What Is a Beer Bath? Benefits & How You Can Take One

Have you ever heard of a beer bath? It might sound wild, but this spa treatment isn't just sitting in a vat of beer. It's actually a warm soak infused with the hops, barley, and herbs used to make beer. This treatment combines the relaxing effects of warm water with nutrients from beer ingredients to alleviate stress, sore muscles, and dry skin.

Whether you’re curious about spa treatments or want a unique self-care ritual, a beer bath is a calming and rejuvenating experience. In this guide, we'll explain what a beer bath is, its benefits, and how the beer bath hydrotherapy process works.

What is a beer bath?

A beer bath is a soothing tub of warm water infused with hops, barley, and seasonal herbs. It's steeped like a large tea bag, creating a mineral-rich bath that's incredibly relaxing. It’s a spa treatment, rather than a tub of fermented beer, and it doesn’t contain any yeast.

This European-inspired tradition has been around for centuries, with origins in the Czech Republic. Today, it’s part of Colorado’s growing wellness scene. In Denver, Oakwell Beer Spa has adapted this tradition to a modern setting. Our spa combines the centuries-old practice of beer bathing with Colorado’s craft beer culture, offering visitors a way to experience the ritual in a contemporary, locally inspired form.

Beer Bath History

Beer baths aren't some new fad. Bathing in beer actually dates back over a thousand years, with origins in the Czech Republic. Historically, beer ingredients like hops and barley were valued for hygiene and wellness benefits. The Duke of Bohemia reportedly bathed in “cold brewery sludge” in 921. Since then, beer baths have spread across Eastern Europe and are now available globally, including in Austria, Poland, Germany, Spain, Iceland, and the United States.

Benefits of Bathing in Beer

Beer bath benefits come from both the warm water and beer ingredients. The nutrients in hops, barley, and herbs, when combined with hydrotherapy, promote overall wellness.

While everyone’s experience can be different, most people find beer baths relaxing and rejuvenating. There are plenty of beer spa benefits to enjoy, but if you have medical concerns, it’s best to consult your physician before booking.

Enhances Skin and Revitalizes Hair

Warm water opens pores, allowing nutrients and antioxidants to absorb into the skin. The hops, barley, and herbs in a beer bath can help hydrate the skin, soften texture, and give you a natural glow.

Ingredients like hops and barley contain B vitamins and minerals, which may support skin hydration and help soothe irritation, leaving skin feeling refreshed.

A beer bath is a natural way to nourish and strengthen your hair, too. Guests often say their hair feels softer and more refreshed after the experience.

Reduces Stress

Research also shows that whole-body immersion in warm water naturally eases stress and promotes relaxation. Hops also act as a natural sedative, while herbal blends, such as lavender and citrus, promote calm. Absorbing these ingredients through your skin, which is the body’s largest organ, enhances relaxation. You can also experience better sleep as a result. 

Not only do long, warm baths almost always help us feel better, but so does taking the time to slow down and appreciate a spa day.

Improves Circulation

Warm water encourages healthy blood flow and circulation. As blood and oxygen flow easily through your body, they support proper organ function. This helps your body heal damaged cells and remove cellular waste.

Reduces Muscle Tension

Athletes and gym-lovers especially benefit from taking beer baths. During a warm bath, better circulation helps loosen muscles and connective tissue. Warm water combined with beer ingredients helps release spasms and tension, bringing comfort and natural pain relief.

Relieves Joint Pain

Hydrotherapy eases pressure on joints, which acts as a mild anti-inflammatory and may relieve arthritis discomfort. The beer ingredients support joint relaxation, which can improve flexibility and ease movement. The support of water also reduces pressure on your body, making it easier to relax.

Who Shouldn’t Take a Beer Bath

Most people can safely enjoy beer baths, but some should take precautions. If you’re pregnant or taking medication, consult your healthcare provider first. Spas can usually adjust water temperature to suit your needs if the baths are too hot.

If a beer bath isn’t recommended, consider other relaxing spa treatments instead. Oakwell has Zero Gravity Massage Chairs that can be a great way to unwind without hydrotherapy.

Where to Take a Beer Bath in The United States

Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver offers an award-winning beer spa experience, with locations in Five Points and Highlands Ranch. You can enjoy private beer therapy rooms for two or larger rooms for groups. Various packages offer something for everyone, whether you want to enjoy a solo spa day, a romantic date, or a fun group outing. 

Start with an infrared sauna to gently detox, then soak in a warm bath infused with hops, barley, and nourishing herbs.

Our spa also features a self-serve taproom with locally brewed craft beer, wine, tea, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks, which you can enjoy during your soak. For ultimate relaxation, pair your beer bath with a Zero Gravity Massage.

How to Prepare for Beer Bath Hydrotherapy at Oakwell Beer Spa

Not sure what to expect from a beer bath? Follow these tips to make the most of your beer bath experience:

• What to wear: The more exposed your skin is to the water and beer bath ingredients, the more you can reap the benefits. Most people wear a swimsuit or their birthday suit, but your comfort is most important! 
• Shower beforehand: While reputable facilities like Oakwell Beer Spa have deep-cleaning and sanitizing processes, it’s best to shower beforehand. Cleansing your skin of dirt, bacteria, and oils can help you better soak in the beneficial ingredients. Rain showers are included in our beer bath suites for your comfort.
• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is helpful for any spa treatment. You can top off your drink before entering your private beer therapy room and use the ring-bell system for refills.
• Rest: You may want to take a break from your bath, and that’s okay. Simply grab a seat on the relaxation deck by your tub until you’re ready to sink back in.

How to Take a Beer Bath at Home

If there are no beer bath spas near you, or you just want a nice bath at home, you still have options. You can create a beer-infused bath at home with Oakwell Cosmetics’ Herbal Beer Bath Tea and Calming Beer Bath Salts. They contain the beneficial hops, barley, and herbs from our spa, but with the convenience of an at-home soak.

To take a relaxing beer bath at home:

• Light a relaxing candle for spa vibes
• Fill the tub with warm water
• Place the beer bath tea bag in water
• Soak for 20 minutes

You can also enhance the experience with complementary products like Calming Beer Bath Salts, Beer Body Wash, and a Waffle Bath Robe.

Tips for Enjoying Your Beer Bath in Denver

To make the most of your beer bath, think of it the same way you would approach any other spa treatment. The goal isn’t just to try something unusual, but to enjoy it in a way that leaves you relaxed and refreshed.

Stay Hydrated

Warm baths encourage sweating, so it helps to drink water during your session. This keeps the experience relaxing and comfortable. Oakwell provides cool, refreshing water at all times, so just let us know if it's time for a refill.

No Need to Drink Beer

Oakwell Beer Spa’s taproom offers wine, cider, kombucha, and non-alcoholic drinks. When you arrive, you’ll receive a double-wall stainless steel tumbler to fill with your beverage of choice. The bath itself is alcohol-free, so you don’t need to be a beer drinker to enjoy it. Many guests pair the experience with tea, kombucha, or other non-alcoholic options. For those who do want to raise a glass, locally brewed craft beer is also available.

Choose Comfort

Wear what feels best for you. Some people prefer swimsuits, others don’t. The point is to relax in a way that feels natural to you.

Pregnancy & Health Considerations

If you’re pregnant or have a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider to find out which spa treatments are safe for you. 

You can also ask to have the heat lowered in the sauna and beer bath to ensure your safety and comfort. If you have any allergies, please let us know, and we’ll ensure the herbal mix is suitable for you.

Try Beer Bath Hydrotherapy Yourself

A beer bath combines hydrotherapy with beer ingredients for a relaxing, nourishing soak. You can enjoy this experience at Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver or recreate it at home with Oakwell Cosmetics.

Soaking in warm water infused with hops, barley, and herbs is more than a novelty. It’s a tradition with centuries of history, reimagined in Colorado. Oakwell Beer Spa brings this ritual to life in Denver, offering one of the most unique wellness experiences in the U.S.

If you’re searching for beer spa locations in Colorado, Oakwell currently has two: the flagship spa in Downtown Denver’s RiNo neighborhood and a second space in South Denver at Highlands Ranch. Both combine modern spa design with local craft beer culture, making them destinations in their own right.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of state, Oakwell Beer Spa is the place to try a beer bath in Denver. For those looking at beer spa Colorado options, there’s no better spot to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a wellness ritual that’s both timeless and one-of-a-kind.