Against cellulite, water retention and stagnation there is a method that smells of herbs and spices, which tastes of ancient traditions, but whose effectiveness has been proven by science. Let's talk about the Thai herbal compress. The Thai herbal compress consists of a bag containing a mixture of herbs. This bag should be heated by soaking it in hot water. Then it should be applied to the part of the body to be treated. The Thai herbal compress is useful for relieving stress but also for alleviating pain and stiffness. Studies have observed that specific herbal blends to be used in the Thai compress are useful for counteracting stagnation and cellulite. Let's try to understand in detail.
The herbs of the Thai compress and their benefits
The Thai compress mixture with anti-cellulite action is made up of different herbs and spices. In particular, the ingredients are tea, coffee beans, ginger, black peppercorns and lemon grass with the addition of sea salt to help the product penetrate the skin. The topical application of this compress has been shown to significantly reduce the circumference of the thighs and cellulite already after two weeks of treatment (Ngamdokmaiet al, Pharmaceuticals, 2021). But why these herbs? Topical applications of tea, both black, green and white, are characterized by slimming and anti-cellulite properties. These effects are attributable to the ability of tea extracts to improve microcirculation and stimulate fat burning thanks to the contribution of caffeine and antioxidant polyphenols (Koch et al, Molecules, 2019). Indeed, caffeine is one of the most used substances to combat cellulite since it stimulates lipolysis, which is a process of fat degradation (Dupont et al, Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol., 2014). Ginger, black pepper and lemon grass also counteract the accumulation of fat and therefore the appearance of cellulite (Ngamdokmaiet al, Pharmaceuticals, 2021).
Thai herbal compress against cellulite, how to make it
Prepare a mixture of herbs and spices separately to be kept in a hermetically sealed glass container. Mix 200 grams of green, black and white tea leaves, a couple of tablespoons of coffee beans, two teaspoons of black peppercorns, 2 teaspoons of ginger powder, 3 tablespoons of lemon grass and 4 tablespoons of coarse sea salt. In this formulation we also add 3 tablespoons of rosemary needles, since this plant has an action studied against cellulite, as well as counteracting tissue aging (Malvezzi de Macedo et al, Plants, 2020). Get a square cotton cloth about 50 cm on each side. In the center pour the mixture of herbs and spices for a total of 150 grams. Close the bag by tying the four corners together tightly. Heat a pot full of water up to 70° C, remove from heat and soak the bag for 15 minutes. Take the bag and let it cool until it reaches a temperature of 40-45° C, then apply on the thighs, making a light massage by rotating the compress on itself and trying to cover the entire area affected by cellulite (Ngamdokmaiet al, Pharmaceuticals, 2021). The pack should be performed for 30 minutes, making sure to heat the pack again when it becomes cold.
