We know what you're thinking.
Can you actually bathe in green tea?
Yes! Not only do green tea baths offer an inexpensive way to enjoy a scrub-a-dub, but there are also many benefits of a green tea bath that you can't necessarily get with other bath products. (Many of which, if not naturally made, can wreak havoc on your skin, and take away from the health and wellness perks you're trying to get.)
So, what if you didn't have to invest in expensive salts and bath bombs to get all the ultimate bath experience? What if you could just head to your tea cupboard for some green tea leaves and whip them up in the tub?
Known for its therapeutic properties, green tea baths offer a nice way to pamper yourself and boost your overall well-being. Best of all, you can make a bath the same way you'd brew a cup — in 1, 2, 3!
What is a Green Tea Bath?
Before we soak into the myriad benefits, let's understand what a green tea bath entails.
Just as it sounds, a green tea bath is a type of therapeutic bath infused with green tea leaves or green tea extract. It combines all the goodness of green tea's natural antioxidants and polyphenols with warm water to soak into — versus drinking it (though, you could theoretically brew a cup of green tea to enjoy in your green tea bath!) — in order to get all those beautiful benefits.
Who Are Green Tea Baths Ideal For?
Green tea baths can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, with a few considerations to bear in mind (that we'll get to in a bit). Particularly, those with sensitive skin may find green tea baths to be a gentle and soothing alternative to other types of wellness baths due to the natural components of green tea.
If you're someone who struggles finding bath products that don't irritate your skin — and, actually help it — then you'll likely benefit from adding green tea to your bath.
Green tea baths are also a good choice for someone who simply enjoys taking baths to relax, but who also want to feel that relaxation well after that bath is over, too.
And, that's not all. Depending on your own body's needs, a green tea bath can be great for you.
Ultimately, if you've never experienced a green tea bath and are curious about the hype surrounding it, it's important to recognize the numerous advantages that make green tea not only a versatile beverage but also an important ingredient in various wellness routines. From face masks to lotions, foot soaks, and more, green tea's beneficial properties are embraced in many health and wellness rituals. Bath time is no exception!
What are the Health Benefits of a Green Tea Bath?
To start, maybe you're familiar with all the amazing health and wellness benefits of green tea or even matcha. But, how do those benefits translate over to a soak?
Drinking Green Tea: What It's Good For
Just to recap, green tea is essentially a powerhouse of antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting your overall well-being. Each brew is packed with catechins — like EGCG — which boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
Along with this, green tea is known to improve heart health, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, L-theanine in green tea promotes relaxation, focus, and reduces stress, enhancing cognitive function in the process. (And, the caffeine in it — that's not as strong as coffee — doesn't hurt, either!)
Take those special green tea leaves with all these glorious benefits and brew them in the tub instead of a mug. Then, you can get all of these benefits in a fun, unique way.
Benefit #1: Green Tea Baths Rejuvenate the Skin
One of the main benefits of a green tea bath is what it does for your skin. To start, those antioxidants and catechins in green tea help promote that movie-star glow that wellness influences tend to rave about (though, a little disclaimer: everyone's body reacts differently).
And, for those who have paid their dermatologist more than their fair share of visits, a green tea bath's anti-inflammatory properties work to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness by balancing the skin's overall pH levels, especially when utilized in a bath. Green tea also contains natural antibacterial and antifungal agents that can help combat those more complex skin issues, too. Of course, check with the doc to see what they have to say about it.
Otherwise, if your skin only suffers from skin irritations every now and then — whether it be the occasional sunburn or a mild rash — a green tea bath can provide relief. The warm water combined with the green tea is also great for skin hydration in general, if your skin is feeling a bit dried out in the winter months or you just want to give it a much-needed radiant boost.
Ultimately, if you want to give your skin some love, a green tea bath will do the trick!
Benefit #2. Green Tea Baths Relax the Muscles
Body aching? Whose isn't? 🤣
Many of us experience muscle pain quite often. (Okay, maybe if you're 30+, you know what we're talking about.) The good news is you may be able to swap the heating pad and asking your partner for a massage for the warm water infused with green tea in the tub. A green tea bath can soothe tired muscles and ease tension around the body, whether you're suffering from an injury or dealing with chronic aches (though, this shouldn't substitute consulting with a medical professional).
Try it the next time you want to ease those sore muscles after a workout, sore feet after a flight or a long day of walking, or for those who may feel tense due to stress or anxiety.
Benefit #3: Green Tea Baths are a Major Stress Reliever
If drinking green tea is your go-to for de-stressing, then that will be two-fold when you brew it in the bathtub. After all, baths on their own are usually great stress relievers. But, because of the L-theanine in green tea, you'll likely feel your anxiety lower the minute you step into the tub.
And, if you're someone who enjoys a cup of a tea and/or a bath to relax before bedtime, then taking a green tea bath at night can make for a perfect way to unwind after a hectic day and sleep well through the night, even considering the caffeine that's in green tea.
Benefit #4: Green Tea Baths Detox the Body
Green tea is already well-known for its detoxifying effects, aiding in flushing out toxins and impurities from the body. Did you know that green tea may even help with a hangover?
If you just feel like you need a good detox — maybe you haven't had the healthiest habits lately, and you're looking for a reset — a green tea bath can help start you off in the right direction again.
Benefit #5. Green Tea Baths Improve Blood Flow
Warm water can work wonders for your body, and a green tea bath, in particular, can have numerous benefits. The warmth of the green tea bath promotes improved circulation throughout your body, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to your cells. As a result, all of your cells receive the nourishment they need, leading to optimal functionality. Additionally, the increased oxygen supply enhances cell metabolism, contributing to overall vitality and well-being.
Benefit #6: Green Tea Baths Offer Aromatherapy
Love the scent of green tea? Now, imagine that in a bath. The amazing aroma of green tea creates a 2-for-1 aromatherapy experience along with all those other benefits you're getting. Just surrounding yourself with the soothing scent of green tea during the bath can actually elevate your mood and enhance that ideal, picture-perfect bathtime atmosphere we all strive for.
What are the Benefits of a Green Tea Bath with Brown Rice?
Many green tea bags come with brown rice, so it's only natural that our readers wonder if there's any benefit to using those bags over plain green tea. The main benefits of a green tea bath with brown rice is that the brown rice contains vitamins and minerals that can nourish the skin further and provide additional relaxation during your bath. Brown rice is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, too.
But, if you do have sensitive skin, it's recommended to try the bath with one ingredient at a time. This is to ensure you don't have any type of reaction. But, if you do, you'll be able to distinguish the cause versus if you do both at the same time.
How to Brew a Green Tea Bath
Welcome to the fun part! Now that you know all the benefits of green tea baths, you probably can't get into one fast enough! The good news is it's not hard to make.
Brewing a green tea bath is a simple and enjoyable process that can turn your ordinary bath into a luxurious and therapeutic experience in no time.
Just follow these easy steps:
What You'll Need:
Green Tea: Select high-quality green tea for your bath. You can use either green tea bags — including used ones you may have at home — or loose tea leaves. You can also use green tea extract. In any case, opt for organic options to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
Bathtub: Ensure you have access to a bathtub filled with warm water. The water temperature should be comfortable and relaxing for you. Don't have a bathtub? Try this inflatable bath! We have a friend who uses one and she swears by it, especially for apartment living!
Green tea quantity: Depending on the size of your bathtub and your preference for the strength of the bath, use approximately 5-10 green tea bags, 1 cup of loose green tea leaves, or 700 ml for green tea extract.
Muslin cloth or infuser (for loose leaves): If using loose green tea leaves, you can either sprinkle them directly into the water or use a muslin cloth or an infuser to prevent clogging the drain.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your bathtub: Start by filling your bathtub with warm water. Ensure the water temperature is comfortable and relaxing for you.
Step 2: Gather your green tea: Have the amount of green tea bags, leaves, or extract ready.
Step 3: Add green tea to the bath: Once the bathtub is filled with warm water, add the appropriate amount of green tea based on whether you're using leaves, tea bags, or extract. If using loose tea leaves, you can either sprinkle them directly into the water or place them in a muslin cloth or an infuser to prevent clogging the drain.
Step 4: Steep: Allow the green tea to steep in the warm water for a few minutes. The exact steeping time can vary depending on your desired strength and the type of green tea you use. Typically, 5-10 minutes should be sufficient to extract the beneficial compounds.
Step 5: Experience the benefits of your green tea bath!: Once the green tea has finished steeping, it's time to get in. Close your eyes, relax, and enjoy!
Tea Para Tip: While the green tea is steeping, take the opportunity to create a calming ambiance in your bathroom. Light some scented candles, play soothing music, or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the bathwater. Of course, grab your favorite book, too!
What to Keep in Mind Before Taking a Green Tea Bath
While green tea baths offer an array of benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, it's important to use natural, organic green tea products to avoid any harmful additives. Additionally, if you have allergies to tea or caffeine, it's best to perform a patch test before indulging in a full green tea bath.
How much time should you spend in a green tea bath?
The recommended time to spend in a green tea bath can vary depending on personal preference and tolerance to warm water. Generally, 15 to 30 minutes is a suitable duration for a green tea bath. This time frame allows your skin to absorb the beneficial properties of green tea and experience its soothing effects without risking dehydration or overheating.
When is the best time of day to have a green tea bath?
The best time of day to have a green tea bath is typically in the evening, before bedtime. Green tea baths are known for their calming and relaxing properties, which can help you unwind and de-stress after a long day and sleep well at night.
However, the timing ultimately depends on personal preference and schedule, so you can choose a time that works best for you and allows you to fully enjoy the experience.
Can you wash your hair in a green tea bath?
Yes, you can wash your hair in a green tea bath if you like. Green tea baths can offer various benefits to the skin, and the green tea may also have some positive effects on the hair and scalp. The antioxidants in green tea can help protect the hair from free radical damage, and the soothing properties may be beneficial for the scalp.
To wash your hair in a green tea bath, you can simply immerse your hair in the water and massage the green tea into your scalp. Afterward, you can rinse your hair with clean water to remove any residue.
Can you take a green tea bath while pregnant?
To be safe, no. As a precautionary measure, it's best to avoid using green tea baths or any herbal bath additives while pregnant, unless explicitly recommended by your healthcare provider.
One reason is because green tea naturally contains caffeine, this can cross the skin barrier and be over the recommended daily amount for pregnant people. While topical absorption of caffeine may not be as significant as ingesting it, the safety of this practice during pregnancy has not been conclusively determined.
Additionally, some green tea products or bath additives may contain other herbs or substances that could be harmful during pregnancy.
Always prioritize the safety and well-being of both you and your baby, and don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice for any concerns you may have during your pregnancy. Visit our disclaimer for more information.
Can a green tea bath irritate sensitive areas?
Using green tea in a bath generally should not cause irritation to sensitive areas, like your genitalia, as long as it is properly diluted and the water temperature is not too hot. However, everyone's skin is different, and some individuals may be more sensitive to certain substances.
To minimize the risk of irritation, consider the following precautions when taking a green tea bath:
Dilute the green tea: If you are using actual green tea leaves or tea bags in the bathwater, make sure to steep them in a large amount of water to dilute the tea's concentration.
Opt for green tea extracts or products: Instead of using loose tea leaves, you can use commercially available green tea bath products, like Epsom salts or bath bombs, which are specifically formulated for use in bathwater and are less likely to cause irritation (but, still can).
Test a small area: Do a patch test on a small area of your skin, away from the genital area, to see how your skin reacts before using it in a full bath.
Avoid very hot water: Excessively hot water can cause irritation and dryness for some individuals. Stick to comfortably warm water to prevent any potential discomfort.
Take a shorter bath: If you're concerned about how a green tea bath will feel, take a shorter bath and monitor yourself after.
If you experience any irritation, redness, or discomfort in any part of your body or on your skin during or after a green tea bath, discontinue use immediately and rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. If the irritation persists or worsens, it's advisable to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Can you make a green tea bath with matcha?
Sure! You can create a green tea bath with matcha using green tea leaves, matcha powder, Epsom salts, and baking soda. Matcha bath bombs are popular, and you can buy them or make them yourself!
What are other tea baths you can take for similar benefits?
Apart from green tea, there are numerous other herbal baths you can experiment with to elevate your bath-time experience. Some popular choices include chamomile for relaxation, lavender for stress relief, and rose petals to take it up a notch.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Green Tea Bath
If you enjoy drinking green tea for all the amazing benefits — in addition, of course, to the aroma, taste, and even a way to get a light caffeine boost — then consider trying a green tea bath. A green tea bath is not only a creative way to wind down at the end of the day, but a fun ritual you can add to your weekly routine and your health and wellness journey.