How to make a cold pack or compress at home for blows

The cold packs or cold compresses that are sold are gel-filled bags that are used to instantly treat bruises to reduce inflammation. However, they usually contain gels with substances that are harmful to the environment and health. make a cold pack at home with natural ingredients avoid use harmful chemicals.

You can also give free rein to your creativity and mix the gel filler with the colors that you like the most. The packs or pads are versatile, because Both can be used to apply cold or heat.

How to make a homemade cold compress step by step

To make your own cold pad, you only need a few ingredients and some household tools.

Ingredients:

80 ml of water (cold) 27 grams of salt 13 g of cornstarch A ziplock food bag (approximately 10 x 15 cm) A pot, a spoon and a whisk Food coloring of your choice

It is important that do not use conventional plastic bags for freezing so that your cooling pads are as sustainable as possible. Alternatively, use reusable food bags or biodegradable bags.

Elaboration:

Proceeds from the following way to make your pack or cold compress:

Whisk together the water, salt, and starch in a saucepan. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Remove the mixture from the heat once it has reached a gel-like consistency. Mix in some food coloring from your choice, if desired.Allow gel to cool.Scoop gel into ziplock bag. Make sure your cold pack is not too bulky so that it can conform to the contours of your body later. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Place your cold pack in the freezer.

Also you can make a simpler variant filling the food bag with beans, lentils or chickpeas instead of the gel. Place the filled bag in your freezer and use it as a gel pack if necessary.

How to use your cold compress

Homemade cold packs are versatile. Like conventional cold packs, you can use them over and over again.

Just put them back in the freezer after use. Use the compresses for minor bruises, sprains, insect bites or toothaches, for example.

Take the gel pack out of the freezer when you need it. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a bit so it regains some flexibility.

Wrap the compress in a towel or cloth before putting it on. This will help you withstand the cold and prevent local frostbite on the skin.

You can also the pack to make a hot compress. To do this, place the bag in hot water until it is lukewarm. Think that the water should not boil. You shouldn’t put your pad in the microwave either, otherwise the plastic bag might melt.

Reasons not to use conventional cold packs

By making your own cooler bags, you can be sure that they do not contain any harmful chemicals. Conventional cold packs often contain substances that can be harmful to health.

One of these substances of concern is propylene glycol. It is a clear, transparent liquid that is added to cosmetics or household items to retain water.

The German Cancer Research Center reports that Propylene glycol can cause irritation and other health consequences if it comes into contact with the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Therefore, conventional packs should be used with caution and only under supervision in children.

In addition to propylene glycol, most conventional cooling pads also contain plasticizers like phthalates. Some have harmful effects on the hormonal system. Although it is unlikely that they will enter the body, sooner or later the pack will become a residue that can contaminate water. Therefore, it is advisable to use homemade alternatives.