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steamer. If you live in a region where electric steamers are not available, you can use a hot plate. Insert a round metal steaming rack inside a pot with water, place your compress on the rack, cover the pot, and turn on the heat. After the compress is thoroughly steamed, lower the temperature, and refresh the pot with a little water whenever necessary. HERBAL BLENDS The dry ingredients mentioned below are available around the world from herbal wholesalers and online companies, often described as "cut and sifted." Dry materials should be mixed outside whenever possible; this way, the powders and fine particles in the herbs escape to the open air instead of settling on your floor and furniture or penetrating your nose and lungs. When stored in large plastic ziplock bags or airtight glass or plastic containers at room temperature in a dark place, dried herbs can retain their medicinal properties for up to one year. A good general dry blend includes two parts each of lemongrass, eucalyptus, and dried ginger pieces, one part each of ginger powder and peppermint, and a half part each of galangal and rock salt. For each compress, add freshly cut and smashed ginger and a pinch of camphor crystals to several handfuls of dry mix. When you learn the basic medicinal properties of the herbs you use, you'll be able to customize compresses for clients with special conditions. Some recipes are specifically designed to clear congestion in the lungs and sinuses; to aid in relaxation for someone who is tense or going through a difficult time; or to treat skin disorders, insect bites, and other topical conditions. In addition, cold or iced compresses may be used to treat strained muscles, ligament or tendon sprains; hematomas; headaches and neck pain; and contusions, burns, and swelling. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 33 Outside of Thailand, the most reasonable option is to source basic dried ingredients in one's own region, mix the dry herbs and store them appropriately, and then add fresh ingredients to each compress on the day it is used. Crushed raw ginger. Fresh and dry mix. Muslin bag ready for wrapping. Photos courtesy Bob Haddad. LILIANA EIRA/UNSPL ASH