Cold Bath: Beneficial in the Cold Season

A cold bath relaxes body and soul and is a proven home remedy for numerous ailments. But which symptoms do going into the bathtub actually help with, which additives are recommended and how do you bathe properly? We are happy to help!

Cold bath: areas of application

A cold bath and the essential oils it contains can help when a cold is approaching. They alleviate many associated symptoms such as a scratchy throat, body aches, or general fatigue. For example, eucalyptus oil can help relieve a stuffy nose from a stubborn runny nose.

In addition, the hot bath water stimulates blood circulation and relaxes your muscles. Pain can be reduced in this way. The heat also simulates a kind of “mini-fever” in your body that revs up your ailing immune system. The effect: The body’s own defenses are strengthened, which incidentally also contributes to healthy eating when you have a cold. But beware: If a fever has already set in, the hot relaxation bath is not recommended. In this case, the full bath could stress the body and put additional strain on the immune system. In this case, a cold tea (e.g. made from sage) and other home remedies for a cold together with bed rest are preferable. You can also read which teas have a soothing effect on colds.

Which cold bath is the right one?

A high-quality cold bath traditionally contains concentrated herbal extracts. Popular are essential oils from eucalyptus, mountain pine, peppermint (menthol), thyme, camphor, or sage. Some essences have an invigorating effect, while others have a relaxing effect. The following applies here: Choose according to personal preference. As the cold season approaches, you can also make your own bath bombs as a precaution, enriching them with the appropriate oil. Then you have these ready to hand when your throat is scratchy and your nose is running.

During pregnancy, however, you should avoid cold baths with camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol. Use other bath products instead. You can inhale hot salt water against a stuffy nose: a wonderful home remedy as an expectorant. Cold baths with essential oils are also not suitable for babies and children up to the age of six.

Use a cold bath correctly

In order for your healing relaxation bath to unfold its full effect, we recommend a water temperature of 32-39 degrees. If that seems too hot: Sit in cooler water and gradually add hot water. This is how your body gets used to the temperature. Bathe for at least 15, preferably 20-25 minutes to allow the essential oils and heat mentioned above to take effect. How often you treat yourself to this cold remedy is entirely up to you – test what is good for your body.

Wellness break in the bathtub

Even if you don’t have a cold, autumn is the perfect time to treat yourself to a soothing relaxation bath. Put on relaxing music, apply a face mask, and dive in. Take a very personal wellness break, for example with our elkos BODY herbal bath Melissa & Orange with its soothing fragrance composition.

Bubble baths such as the elkos BODY Cream Bath Milk & Honey are also ideal for a soothing bath on cold days. With milk proteins and honey, it gently cleanses and cares for the skin.

A foot bath can also help with a cold.