Ginger Compress

My chest was still feeling a little tight yesterday so I used a ginger compress and I got a lot of relief, feeling most of the tension melt away. One thing to keep in mind here; We hold the grief we are feeling in our lungs. In these times when we are collectively grieving for individuals and for the normal world we took for granted for so long, I am hearing many stories about chest and back tightness and tension.

The ginger is warming and helps stimulate and decongest which is just what we need to move that tension out of our systems. 

Ingredients

• Grated fresh or dried ginger.

• Honey

• Water

Instructions 

The dried ginger is a little more warming but if you don't have it, fresh is also very effective. The amount you need will vary but I used around 2tbsp of dried ginger. If you are using fresh, squeeze out the grated ginger and discard the juices. You might need closer to 3 or 4 tbsp of the fresh ginger.

Combine the ginger with around 1 tbsp of honey and a little hot water. The goal is to make a paste so add as needed to get it to a spreadable consistency. Something like peanut butter. 

To apply the compress, you can use a piece of cloth, a few paper towels or even a gauze pad. Whatever you have on hand. Spread the paste on the material you are using. 

Before you apply it directly to your chest, spread a small amount of olive oil on your skin to stop the paste sticking. 

Lay down the ginger side on the front side of your chest or on your back. Lay a hot water bottle over the compress and leave it there for 15-20 minutes. (if you don't have a hot water bottle, I highly recommend getting one.) You can re-use the same compress a few times during the day. While this is great for your chest, you can use it in your neck, shoulder or really any part of your body that is feeling tension.