How to Select an Aromatherapy Herbal Pack

If you suffer from pain caused by injury, illness, tense muscles or sinus problems you may be familiar with the benefits of a heating pad. Add to this the benefits of herbs and spices for an increasingly popular remedy, the aromatherapy herbal pack. Read on to learn how to select an aromatherapy herbal pack.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Research time

Considerations

1. Consider the condition(s) that you wish to treat. Aromatherapy packs come in a variety of sizes and shapes including those designed for the face, shoulders and neck, and larger areas such as the back or stomach.

2. 
   Lavender is just one of many herbs used in aromatherapy packs.

   Learn the medicinal properties of different herbs for maximum benefit, or simply choose fragrances that you enjoy. A sample of herbs designed to relax muscles or reduce inflammation include chamomile, lavender, peppermint and cinnamon. Yucca oil is another popular choice that may be of additional benefit to sinus conditions.

3. Look for 100 percent natural ingredients in an aromatherapy herbal pack. Natural ingredients should offer superior aromatherapy benefits and often better heat retention.

4. Find an aromatherapy herbal pack that contains a removable cover. Both natural and synthetic packs are prone to internal and external mold and mildew growth, as are many non-scented packs. Individuals sensitive to these allergens may do better to use an unscented mold-resistant microwavable heating pad.

5. Identify the product claim with regards to heat retention, which should be at least 30 minutes for best results. Optimally, look for aromatherapy packs which contain corn as the main filler. Corn is reputed to have superior heat retention over rice and most other fillers. The exception is aromatherapy facial packs, which require more comfort and less heat.

6. Comparison shop with at least five vendors for best results. Many inflated claims are made concerning aromatherapy packs. Additionally, homemade packs are not standardized and both commercial and homemade aromatherapy herbal packs may be overpriced.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for an aromatherapy herbal pack that serves double duty as an ice pack if cold therapy is needed.
• Aromatherapy packs lack hard evidence as to whether the benefits are substantially improved over their unscented competitors, proponents of aromatherapy find these scented hot and cold packs facilitate pain relief and relaxation.
• Be cautious when taking a heated aromatherapy herbal pack out of the microwave and avoid overheating.

[AmyBrantley]

on 5/9/2008 Wonderful article!! I had never thought of this, but this is a wonderful idea. My neck often aches when I'm stressed. So to combine heat with a relaxing scent is simply genius.

[AmyBrantley]

on 5/9/2008 Wonderful article!! I had never thought of this, but this is a wonderful idea. My neck often aches when I'm stressed. So to combine heat with a relaxing scent is simply genius.

[writetruth]

on 4/21/2008 I love your ideas. I have a sinus infection right now and could use some aromatherapy. : )

[PattyOh]

on 4/5/2008 Great idea here!

[bizewriter]

on 2/28/2008 Interesting points...MommaEarth, though I did not say only to buy corn, nor is it what I have mold problems with. I buy doctor-recommended Thermal-Aid made with a particularly processed corn. Many fillers can mold and mildew though. I'm glad that you are happy with the flax seed, I may have in fact seen your site. Thanks for offering an alternative for readers -- opinions do vary. :-)