Sometimes it’s the weirdest-sounding treatments that actually end up working the best.
Take the “wet sock treatment” for instance. Known as one of naturopathy’s most effective cures for the common cold (it’s also been said to be effective for ear infections, migraines, insomnia, and chronic cold hands and feet), the wet sock treatment asks you to do the opposite of what you might think – to get your feet cold, not warm, and wet, not dry.
But why?
Well, it’s explained as essentially a factor of homeostasis. Since your body wants that state of equilibrium, putting wet, cold socks on your feet causes blood to rush to the area to warm it up. When this occurs, your circulation gets moving differently, blood passes through your lymph nodes, and your immune system gets a boost. More often than not, you’ll wake up feeling much better than when you went to bed.
This is especially true if you’re congested. Also referred to as the “cold sock treatment,” it’s considered hydrotherapy which is remarkably effective at clearing nasal congestion at night. According to some sources, it works better than most store-bought or prescribed medications as well. As described above, the stimulated immune system, most notably of the upper respiratory tract in particular, gets busy clearing things out and makes for a better night’s sleep free of access mucus.
Another practitioner explains it slightly differently. Dr. Katie Carazzo states that once you fall asleep, the blood vessels in your feet “will constrict as your feet cool down, which sends all the good nutrients into your organs and tissues. These nutrients are needed to fight off infections and stimulate healing. Then your feet will start to warm up again, and your vessels will dilate to release the heat. This is when the junk in your tissues is dumped into your blood stream so that your body can dispose of it. The alternating of hot and cold creates a pumping mechanism that stimulates your circulation and lymphatics. The results are an active immune system and decreased congestion. By the morning, your socks will be completely dry.”
It’s found to be helpful in relieving most common colds, earaches, sinus infections, and sore throats. It’s safe to use on anyone of any age from infants to the most elderly, although more serious ailments should consult a physician first and foremost before attempting any home remedy.
Here’s what one website says you’ll need:
A bucket or bath tub
Small towel
Cotton socks (one thin pair and one thick pair, if possible)
Your refrigerator
Now before you get ready for bed, get your thin socks completely wet, sopping wet, in fact, and place them in the refrigerator. The thick socks stay dry. While the thin socks chill, draw hot water into your bath tub or small bucket to soak your feet – make it as hot as possible while still comfortable enough to submerge your feet in. Don’t burn yourself! Let your feet soak for 15 20 minutes. Then dry them off with a towel. Now place your refrigerated wet, cold socks onto your warm feet. Then place the thick, dry socks on over them.
Now keep them on, and get into bed and go to sleep. You’ll feel your feet start to warm up and you slip under the covers, and as you drift off to sleep, your body will get working on the homeostasis it desires and the immunity-boosting you need. You’ll feel noticeably better in the morning (although if you’re still awake, you should notice congestion relief within approximately 30 minutes). This treatment can be repeated up to 3 nights if necessary.
While the method is widely considered to be effective, some hesitate to call it a “cure” for the common cold. Although it works well in most cases, one treatment is not likely to be enough unless you have just noticed your symptoms beginning and done the treatment immediately the first night. Others insist it must be accompanied by Vicks or similar Vaporub, while still more believe it only works in combination with other things, as “just one method in your natural medicine chest”, such as drinking extra fluids, getting extra sleep, taking additional immune system-boosting vitamins like C, D, E, and A, garlic and zinc.
Please note: consult your physician before trying any home remedies or natural healing treatments on any of my articles. Also, please do not attempt the wet sock treatment if you have any open wounds on your feet.
