Through five years of marriage, Mr. TBG has realised that when I twitch with sore muscles or cry over a strained back it’s more conducive to call the spa before summoning a doctor. And I am not alone in my belief of massage before medicine: hot herbal pouches have travelled a long way since their origins in India more than 5,000 years ago. Today, besides being a staple on luxe spa menus worldwide, they are also increasingly referenced by physiotherapists, orthopaedists, sports doctors, dermatologists and even psychiatrists for everything from computer-induced tension to tight shoulders and lower back pain.

That’s because the sensory experience of having these gorgeous, steaming parcels of aromatic herbs and spices pressing on your skin not only works to heal the body but also induces immense calm. The heat and herbs are absorbed by the body to help reduce aches and pains, increase lymphatic drainage and condition the skin. Besides this, they also harmonise the body, loosen energy blockages and recoup deficiencies.

And because I am blessed with going through life in the most accident-prone manner, we have now learnt to stock up on a “first aid kit” of herbs, spices and muslin cloths to brew up our own heat therapies right at home. Fragrant pouches of earthy goodness, soft muslin fabrics, dim lights, the comfort of your own home and hubby’s firm hands sweeping away the aches and pains… sigh! Wonder if he ever catches on that half the time I am only faking the pain to revel in the sheer indulgence of it all

The basics

A hot herbal pouch is made by wrapping specific herbs, spices and flowers in natural cloth like a “dumpling” and then heating it to your preferred temperature (hot but bearable – don’t burn your skin!). Even though you can simply pop the pouches into a microwave for 90 seconds, prepping them the old fashioned way – with steam – is more beneficial as it softens the compresses, releases the essential oils in the herbs and intensifes the aroma. And it’s not difficult: Bring water to a boil, lightly sprinkle the pouches with water and steam for 10-15 minutes or until hot. Then massage all over your body, paying special attention to problem areas. Use two pouches for a session, keeping one heating on the steamer while using the other.

Thai Luk-pra-kob

Method: Mix all ingredients together and wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tightly tie with string.

Laotian herbal compress

In ancient Laos, local herbs and plants were fashioned into compresses made from indigo-coloured fabric since this is the spiritual colour of Eastern medicine and is believed to enhance the detoxification process. Today, the colour is optional but the treatment remains the same: steaming compresses thoroughly pounded over the body to relieve pain and fatigue, especially after playing a sport or doing hard physical work.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1/3 cup fresh lemongrass (crushed), 1/3 cup fresh ginger (crushed), 1/3 cup fresh basil, 1/3 cup fresh pepper leaf, 5 sticks cinnamon, pure cotton or muslin square, cotton string

Method: Mix all ingredients together and wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tightly tie with string.

Balinese Boreh herbal compress

Jamu – the signature wellness therapy in Bali – is centred around the Boreh herbal compresses that are called upon to reduce muscular pains, improve blood circulation, relieve rheumatic symptoms and leave you with a warm, relaxed feeling.

Ingredients: 1 cup red rice powder, 1/3 cup fresh ginger (grated), 1 tablespoon turmeric powder, 3-4 cloves, 1-2 sticks cinnamon, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg (grated).

Method: Mix all ingredients together and wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tightly tie with string.

Indonesian herbal pouches

Inspired by the old rituals of Indonesia, these herbal pouches rely on traditional techniques and medicinal herbs to restore physical and emotional balance. They are rhythmically massaged over the body using up and down circular strokes to help stimulate circulation and reduce general fatigue, insomnia and hypertension. As an added bonus, the cooked rice softens the skin.

Ingredients: 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 tablespoon chamomile, 1 teaspoon dried ginger, 1 teaspoon dried ginger, 2 teaspoons sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon lemon peel (chopped), 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon vetiver (optional), flannel or cheesecloth square, string

Method: Cook the rice and leave to cool. Add all other ingredients to a cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and strain. Mix the rice with the strained mixture, heap onto the cloth and fashion into a tight pouch.

Maldivian versatility

The Maldivian therapists have their own interpretation of the hot herbal compress and it’s probably the simplest: Combine 2 cups of clean sand with 3/4 cup of dried herbs, fashion it into a pouch and use all over the body after heating. However, since it’s not easy to find sand everywhere, the The Ritz-Carlton Resort & Spa suggests this recipe instead:

Ingredients: 4 cups uncooked rice, 1/2 cup dried herbs, 1 pair clean socks

Method: Combine ingredients and pour into a sock (though personally, I think a fabric pouch is much more attractive). Knot the end, put into the other sock, knot again.

Which herbs? Lavender is the most popular because of its relaxing scent and anti-inflammatory properties. Other good options include the following.

Camphor: Has a strong antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It also stimulates the brain, heart and blood circulation. Besides this, it helps to ease stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Cardamom Pods: These have a spicy, exotic floral aroma and are terrific pain relievers.

Cloves: Also good for treating chronic pain.

Elderberry flowers: Help rid the body cells of toxins, increase circulation and purify the blood.

Ginger: Helps eliminate wastes and congestion through the skin, enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs to increase their effectiveness.

Kaffir Lime: Natural disinfectant and odor remover, antioxidant with healing features used for colds, congestion, digestion, menstruation and to regulate blood pressure.

Mint: Calms the stomach, intestinal tract and the nervous system while cleansing the skin with its astringent properties.

Myrrh: Highly favoured for soothing muscles and wounds, while also nourishing mucuous membranes with its cleansing effects.

Tamarind: Has an antiseptic and blood purifying effect. It is used for constipation, colds, fever, as well as skin cleansing and refining.

Turmeric: Has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also used for relieving pain and for an anti-inflammatory effect.

IMPORTANT!

• Before putting the compress onto the skin, test the temperature by pressing it to your arm.

• Don’t rest the compress on one area of the skin for too long – just touch, press firmly, lift and move in a constant and rapid motion. Each session should take 15-20 minutes.

• Do not use essential oils. Most essential oils have a low flash point, so they will burn away rapidly when you heat the pouch. Not only does this make your bag more flammable, it also means your scent will go away very quickly.

• These herbal pouches can be used 3-4 times when dried completely and stored in the refrigerator after every use. Discard when the ball becomes very pale – or almost white – as this indicates that the herbs have lost their potency.

Please note: Information and advice contained on this website should not be used for the purposes of diagnosis or as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.