Hot compresses usually increase circulation to the treated area, which in turn helps reduce muscle and joint pain. They're most commonly used to treat arthritis, muscle and menstrual cramps, boils and toothaches. One can also add herbs and essential oils to a compress to deliver medicine to the treated area. One of the most common types of hot compress is made by heating and using Castor oil instead of water.
Step 1
Heat a pint or more of water in a kettle or pot until it's as warm as you can stand to touch. If it boils, you've allowed it to heat too much and will need to let it cool until you can touch it without burning yourself.
Step 2
Pour the heated water into a wide bowl.
Step 3
Fold a piece of fabric--usually cotton or wool--several times until it is about the size of the area you'd like to apply the compress to. Set this in the bowl of water so that it becomes saturated with water.
Step 4
Remove the compress material from the water and wring it out until it no longer drips. Place it on the area to be treated, then cover it with a piece of plastic wrap that's large enough to overlap it on all sides.
Step 5
Place a dry towel over the plastic-covered compress to help hold everything in place. Alternatively, you can wrap a bandage lightly around the area to hold the compress in place.
Step 6
Replace the compress with another warm one once it's cooled to body temperature.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to use a compress fabric that is free of dyes and bleach, if possible, as these chemicals may transfer and be absorbed to your skin if present in the compress.
Things You'll Need
- Kettle or pot
- Wide bowl
- Dye free cotton or wool fabric
- Plastic wrap
- Towel or bandage
