Home Remedies That Work: The Warming Sock Treatment
I have to admit that the first time this treatment was explained to me I had my doubts! Put on cool, damp socks when I’m sick?! No, thank you! But years back, as an obedient naturopathic medical student I decided to give it a try. Our professor explained a study where college students doing the treatment regularly throughout the winter months were sick less often and recovered more quickly from typical winter colds. I was attempting to get to the other side of my second damp Portland winter, and figured, why not give it a try!
The idea is to do this at the first signs of a cold or flu, and it is especially effective with head colds and coughs. It can be safely done on otherwise healthy individuals 5 years old and up, and should be used with caution if you have compromised circulation in your legs and feet. As always, this treatment can not take the place of advice or treatment from your physician.
Give it a try and post below how it worked for you!
Warming Sock Treatment
This treatment acts to reflexively increase circulation and has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections. The wet sock treatment is best if repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your physician.
Indications:
For Deeper Sleep and increased immune function.
Supplies:
1 pair cotton socks
1 pair thick wool socks
Towel
Warm bath or warm foot bath (optional if you run warm or have a fever)
Directions:
Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.
Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath.
Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.
Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.
Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.