Compresses are still very much part of home treatments, just as they have been for hundreds of years. Use a compress as a first aid measure, or to ease certain long-term ailments. A compress is a piece of natural material, preferably cotton or silk, soaked in hot or cold water, depending on the condition being treated. Synthetic fabrics are not suitable, whereas old, white cotton sheets are ideal.

Prepare either a hot or cold compress the same way. The size of the material needed depends on the size of the area to be treated. Fold the material several times into a few thicknesses.

The volume of water you use will depend on the size of the compress pad, but as a general guide, to each 200 ml of water add 2 drops of essential oil. Soak the compress pad, then squeeze out the excess. Place the compress over the area to be treated, and leave in place for at least one hour. During this time, re-soak the compress with further hot or cold water and essential oil, as hot compresses get cold and cold compresses heat up with the warmth of the body. You can keep the compress in place with a bandage or clingfilm.

Cold Compresses

The water should generally be ice-cold. Cold compresses are useful for first aid and acute conditions. Use them for headaches, sprains, strains, certain sports injuries, inflammation, and any burning pain (as in some back pain or neck pain). If a part of the body feels particularly hot, cold compresses can ease that sensation. If you have a fever, the water should be lukewarm, rather than ice-cold.

Hot Compresses

Hot compresses are useful for conditions that cause stiffness or aching. They’re renowned for helping relieve period pain, neuralgia, and some types of arthritis or rheumatism. If a part of the body feels particularly cold, a hot compress can ease that sensation.