Wraps

Definition of Wrap

For compress or tablet s "means a very particular treatment which consists in the application on the skin of bandages, gauze or cotton cloths soaked in water mixed with essential oils.

The packs represent an interesting use of aromatic waters that dates back to ancient times: today, the packs are also commonly performed for therapeutic purposes, replacing the classic essential oils with bio-aromas or more powerful and appropriately diluted medicated drops. There are, however, the "neutral" packs made only with bandages and hot or cold water without the addition of medicaments or essences: in this case, the therapeutic / beneficial action of the treatment is subordinated exclusively to the temperature of the water with which the compress is performed.

Please note: to avoid misunderstandings and misunderstandings, it is good to point out that the "tablet" mentioned has nothing to do with the homonymous pharmaceutical form to be taken by mouth. In this case, the terms "tablet" and "compress" "are used indiscriminately as synonyms to indicate the same ancient treatment with aromatic waters / medicaments, which is performed precisely through the application of moistened bandages or gauze on the skin.

How it is prepared

The preparation of a pack is very simple, but to exploit the maximum therapeutic efficacy it is necessary to know (and put into practice) the correct method of use.
Before proceeding with the realization of the pack, it is necessary to prepare all the equipment:

• Water (hot or cold, depending on the needs and the ailment you want to heal)
• Essential oils or medicaments in the form of drops
• Bandages, gauze, folded cotton or flannel cloth

In general, the packs are prepared by adding a few drops of the chosen essence in a container containing cold or hot water. After dipping it in the aromatic water, the bandage (or gauze) must be immediately extracted, well wrung and applied directly on intact skin. , clean and dry. The pack should be kept close to the affected part until its temperature has reached that of the body.
The operation must be repeated several times to fully benefit from the effectiveness of the pack.

Hot and cold compresses

The only element that distinguishes hot packs from cold ones is the temperature of the water in which the essences are dispersed. This apparently insignificant detail is actually very important to distinguish the various types of packs and their therapeutic purposes:

1. Hot packs - which must be held on the skin until the bandage is cools, thus reaching the same body temperature - they are particularly indicated as a support to the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and back pain
2. Gi cold compresses - which must be held on the skin as long as the bandage is heats, thus equalizing the body temperature - they are instead particularly indicated in the treatment of headaches, strains, hyperthermia (fever) and all other disorders characterized by heat or swelling.

Hot and cold packs base their therapeutic activity exclusively on the temperature of the water. In any case, to enhance the desired effect it is possible to add essences or medicaments to the water: in these cases the temperature of the pack facilitates the absorption of the substance contained in the liquid (of which the bandage is soaked). In fact, the moisture conferred by the pack on the skin tends to "macerate" the skin, thus favoring the absorption of the essence.

• The therapeutic action is an expression of the temperature of the pack and / or of the functional substance dispersed in the liquid

Aromatic waters

Since time immemorial, aromatic waters have been exploited to promote the well-being of the skin and spirit: as we know, perfumed waters (hydrolates) - a fundamental ingredient in the preparation of an aromatic pack - consist of an aqueous base enriched with essential oils.
The choice of scented water in a pack is very important because the final therapeutic-like effect will depend on it.
Let's see, therefore, which are the most used aromatic waters in the preparation of a pack:

• Rose water: has refreshing, toning and astringent properties, ideal for treating reddened skin. Rose water can also be used in packs for oily hair
• Lemon water: has astringent, purifying and disinfectant properties, indicated for the treatment of impure skin and oily hair
• Orange flower water: its delicate effect is indicated for the treatment of sensitive and reddened skin
• Lavender water: its detoxifying and regenerating properties make it suitable for skin affected by acne, rosacea and blackheads. Wraps with lavender aromatic waters are also indicated to fortify muscles, relieve itching from mosquito and insect bites in general, and relax the body (anxiolytic properties).
• Water flavored with gotu kola or butcher's broom: the microcirculation stimulating properties of these plants are indicated in the treatment of skin adiposity. Not surprisingly, the extracts of centella, rusco and horse chestnut are used to make wraps, muds or anti-cellulite masks.
• Water enriched with arnica essence: the arnica extract is widely used in phytotherapy to combat rheumatic pain. Not surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory), analgesic, revulsive (stimulating the microcirculation) and anti-neuralgic properties of the plant are indicated in traumatology in the presence of post-traumatic edema and joint disorders of a traumatic nature in general.

Aromatic compresses, as well as neutral ones made without the use of essential oils, should not be considered drugs: in fact, generally these treatments do not solve the disease, but they can in any case mitigate or temporarily mask a specific disorder, supporting any therapy. medical.