Heating Compress

A heating compress is a simple hydrotherapy (water therapy) remedy that is easy to use.

Don't let the word "heating" fool you, though. In this remedy, you actually begin with a cold moist compress.

Your body responds to the cold compress by bringing more blood to the area.

That extra blood produces the heat which is so soothing and healing.

You can apply this kind of compress to different areas of your body, depending on your need.

Heating compresses can help with a wide range of problems including sore throats, colds, ear aches, joint pains, and digestive problems.

If you're not sure whether or not a heating compress is suitable for you, be sure to check with your medical doctor first.

Heating Throat Compress

A heating throat compress is a great natural remedy to help soothe your sore or irritated throat.

You can also use it when you feel hoarse, and when you've got neck pain or muscle tension.

A heating throat compress will improve the circulation to your neck and help to speed up the healing process.

What You Will Need:

• Cold tap water
• Towel
• Wash cloth



• 1 thin strip of cotton cloth. It should be long enough to wrap around your throat just once
• 1 wool strip of cloth. The wool cloth should be slightly thicker and longer than the cotton cloth. You should be able to overlap the cotton cloth and safely pin it. You can use a large wool sock if you want
• 2 safety pins

Step 1: Make sure you feel warm and comfortable before using the heating compress. Wet the cotton cloth with cold water. Wring out the excess water.

Step 2: Wrap the wet cotton cloth around your throat. It should be secure, but not too tight. Allow the ends to overlap each other.

Step 3: Wrap the strip of wool around your throat. Cover the cotton strip completely. The ends will overlap. Secure them carefully with safety pins. Be sure to place your fingers under the wool strip so that you don't stick your neck by accident. You may need someone else to help you do this safely.

Step 4: Leave the heating throat compress on for several hours. You can leave it on overnight if you'd like. Be sure to keep warm while you use this remedy.

Step 5: Soak a washcloth in cold water. Remove the compress. Rub your neck briskly with the cold, wet washcloth. Dry off your neck. Relax for a few minutes.

Heating Foot Compress (aka Warming Socks)

The thought of cold wet socks may sound crazy to you, but this remedy really works! Try it whenever you feel stuffy, congested or whenever you feel a cold coming on.

Warming socks are also great for getting rid of stress headaches and boosting your immune system. If you've got insomnia, try it. It will relax you and help you sleep much better at night.

CAUTION:
Do not do a wet sock treatment if you are weak or if you have any open sores on your feet.

What You Will Need:

• Cold tap water
• Warm water and a basin
• 1 pair of white cotton socks
• 1 pair of wool socks (use 80 to 100% wool)

Step 1: Take a short foot bath using the warm water and basin. Make sure your feet feel warm and comfortable before you go on to the next step.

Step 2: Wet the cotton socks with cold water. Wring out the excess water. They should be damp, but not dripping wet. Put the cotton socks on your feet. Cover them with the dry wool socks. Go into bed. Your socks should start warming up after 20 minutes. If they don't, then remove them.

Step 3: In the morning, remove the socks. They should be dry. Repeat this remedy as needed.

Related Pages

Natural Health Remedies