight system).  The PNS is essential for relaxation throughout the body and mind, while the SNS is more known for increasing stress hormones and causing constriction.  Sadly, our SNS is generally activated, as we go through our hectic and stressful days. 

This bath can play a key role in healing sore joints and muscles, as it increases circulation throughout the body and decreases inflammation.  I often prescribe it in many weight-loss regimens for its ability to reduce water retention and swelling, while promoting healthy digestion and metabolism.  As if all of these benefits aren’t enough, the ginger bath will help to combat any cold, fever or flu by detoxifying the system, eliminating body aches, and killing off unwanted bugs in the body.       

Health Benefits and Uses

• Relaxes the body and mind
• Detoxifies the body
• Increases circulation
• Promotes healthy digestion and metabolism
• Induces sweating
• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces aches, pains, soreness and swelling in the body
• Reduces a fever
• Reduces stress
• Calms the mind
• Enhances detoxification before, during and after a cleanse
• Beneficial during illness
• Beneficial in weight loss programs

Contraindications

• Skin wounds
• Rashes
• Sunburn
• Psoriasis
• General skin irritation
• Use with caution with a Pitta imbalance, especially related to the skin

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of organic dried ginger powder
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of plain, unscented Epsom salt
• Lavender and rosemary essential oils (optional but recommended)
• Medicated massage oil to apply after the bath (optional but recommended)
  

Instructions

1. Begin filling a clean tub with hot water.  **Pitta types should use warm to mildly hot water to avoid increasing Pitta further.

2. Once the tub is about half way full, begin to add in the ginger, baking soda and Epsom salt. 

3. Then add in 5-7 drops of both the lavender and the rosemary essential oil (optional). 

4. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are completely dissolved into the hot water. 

5. Turn off the water once it has filled the tub to the desired amount.

6. Lie in the tub for a minimum of 15 minutes or until a sweat breaks, whichever comes last. 

7. Drain the water and rinse any powder residue left in the tub.

8. Take a quick shower to rinse off any residue on your body. 

9. Apply a medicated massage oil such as Vata Oil, Pitta Oil or Kapha Oil directly after drying off.  This will help to heal and balance the body and nervous system further.  This is especially beneficial for Vata and Pitta types, due to the drying and heating potential respectively.