Reusable hot and cold packs are a simple way of easing aches and pains at home. The packs can be put in the microwave to heat up or left in the freezer to act as an ice pack, allowing you the choice of how to treat your aches. Here are some of the reasons you should consider keeping reusable cold packs and heat packs on hand.
Versatile
Firstly, the fact that the pack can be hot or cold means they have a wide variety of uses. A hot pack can help with the healing process by increasing the blood flow to the affected part, and can also help to relieve cramps—it is like a hot water bottle, but one that will mould itself to your body shape. A cold pack will restrict the blood flow, which helps to relieve pain and swelling and can help with headaches. You, therefore, have the choice of which type of therapy to use for your particular symptoms.
Convenience
Another advantage of these packs is that they are always on hand. You can keep one in the freezer to use as a first-aid treatment—it will then be already cold when you need it and should stay that way for a couple of hours. If you already know you will need it as a heat treatment, you can keep it by the microwave, knowing it will be ready in just a minute or two (make sure you check the instructions and do not overheat the pack).
Natural
A third reason for using hot and cold packs is that they are entirely drug-free treatments. Heat and cold have been used for centuries as a natural method of pain relief and they are as relevant today as ever. If you are trying to cut down on your use of over-the-counter painkillers, or perhaps have an allergy to one of them, these packs offer a simple alternative.
Reusable
Finally, the fact that these packs can be used repeatedly offers an environmentally friendly solution in these overpackaged times. Instead of sending them to landfill, you can use them over and over again, whenever you have another ache that needs a home remedy.
Of course, if you have a persistent pain, you should always see your GP. But for a quick treatment of a minor injury or new ache, just keep a hot and cold pack at hand for immediate results.
Share23 February 2022
When I first started noticing veins protruding from my lower legs, I did my best to ignore them. However, I knew they were likely varicose veins, as both my parents have had varicose veins for several years. Eventually, I went to see my doctor due to experiencing leg swelling and red patches of skin, which turned out to be varicose eczema. I was prescribed the usual treatment, and my doctor discussed surgery to strip out the damaged veins, but I decided to postpone surgery and look at managing the swelling and protrusion of veins naturally. I started this blog to share my own experiences of trying complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, herbal medicine and massage, to manage my symptoms. I hope you find my posts useful and interesting.
