Through more than a decade 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. But I am not alone in my belief of massage before medicine: Hot herbal pouches have travelled a long way since their origins in Ayurveda more than 5,000 years ago.
Today, besides being a staple on luxe spa menus worldwide, they are also called upon by physicians, physiotherapists, dermatologists and even psychiatrists for everything from stress to muscular pains and the flu.
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 and spices to brew up our own heat therapies right at home.
Fragrant pouches of earthy goodness, soft muslin fabrics, dim lights, the comfort of my 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 😉
Hot herbal pouches: 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 them 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 and intensifies the aroma.
Prep two herbal compresses for a session, keeping one heating on the steamer while using the other. Then massage all over your body, paying special attention to problem areas.
All the way from Bangkok
I don’t think there is a more perfect place to experience the indulgence of a hot herbal pouch than Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – in Bangkok. In the past, only trained monks were allowed to practise treatments and prescribe medicines, so this ancient legacy dates back to the 14th century.
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated), 5 tablespoons lime zest, 10 eucalyptus leaves (crushed), 1-2 stalks lemongrass (crushed), 1/2 tablespoon tamarind powder, 1/2 tablespoon camphor granules, 1/2 tablespoon rock salt, pure cotton or muslin square, cotton string
Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly with string.
Laotian herbal compress
In ancient Laos, local herbs and plants were fashioned into compresses made from indigo-coloured fabric. Indigo is the spiritual color of Eastern medicine and is believed to enhance the detoxification process. Today, the color is optional but the treatment remains identical: Steaming herbal 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, 5 cinnamon sticks, pure cotton or muslin square, cotton string
Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly 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 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, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly with string.
Indonesian herbal pouch
Inspired by the ancient rituals of Indonesia, these hot herbal pouches use medicinal herbs to restore physical and emotional balance. They are massaged over the body in circular strokes to stimulate circulation and reduce fatigue, insomnia and hypertension. Added bonus: Cooked rice softens the skin.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 tablespoon chamomile, 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
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, heat and use all over the body. 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: Has a spicy, exotic floral aroma and is a terrific pain reliever.
Cloves: Also good for treating chronic pain.
Elderberry flowers: Help rid the body of toxins, increases circulation and purifies the blood.
Ginger: Eliminate wastes and congestion, enhances circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs to increase their effectiveness.
Kaffir lime: A potent antioxidant, it’s called upon to banish colds and congestion, boost digestion and regulate blood pressure.
Lemongrass: Works as an anti-inflammatory, while also boosting digestion, releasing tension, curing colds and treating skin infections.
Mint: Calms the stomach, intestinal tract and the nervous system while cleansing the skin.
Myrrh: Highly favoured for soothing muscles and wounds, while also detoxifying the mucous membranes.
Tamarind: Has an antiseptic and blood purifying effect. It is used for constipation, colds and fever, as well as skin cleansing and refining.
Turmeric: Has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also used for relieving pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
IMPORTANT!
- Before putting a hot herbal compress on the skin, test the temperature by pressing it against your arm.
- Don’t rest the hot herbal 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 the pouch more flammable, it also means its scent will fade very quickly.
- These hot herbal pouches can be used 3-4 times when dried completely. Store 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.
Have you ever tried a hot herbal pouch?
Narendran says
Thanks for sharing . I’ll surely give it a go!
Durairaj kannan says
Sir nice tutorial.next time please tell the body massage curing herbals