Doctor shows how to soak herbs to treat joint pain and sleep disorders

Herbal bath is a therapy used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases, bringing many health benefits, especially in reducing joint pain and improving sleep.

Below, Dr. Le Nhat Duy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, shares the benefits of herbal soaking, effective foot soaking methods as well as necessary notes when soaking feet.

Herbal soaks can help treat joint pain and sleep disorders

Illustration: Freepik

Benefits of herbal baths

Keep your body warm: On rainy or cold days, soaking your feet in warm water and herbs helps keep your body warm and prevent colds.

Improve blood circulation: Warm water and herbal ingredients stimulate blood circulation, helping to warm the body and reduce the feeling of coldness in the hands and feet.

Reduce joint pain: Cold weather often increases the feeling of joint pain. Soaking your feet with herbal ingredients helps relieve pain, soften muscles and reduce joint stiffness.

Relax your mind: Soaking your feet in warm water and herbs not only helps relieve pain but also creates a feeling of relaxation, reduces stress and improves sleep, especially useful on days with unfavorable weather.

Herbs that can be used for foot soaks

Chamomile: Chamomile has a sedative effect, helps relax and improves sleep quality.

How to use: Soak dried chrysanthemums in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet.

Mint leaves : Mint leaves have a pleasant aroma, help relax the nerves and improve sleep.

How to use: Soak fresh or dried mint leaves in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet.

Ginger : Ginger has the effect of warming the body, helping to relax and sleep easier.

How to use: Slice fresh ginger, boil in water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet.

Slice fresh ginger, boil in water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet.

Photo: Freepik

Piper lolot: Piper lolot has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and is often used in folk remedies to treat joint pain.

How to use: Boil fresh betel leaves in water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet or painful joints.

Mugwort: Mugwort has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, helping to reduce symptoms of joint pain.

How to use: Boil fresh mugwort in water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet or painful joints.

Scratch grass : Scratch grass has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, often used in traditional medicine to treat bone and joint diseases.

How to use: Boil the roots or leaves of the plant in water for about 10-15 minutes, then use this water to soak your feet or painful joints.

Foot soak instructions

• Wash hands or feet before soaking.
• Put herbs in a pot, add about 1 - 1.5 liters of boiling water.
• After 5 minutes, add cold water and check the water reaches about 50-60 degrees Celsius (or warm water that your hands can tolerate) to avoid burns.
• Place your feet about 5cm above the water surface to let the herbal steam in, helping to open your pores and avoid thermal shock. Then slowly dip your feet into the herbal water.
• Soak your feet or hands for 10-15 minutes each time. You can soak 1-2 times a day in the morning or evening before going to bed for about 30-60 minutes.

Notes when soaking feet

• Do not soak in open wounds, skin infections, arterial-venous occlusion diseases, or neurological disorders that are contraindicated.
• The patient is mentally unstable.
• Do not soak in water that is too hot to avoid burns.
• For patients diagnosed with varicose veins of the lower extremities, the feet can be soaked in water no higher than the ankles.
• Caution for small children.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-chi-cach-ngam-thao-duoc-dieu-tri-dau-khop-va-roi-loan-giac-ngu-18524081813152076.htm