Compress Bags

Compresses, packs and dressings are traditional home remedies with an integral role in natural healing. They may be heated or cooled, filled with herbs or moistened with teas for comforting pain relief and stress reduction. To keep pace with today's harried lifestyles, these remedies can be taken a few steps further. You can fill a compress with flaxseed, rye, corn or buckwheat hulls, toss it in the microwave and in just a few minutes have welcome warmth to relieve muscular or arthritic pain. Or, you can keep the compress in the freezer so you have an instant cold pack to reduce swelling in sprains and strains. You can also add such herbs as lavender, cloves or chamomile for even greater relaxing effects.

You can find a variety of compresses at the health-food store, or you can make easily make your own. A seed compress bag is the best choice for medicinal value. It can be rapidly bought to the desired temperature and will soothe your body as it imparts its pain relieving properties.

Hot or Cold

Heat is generally harmful in the case of acute inflammations with swelling or bruising, especially in the first 12 hours following an injury. Cold compresses bring immediate relief. Wait until acute swelling is gone before applying a hot compress. If pain worsens after a compress application, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Homemade Compress Bags

Use cotton fabric to sew a bag measuring 12 inches by 12 inches and fill it with flaxseed, rye, and corn (not popping corn). Sew the bag shut, and heat in the microwave for about 4 minutes. Place it on the painful area, the bag will shape itself to your contours. Depending on its filling the bag retains its heat for 15-45 minutes. My previous experience is that corn hold the heat the longest. Don't forget for all of those out there with inflammatory problems in your joints, place the bag in the freezer for about an hour and then place on the area, let me tell you it works wonders.

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