Herbal compress is a method of using herbs wrapped in cloth into a ball called a compress. The compress ball is steamed until hot and then applied to the painful or sprained area to help relieve the pain and sprain. Most herbs used to make compress balls are herbs with essential oils. When steamed, the essential oils, which are the medicines, come out with the steam and moisture. When applied, the medicines are absorbed into the skin, helping to treat sprains and pain. In addition, the heat from the compress ball stimulates blood circulation, allowing the medicines to penetrate the skin better. In addition, the scent from the essential oils also helps to create freshness.

Benefits of compresses

• Relieve aches and pains

• Helps reduce swelling and inflammation of muscles, tendons and joints after 24 – 48 hours.

• Reduce muscle tension

• Helps tissue and fascia stretch

• Reduce joint congestion

• Reduce pain

• Helps improve blood circulation

Cautions

• Do not use a compress that is too hot, especially on sensitive skin or areas that have previously been wounded. If you need to use it, place a towel underneath or wait until the compress cools down.

• Special caution should be taken in patients with diabetes, paralysis, children and the elderly, as these groups of people have a slow response to heat and may easily cause skin burns and blistering. If you want to use it, you should “use a warm compress”.

• Herbal compresses should not be used in cases of inflammation (pain, swelling, redness, heat) during the first 24 hours as this may cause more swelling.

• After applying the herbal compress, you should not take a shower immediately because it will wash the medicine off your skin and your body temperature may not change in time, which may cause a fever.