One Sunday morning a couple of months ago, I was in my glory sipping my coffee and reading The New York Times in peace when I came across an article about hot-water bottles. Maybe this is a well known thing for most people, but I have to say it was new to me.
Heat has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tons of things. In the early 1900’s people started using hot water bottles made of rubber. But, since then, we’ve had replacements such as electric blankets (like everyone else in the 80’s I had one). So, somehow people forgot about them.
Everything I was reading about the benefits of hot-water bottles made total sense. It helps to relieve anxiety, menstrual cramps, headaches, backaches, sleeplessness you name it. And it’s such a simple thing. Hot water in a rubber bottle.
So, I bought one. There’s tons out there, but I chose a heavy duty one with a cute fleece cover (rubber gets a little hot directly on the skin).
I was excited to use it for the first time. So, after I put the kids to bed, I made a cup of tea and filled up my bottle with hot water. Laid on the couch and put it on my chest. I didn’t have any aches and pains, I just thought I would give it try!
I could totally see why people love it. It was like a lovey. I think my dog was even jealous. He usually jumps in my lap in the evenings. It was a warm fuzzy comfort.
So, the next day, my son was having trouble getting to sleep and I thought, hey, why not. So, without fanfare, I filled up the water bottle and laid it next to him. He was asleep in minutes! A rarity around here.
My daughter went to a daddy daughter dance and must have had fun because she bounced around so much her legs were super sore. Rather than engaging in all the complaining, I just laid the water bottle on her legs and put a blanket over her. She stopped complaining.
We’ve used it many times since and I have to say we’re getting addicted.
So, with all that said, there is this ancient remedy that’s making a comeback. And I’m glad I discovered it!
–xo, Megan
Check out the NYT article here.
