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 up right away.
How to make a ginger bath
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.
Go ahead and stay in the gingery tub for as long as it’s comfortable, adding more warm water as needed.
Please note: When you’re ready to get out of the bath, be careful not to stand up too quickly! Ginger baths tend to relax our kidneys, which can lower our blood pressure. If you feel slightly light-headed when standing 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; they 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 plopping them gently into a ginger bath.
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tRY SOME ginger TEA!
Feeling chilly? Ginger is a warming herb. A warm digestive system means fewer digestive issues, less upset stomach, less nausea, less bloating, and more overall support for the immune system.
Have a tickle in your throat? Fighting something off? Ginger is antiviral and antibacterial. It can help prevent you from getting sick and, if you're ill, can help you get better. You can add some honey or cinnamon as well.
Taking an antibiotic? Antibiotics are cooling to our digestion. This power-packed herb helps warm your digestive system, which protects the good bacteria from being killed off and keeps your internal biome functioning as it should. The more robust and functional your internal biome, the better the antibiotic can fight off the infection-causing bacteria.
Taking a mood med? These can also be cooling to the tummy. Add ginger tea to your daily habit to support your immune system and mood during winter.
HOW TO MAKE GINGER TEA
Steep chopped ginger root in 4-6 cups of water for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool, then pour it through a sieve to remove the peel.
One good-sized ginger root should be strong enough to make about 4-6 cups. Store in a jar or two in the fridge; it will be good for a few weeks.
Your daily tea prep is a snap. Heat some water, and add some ginger concentrate to taste. This is good for all ages—the option to add some cinnamon or honey.
Want to get ahead of the game? Prep a few roots in a larger pot and store some concentrate in the freezer; ice cube trays work well.
One more gingery extra tip: this short video will show you the easiest and fastest way to peel ginger. How helpful!