Home Remedies

Wet Sock Treatment

Indications:
Sore throat or any inflammation or infection of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

• 1 pair white cotton socks
• 1 pair thick wool socks
• Towel
• Warm bath or warm foot bath

Directions:
Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with ice cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath for 5-10 minutes.
Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
Place ice cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.
Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

Effects of the Wet Sock Treatment: This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.
The wet sock treatment is usually repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your naturopathic physician.

Castor Oil Pack Treatment
Castor oil packs aid in the elimination and detoxification of the body, works to heal inflammation and pain in joints, bruises, sprains and strains.

Indications:
The castor oil pack has many applications and is used in many conditions including uterine fibroids, non-malignant ovarian cysts, headaches, migraines, constipation, colitis and other intestinal disorders, gallbladder and liver conditions, arthritis and chest colds.

Contraindications:
Do not use heat with uterine growths, bleeding, pregnancy, ulcers or while menstruating. Do not use an electric heating pad.

Supplies:

• Cotton washcloth (face cloth size)
• Dry hand towel
• Hot water bottle or hot gel pack
• Castor oil (cold pressed)

Directions:
Fold the flannel or wool cloth in half, so that it is two layers thick and a suitable size to cover recommended body area. Pour oil onto flannel until it is well moistened. Lie down placing flannel directly on skin over the treatment area. Wrap the towel around body over the flannel. Apply either a hot water bottle or hot gel pack over the treatment area.
Treatment should continue for 20 minutes to 1 hour. Longer treatments are not harmful. You may replace the flannel pack in a zip lock bag and store in refrigerator. This flannel and oil may be used for 20 - 25 applications, make sure you add more castor oil when needed. To remove the oil from skin, wash skin or towel in a solution of 3 tablespoons baking soda and water.

Usage of Castor Oil Pack
Do daily for 20 minutes at a time, daily for duration of elimination diet. Typically, the castor oil pack is used 1-5 times/day in acute situations, and 1-3 times/week in more chronic situations.