Here’s how to make herbal compresses at home

Potli massage is yet another kind of service offered by Spas, and a little did we know about it.

Potli massage is an age-old technique is instrumental in helping alleviate the pain that comes with illnesses such as osteoarthritis and spondylitis among others. This therapy is hugely recommended for people facing bone-related concerns.

So, here’s a quick go-to guide on the Potli massage therapy.

Potli Massage Therapy

One of the most popular massage therapies practiced in India, potlis have been used in South East Asia, especially in Thailand, as a natural remedy for centuries. Also known as poultice or kizhi, Potli massage is normally done in the form of heated herbal pouches. Their aim is to bring a therapeutic effect on the body by relaxing, nourishing and rejuvenating.

How to make Potli

Ayurveda is known to be one of the oldest medicinal traditions in India and potli massage therapy finds its roots in this science. Potlis contain a selection of Ayurvedic herbs, both, fresh and dried, that are carefully chosen based on your Ayurvedic constitution and the issue that you’re being treated for. They are then packed into a muslin cloth and dipped in warm medicated oil (for a wet massage) or sand or some herbal powder (for a dry massage) and then massaged onto specific pressure points that help in healing the body. They also help stimulate blood circulation which promotes faster recovery and healthy skin as well.

Here are few Potli you can Make at home

Hot Herbal Pouch from Bangkok

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated),

5 tablespoons lime zest,

10 eucalyptus leaves (crushed),

1-2 stalks lemongrass (crushed),

1/2 tablespoon tamarind powder,

1/2 tablespoon camphor granules,

1/2 tablespoon rock salt,

pure cotton or muslin square,

cotton string

Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly with string.

Laotian herbal compress

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cooked rice,

1/3 cup fresh lemongrass (crushed),

1/3 cup fresh ginger (crushed),

1/3 cup fresh basil,

1/3 cup fresh pepper,

5 cinnamon sticks,

pure cotton or muslin square,

cotton string

Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly with string. The steaming compresses thoroughly pounded over the body to relieve pain and fatigue, especially after playing a sport or doing hard physical work.

Maldivian Pouch

Ingredients:

4 cups uncooked rice/ Sand

1/2 cup dried herbs,

1 pair clean socks

Method: Combine ingredients and pour into a sock

Balinese Boreh herbal compress

Ingredients:

1 cup rice powder,

1/3 cup fresh ginger (grated),

1 tablespoon turmeric powder,

3-4 cloves, 1-2 sticks cinnamon,

1 tablespoon coriander,

1/2 tablespoon nutmeg (grated)

Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight pouch; tie tightly with string. Boreh herbal compresses that are called upon to reduce muscular pains, improve blood circulation, relieve rheumatic symptoms and leave you with a warm, relaxed feeling.

Here are few herbs with their benefits which can be used

Ashwagandha is used to relax tensed muscles and help reduce stress.

Mustard and neem are used to give the skin and body a much-needed detox.

Turmeric and ginger are used to revitalise and purify the body.

Rosemary and rice improve blood circulation and ease tension in the muscles.

Aloe vera and onion are used to reduce inflammation.

All of the above herbs can be used singularly or as a combination with other wet or dry herbs.