Ice: A study conducted in various American restaurants revealed that the ice it served had more bacteria than the restaurant's toilet water.
Read this in Hindi.
When you think of ice, what comes to your mind? Ice candy? Yummy golas? Or your favourite drink with loads of ice? Well, you should know that the humble ice is also a great way to reduce pain and swelling and even toothache! Read on.
Reduces swelling
Are you suffering from swelling of the neck or muscle? If yes, apply ice packs on the affected area to relieve pain and swelling. This measure constricts the blood vessels thereby slowing down the inflammatory action of the body. Here's how to treat swollen feet naturally.
How to use it: Wrap four to five ice cubes in a cloth and keep it over the affected area for at least 20 minutes and repeat this process every hour. Do not apply ice directly on your skin, as it might cause frostbite.
Relieves pain
Be it muscle cramps or pain due to injection shot, applying ice-packs on the site reduces pain and discomfort. It helps in countering pain by soothing the inflammation and improving blood circulation in the area.
How to use it: For pain due to vaccination, take an ice-cube and rub it over your palm and place your hand over the area (gently pat on the site). For muscle pain, rub an ice-cube on the affected area. Do this at least three times during the day for two to three days for better results. Read about 5 more tips to beat muscle cramps.
Aids in piles treatment
Ice acts as an effective natural aid to treat inflammation and swelling and thus, people suffering from piles can use ice to reduce pain and discomfort in the anus. Ice packs may help reduce swelling but care should be taken not to apply them directly.
How to use it: Crush some ice cubes and wrap it in a plastic bag or sheet, if you can t use an ice pack. Cover it with a wash cloth. Now, lie in a comfortable position on your back and apply it on the anal opening. Do this for a maximum time of 10 minutes, whenever you feel the pain. Here are 9 more helpful tips to treat piles.
Removes tan and sunburn
Are you suffering from sunburn? If yes, apply few ice cubes as it not only soothes the affected area but also hydrates your skin. This is because, ice contains water that when applied on the skin eases pain and inflammation.
How to use it: As soon as you experience sun burn or tanned skin, cool the area immediately by rubbing ice cubes over it.
Alleviates toothache
You may find it a crazy option, but ice can actually relieve your tooth pain. Applying ice cube on the sensitive area desensitizes the nerves and gums for some time and provides you relief.
How to use it: Wrap an ice cube in a piece of cloth and hold it on your cheek (near the affected area) for few minutes. You can also apply the ice directly on the tooth; however it can be quite painful.Read about5 home remedies to relieve toothache.
Adds spice to your sexual life
Have you ever thought that playing with ice cubes can cause sexual arousal? This is absolutely true as ice acts as a soothing simulator for arousal, if you are game for that icy feeling that runs through your intimate parts.
How to use it: For a steamy session in bed try various ice games such as kissing your partner while holding a slightly melted ice cube in your mouth. Here are more ways to play with ice cubes for arousal.
Soothes blemishes
Ice acts as a perfect home remedy to deal with oily skin. It not only eliminates sebum from the clogged pores but also control the production of sebum (oil). Apart from this, it reduces enlarged pores and soothes painful pimple eruptions.
How to use it: Cover an ice cube in clean cloth and simply place it on the pimple for not more than 2-3 minutes.
Reduces dark circles
Dark circles as well as puffiness of eyes can be effectively treated with the help of ice. It constricts the blood vessels, keeps your skin intact and reduces darkness. It also combats dullness of the skin by moisturising your skin. Read about top home remedies to get rid of dark circles under the eyes.
How to use it: Add afew drops of lavender oil in iced water and dab this solution over the dark circles with the help of a cotton ball. Do this regularly for some quick relief.
Image Source: Getty images
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
References:
Kartik, R., Palpu, P., Rao, C., Rawat, A., & Srivastava, S. (2007). U.S. Patent Application 11/651,410.
Follow us on