How to Make a Hot Compress with Aromatherapy

Using essential oils to make aromatherapy compresses is easy. Both hot and cold compresses are effective at relieving pain and swelling, and reducing inflammation. Hot compresses are used to treat painful joints from arthritis to chronic backache to toothache and earache. Here are the steps to make a hot compress with aromatherapy.

Things You'll Need

• A towel
• A bowel
• Hot water
• 5-6 drops of appropriate essential oil
• a clean piece of flannel or other absorbent piece of cloth
• Plastic wrap or a towel

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with the hottest water you can stand. This could be boiled first if necessary to get it hot enough.

2. Sprinkle a few drops of your chosen essential oil onto the surface of the water. It will result in a fine film on top of the water.

3. Take your flannel piece of cloth or other chosen cloth, and lightly dip into the surface of the water, picking up as much of the essential oil as possible, and then some of the water in the bowl.

4. Wring out the cloth to remove excess water, and then place on the area to be treated. Cover with the plastic wrap and bandage it, or wrap a towel to hold the compress in place.

5. Repeat the process once the hot compress has cooled. This should help alleviate your pain.

Resources

• The Complete Book of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils