Ginger Heat

The moist medicinal heat of this simple recipe is great for stubborn muscle pain and spasm.

Gather the following items: Fresh ginger root, cheese cloth or handkerchief, rubber band, cheese grater, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and two medium-sized towels.

• Bring a large pot of water to just before boiling (the healing properties of ginger are destroyed in boiling water.)
• While water heats, grate golf-ball size piece of fresh ginger root into cheese cloth. (A man's clean handkerchief will do.)
• Wrap grated ginger root into cloth and tie with a rubber band.
• Squeeze juices from ginger packet into pot and drop packet into warming water.
• Just before boiling, remove from heat and cover.
• Take one towel and tri-fold lengthwise.
• Dip center section of towel into pot containing hot ginger water.
• Squeeze out excess water and place hot towel lightly onto affected area. Caution! It will take several attempts before subject can stand the heat of the towel for more than a second or two. When the heat can be tolerated, leave towel on area and immediately cover with plastic, then aluminum foil and finally second, dry towel.
• Ask subject when heat has dissipated. Repeat above sequence several times (total time 20 minutes) until area is reddened from increased blood flow.
• This ginger liquid can be reheated within one twenty-four hour span to repeat above compress.
• Remember, don't boil! Breathe!

Designed (with great difficulty and lots of help) by Annie S. Kyrkostas. Last updated 15 October 2005.