The Victorian cure for some ailments included using hot salt packs. For neuralgia, premenstrual pain(although hot packs should not be used while menstruating as they may encourage more bleeding), stomachaches, arthritis pain and more, nothing is better than a bag filled with hot salt.
An application of heat can help stiff muscles and joints feel better as well. Though you can use heating pads, salt is an excellent retainer of heat and its weight can help soothe you further.
To make a pack of your own you will need:
2 lbs. kosher or sea salt
Stainless steel pot
Wooden spoon
Cotton pillowcase
Essential oil (if scent is desired)
Heat the salt over medium heat in a pot until it's very hot. Stir with a wooden spoon as you heat so all of the salt is equally heated. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Pour salt into a cotton pillowcase. You can tie off the end with a ribbon or elastic band or wrap the pillowcase around itself so the salt will not spill. You may want to put the first pillowcase inside a second one to make sure the salt stays inside.
Immediately apply the salt pack to any area of your body that is stiff, to stomach for menstrual cramps or stomachache, or to any painful joints. Relax and let the weight and heat of the salt pack soothe you.
Reheat the salt when it looses its heat. You can use it four to five times, after which it stops retaining heat.
*When the salt can no longer hold heat, add it to your bathwater to soften the water or use it as a body scrub.
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