Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by red spots, lesions or patchy areas covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can be hereditary, and episodes can be triggered by stress, sunburn, surgery or infection. Ginger is a root herb that stimulates peripheral blood flow and acts as a diaphoretic, aiding the skin in eliminating toxins. Ginger is a cleansing and healing agent for psoriasis. According to herbalist David Hoffmann, balneotherapy (bath therapy) has been practiced from ancient times and is an excellent way to treat skin disorders. Experiment with ginger essential oil, infusion or decoction for your bath therapy.
Instructions
Step 1
Make an infusion or decoction of ginger. To make an infusion, pour 1 pint of boiling water over 4 tsp. of freshly peeled and grated ginger root. Cover and let it stand for 10 minutes. Strain into a clean bottle. To make a decoction, place 3 tsp. of dried ginger root, finely chopped or in powdered form, into 1 ½ pint of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into a clean jar and cover. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2
Fill a tub with water at a temperature you can tolerate. If you want to soak only a certain body part, like your hands or feet, fill a smaller basin.
Step 3
Add 1 pint of either the infusion or decoction of ginger to the bath water. Do this after the tub or basin is half filled so the running water disperses the ginger liquid. If you use an essential oil instead of the infusion or decoction, add up to 10 drops of the oil to the bathwater.
Step 4
Soak in the ginger-infused water for up to a half hour, or until the water becomes lukewarm.
Tips and Warnings
- Use ginger essential oil if you want the extra benefit of aromatherapy, as the oil contains more aromatic constituents than the diffusion or decoction. Use essential oils that are 100 percent steam-distilled plant oils. These will not contain harmful chemicals. Experiment with adding additional herbs that work well with ginger, such as rosemary or yarrow, to the bathwater.
- Do not use soaps or other harsh chemicals during your ginger bath. Do not apply the essential oil directly to your skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and may be irritating or toxic if applied in undiluted form.
Things You'll Need
- 4 tsp. grated ginger root
- 1 pint boiling water
- 3 tsp. dried ginger root
- 1 ½ pint water
- Ginger essential oil
References
- "Medical Herbalism"; David Hoffmann; 2003.
