Why a Hot Ginger Bath is The Perfect Detox Ritual for Winter

For centuries, ritual bathing has been practiced in China for its soothing mind-body benefits. And come winter, any dip in the tub would be remiss not to include a zing of ginger, says Anna Lam, founder of natural skin-care brand GingerChi.

Ginger has been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years for culinary and medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory, circulation-boosting, and digestion-aiding effects year-round. But, the fibrous root becomes that much more crucial during the colder months, thanks not just to its naturally warming properties, but its accordance with the traditional Chinese concept of chi, which is the energy force inherent in all living things. In order for chi to circulate, there must be balance—otherwise known as the ancient philosophy of yin and yang.

“The heat of a warm bath and the ‘yang’ energy of ginger is much needed for the ‘yin’ season of winter,” explains Lam. “Eating ginger, drinking ginger tea, and taking a ginger bath all help warm the meridians, opening the blockages to promote the flow of blood and the chi throughout the body. Bathing during the cooler months is essential as it helps bring the body back into balance, improves circulation, and fortifies the immune system.”

It doesn’t hurt that the relaxing pre-bedtime ritual has the handy secondary effect of encouraging better sleep, which we all need more of amid the stress of lockdown. Here, six ginger-infused bath essentials to snap up as the temperatures drop.

GingerChi Revitalizing Sugar Scrub

Rough, bone-dry limbs are no match for this mixture of fresh ginger, coconut, and grapefruit, which gently exfoliates away dead skin cells while toning and moisturizing for an unseasonably luminous finish.

Kerstin Florian Ginger Bath and Body Oil

A full-body oil massage is an important act of self-care in both Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, and this spicy, invigorating blend of ginger and antiseptic coriander will prolong the restorative benefits of an end-of-day soak.

Goop G.Day Ginger + Ashwagandha Energy Body Wash

This plant-based body cleanser teams ginger with hero adaptogen and nervous system–alleviating ashwagandha, as well as Japanese shiso leaf, Indian black pepper oil, and pink peppercorn, for a daily ritual that will leave the mind (just as much as the body!) totally refreshed.

Lockwood New York No. 31 Basil Ginger Hair + Body Wash

A one-two punch of ginger mint extract for the scalp and body, this multipurpose wash is also laced with anti-aging amino acids, rejuvenating vitamin B, and elasticity-restoring Kakadu plum.

Origins Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath

If “the more bubbles the better” is your modus operandi in the tub, meet the creamy bath time elixir of your dreams. As robust as it is frothy, the influx of ginger will ease muscle tension while its crisp citrus scent is equal parts aromatic and energizing.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel

An amalgam of nourishing ginger, lavender, rosemary, and black pepper essential oils, this magic tonic takes aches and pain to task beyond the bath—and feels like an extra layer of warmth underneath pajamas.

Crabtree and Evelyn Spiced Honey Bath Syrup

With its spice honey scent, this sudsy ginger soak is a fresh, yet gourmand experience that offers skin-silkening benefits by way of Manuka honey, ginseng root, and coconut oil.

Espa Yuzu Ginger Cleansing Sorbet

You don't have to leave your face out of the equation. With its smooth balm- to-oil texture, Espa's cleanser offers sensorial bliss while it cleanses and purifies with revitalizing yuzu, soothing ginger, and barrier-supporting botanical lipids, like moringa and pomegranate.

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