Compresses are effective in the treatment of a variety of muscular and rheumatic aches and pains as well as bruises and headaches. To prepare a compress add 5 drops of oil of your choice (Albas oil) to a small bowl of water. Soak a piece of flannel or other absorbent material in the solution. Squeeze out excess moisture although the compress can remain fairly wet. Secure in a position with a bandage. For acute pain the compress should be renewed when it has reached blood temperature otherwise it should be left for a minimum of two hours and preferably overnight. Cold water should be used where fever or acute pain or hot swelling require treatment whereas the compress should be hot if the pain is chronic. If fever is present the compress should be changed very frequently.
