Like attracts like and opposites balance. When you are suffering with a chesty cough or catarrh in the lungs, a dry heat pack or ruksha swedana is recommended. Conversely, wet heat such as a hot water bottle or pinda swedana is recommended when dryness is present such as in arthritic joints without oedema.
Some of the heat packs I’ve seen in the shops lately are filled with all sorts of dubious ingredients. Here’s a no-sew, 1-minute option for a dry heat pack that almost anyone can DIY.
How to make a dry heat pack in a minute.
Find a pair of long, clean cotton socks.
Place ½ – 1 cup of dry rice, beans or lentils in one and fold the end over. Thread the folded end of sock #1 into sock #2 so that it is secure and not going to creep out. IF this feels like a mess waiting to happen, you can use an elastic band or piece of string to secure the end of sock #1 before folding.
Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the socks (to prevent burning) and pop into the microwave for 1-2 minutes. If not hot enough, try an additional 30 seconds. Remember the heat will increase slightly after microwaving and if placing on ginger for a congested chest, there will be some herbal heat as well.
If you do not have a microwave, try this:
In a medium pot or frypan, heat ½ cup rock salt and ½ cup rice or beans for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring continuously. Turn off burners before having someone help you pour into the sock. Make a large funnel using a piece of scrap paper or card, to assist transfer.
If you have some dried lavender on hand, you can add the flowers into your heat pack.
*Remove carefully and always use with care as heat packs can burn delicate skin.*