(NaturalHealth365)  Ginger root has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries.  In fact, it happens to be a highly effective way to treat nausea and a wide range of digestive issues.  However, ginger root benefits don’t stop there; in addition to its effectiveness when taken internally, it also offers assistance with detoxification and pain relief when used externally.

A hot ginger compress can dissolve stagnation in the body both physically and in terms of energy flow.  It relieves tension, breaks up mucus, and melts away internal blockages.  A ginger compress naturally stimulates circulation to speed up the healing process.

How hot ginger compresses work

Hot ginger compresses offer health benefits by stimulating the blood and tissue in the area underneath the compress.  This, in turn, facilitates better circulation while also assisting with the excretion of toxins.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the many health benefits of ginger root, including:

Dispersing toxic deposits

A hot ginger compress can help to loosen hardened proteins, minerals, and fatty deposits.  Some examples include cysts, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and fibroids.

Pain relief

Hot ginger compresses can also relieve both chronic and acute pain from conditions like arthritis, backaches, stiff neck, frozen shoulder, rheumatism, and cramps.  Pain from kidney stone attacks and toothaches can also be relieved with a hot ginger compress.

Asthma

Using a hot ginger compress on the chest area has been known to help asthma sufferers experience relief.  However, it is only effective when key dietary changes include eating more organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding allergy triggers – especially processed sugar and conventionally raised dairy products.

Inflammation

Hot ginger compresses can relieve various inflammatory conditions, including intestinal inflammation, bronchitis, bladder inflammation, and prostate infection.  It also refreshes and acts as a tonic to the skin.

Soft tissue damage

Ginger compresses can speed up healing and regeneration in areas damaged by a sprain, pull, or other soft tissue injury.

Muscle tension

In addition to assisting the healing process of damaged tissues, ginger compresses can relieve minor or general muscle aches and pains.

Overall quality of life

An Australian study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found adults with osteoarthritis who used hot ginger compresses experienced reduced pain and increased mobility.  However, they also reported feeling more relaxed and positive in their outlook on life.

Many felt increased energy levels, enhanced thought processes, and more interest in engaging with the world.

How to make a hot ginger compress

Making your hot ginger compresses is easy.  First, grate about an ounce of ginger root, wrap it in a thin cotton cloth, and tie it closed.  Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce heat.  Add the ginger sachet to the water and allow it to soak for at least five minutes.

Put a small towel into the ginger water and carefully wring out the excess.  Apply the towel to the affected area and cover it with another dry towel to hold in the heat.  Re-soak the compress as needed after it cools off.  Repeat for around 15 to 20 minutes.

When finished (and you remove the towel), you should notice that your skin is reddish but not burnt.  There should be no pain associated with this redness … in fact, you should feel quite relaxed.

Compresses can be administered once per week but should not be used if the individual has a high fever.  And do NOT use a hot ginger compress for brain injuries or appendicitis.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov