Naturally Relieve Lower Back Pain: Ginger Compress

Makes 2 1/2 cups

This recipe works wonders for back strains, sprains, bruises, and other injuries when applied two or three times a day for several days to a week. I prefer fresh ginger, but powdered ginger will work too. Add the cinnamon powder for extra warming and dispersing action.

•1/2 cup of fresh ginger rhizome, grated, or 5 to 10 pinches ­powdered ginger
•1 tablespoon powdered cinnamon (optional)
•2 cups water

1. Place the ingredients into a small saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Let steep for 15 minutes, then soak a washcloth with the strong tea.

3. Apply to painful or stiff muscles until cool, then reapply several times. Two or three sessions a day is most effective.

For inflamed muscles and intense pain, try applying ice the first day, then alternating the ginger compress with a cold or even icy compress (4 minutes of the hot to 1 minute of the cold) thereafter.

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