Bathtime healing

Bathtime healing. Most of us think catching a cold in winter is inevitable. Yet a simple daily ritual - a warm bath before bed - is one of the best ways to ward off infection, says leading naturopath Cornelis Van Dalen.

'Bathing in water a couple of degrees above body temperature activates the body's defence system against germs and viruses,' he explains.

'The warming effect of being submerged in hot water for around 30 minutes is like replicating a mini temperature rise - which is the body's natural mechanism for beating infection.'

Common viruses, including many of the 200 strains which cause colds and flu, die in temperatures just a few degrees above 37c, our normal healthy blood temperature. So soaking for around half an hour a day in a hot bath can easily nip a cold in the bud.

Although you can bathe at any time of day, it is better to do so at night, and to follow it with sleep, which is when cells and tissue renew themselves. For effective hydrotherapy, it is best to have a thermometer.

Avoid very hot baths if you have high blood pressure, angina, heart disease or diabetes, or if you are pregnant.

BEAT THE FLU

Run a deep bath to a temperature between 37c and 40c (98f and 104f), add a cupful of Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts (available at most chemists) and wallow in the water for 30 minutes. Drink a pint of fresh cold water while you are in the bath. Afterwards, simply wrap yourself in loose, warm clothing and go to bed. The virus should be gone by morning.

STRESS BUSTER

Run the bath to a relaxing temperature of between 34c and 36C (93f and 97f). Add one cup of Epsom salts and five drops of lavender oil. After 15 minutes of soaking, slowly add cold water and lower temperature to 15c (60f). Soak for another ten minutes. A cold compress around the head while you are in the bath reduces exhaustion and even headache.

ANXIETY DIP

A soothin mixture of basil, rosemary and mandarin oil balances the emotions, restoring peace of mind. Run a deep bath to a comfortable temperature (37c) and bathe for about 15 minutes. Don't let the water get hotter than this as a very hot bath can cause the heart to race, heightening feelings of anxiety.

ARTHRITIS SOAK

Boil a thumb-sized piece of sliced ginger root in a cup of water for five minutes. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain and pour into a bath of between 36c and 39c (97f and 103f). Bathe for 20 minutes.

INSOMNIA CURE

Run a deep, warm bath (34c/93f), adding two drops each of clary sage, lavender and basil oil. Add two tablespoonfuls of sweet almond oil and soak in the bath for around 20 minutes. When you get out, mix three drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and massage into the body. Wrap up warmly and go to bed.

ENERGISER

Fill the bath with cold water (16c/60f) to a depth of about 10in (25cm). Add five drops of rosemary essential oil. Lower yourself gently into the bath and swish water all over your body for about a minute, then dry yourself vigorously. ( dailymail.co.uk )