How Spa Baths Affect Your Health: The Science Behind Beer and Wine Bathing

What happens to your body in warm water

When you immerse yourself in water at 37–39 °C, your body responds with a chain of physiological changes. Your core temperature rises – this triggers a reaction similar to a mild fever. Blood vessels dilate, circulation speeds up, and blood pressure drops gently.

Research from Loughborough University (Journal of Applied Physiology, 2018) showed that ten hot-bath sessions over two weeks lowered fasting glucose and insulin in people with overweight. A single session already raised interleukin-6 (IL-6) – a marker that kicks off an anti-inflammatory cascade.

Even more telling is work on how warm water affects immune cells (Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 1991): two hours of immersion at 39.5 °C significantly increased natural killer (NK) cell activity – the cells that destroy viruses and abnormal cells. A review in the International Journal of Environmental Research confirms that regular warm baths improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and ease chronic pain.

Hops and brewer's yeast: evidence-based effects

The beer bath at Lázně Pramen uses four natural ingredients: Bernard beer, hops, brewer's malt, and brewer's yeast. Each one is a source of bioactive compounds with documented properties.

Hops (Humulus lupulus). A 2025 review in Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia summarised dermatological uses of hops: xanthohumol and bitter acids have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. A randomised double-blind trial (Pharmaceutics, 2022) found that a 1% hop extract reduced skin inflammation on a par with 1% hydrocortisone – a standard anti-inflammatory drug.

Brewer's yeast. It contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9) – a complex needed for skin cell renewal and healthy hair and nails. In contact with warm water, yeast releases these compounds and the skin receives them directly.

Malt. It is rich in amino acids and minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron) that support the skin barrier. Together with warm water, malt softens the upper epidermis – so active substances can penetrate more deeply.

Grape polyphenols: the science behind the wine bath

In the wine bath, the main actives are polyphenols from grape extracts, especially resveratrol. It is a powerful antioxidant that has inspired thousands of publications.

Research in Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin confirmed that resveratrol penetrates the skin. Its bioavailability when applied to the skin is higher than when taken orally, because it bypasses liver metabolism. Another study reported that up to 62.6% of applied resveratrol crossed human skin.

What does that mean? Polyphenols neutralise free radicals – molecules that damage cells and speed ageing. Honey and lavender oil in the Lázně Pramen wine bath boost moisture and have their own antibacterial properties.

Stress, cortisol and immunity: a vicious cycle

Chronic stress is immunity's main enemy. When the body keeps producing cortisol (the stress hormone), lymphocyte production drops – and lymphocytes drive the immune response. People get sick more often, sleep worse, and recover more slowly.

A warm bath breaks that cycle. Ninety minutes in a private room – no phone, no noise, in the heat – is not just pleasant; it is physiologically sound. The water temperature switches on the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), cortisol falls, and serotonin rises.

This is not a substitute for a doctor or a cure for disease. But as regular prevention – once or twice a month – warm baths with natural ingredients support a healthy immune baseline. Especially between seasons, when the body is most vulnerable.

How a session works at Lázně Pramen

Unlike an ordinary bath at home, a session at Lázně Pramen has several stages, each reinforcing the effect.

Tub (30 min). A hand-built oak or larch tub with warm water at 36–38 °C. In the beer bath: Bernard beer, hops, malt, yeast. In the wine bath: grape extracts, polyphenols, honey, lavender oil. The whirlpool (jacuzzi) starts automatically.

Rest on the straw lounge (20–30 min). After the tub – a lounge with wheat straw. The body keeps releasing heat and the actives keep working. Unlimited draft Bernard beer (beer bath) or a glass of wine (wine bath) is included in the price.

Four private rooms. Zlatý pramen – two tubs, up to 4 guests; Two in One combo from €258. Rubínový pramen – a cosy room for couples. Smaragdový pramen – compact and intimate. Safírový pramen – salt cave with a massage table; massage from €33.

Beer bath – from €129. Wine bath – from €183. Full list: all procedures.

Who it suits – and who should be careful

Who may benefit. Office workers with sedentary lifestyles. Athletes for recovery after training. Anyone with chronic stress, insomnia, or seasonal colds. Couples looking for an unusual shared experience.

Who should ask a doctor first. Pregnant people. Anyone with serious cardiovascular disease. Open wounds, acute infection, or fever. Allergy to ingredients (hops, yeast, grape).

Sessions are for ages 18+. Beer and wine are included, but you do not have to drink – you can enjoy the bath only.

Practical tips before your visit

Two hours before. Avoid a heavy meal. A light snack is fine.

Water. Drink water before and after. Warm immersion increases sweating and your body needs fluids.

Timing. An evening slot (after 6 p.m.) is best if you want better sleep. Do not plan anything strenuous afterwards.

What to bring. Nothing. Towels, sheets, slippers – all provided. Beer too.

Booking. Online, 100% prepayment. Free cancellation up to 48 hours. Gift vouchers if you want to treat someone. Address: Dejvická 255/18, Prague 6 – Dejvice. Contact for questions.