Not only for cooling drinks, the benefits of ice cubes are also known to be good for health and treating a number of disease symptoms, such as pain, itching due to insect bites, to swelling due to arthritis. To find out more about the benefits, see the explanation here.
In the midst of the hot sun and hot weather, there is nothing more delicious than drinking a cold drink mixed with ice cubes. However, who would have thought that ice cubes were also useful to treat and relieve various health problems.
Benefits of Ice Cubes Related to Handling Various Diseases
There are various benefits of ice cubes in relieving or alleviating various diseases, namely:
1. Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
Ice cubes are known to prevent heel pain from getting worse and relieve inflammation due to excessive activity or pressure on the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue or ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot.
Ice cube therapy to relieve heel pain can be done by means of compresses or soaks. For the compress method, you can do this by placing crushed ice in a plastic bag or bottle. Next, compress the painful heel area for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
For the soak method, you can fill a shallow basin with water and ice cubes, then soak your heels for 10-15 minutes. Do this several times a day and make sure your toes are not submerged in the ice.
However, there is one thing that you should always remember, never place an ice cube directly on the heel or any part of the body that experiences pain or injury.
2. Food poisoning
Food poisoning occurs due to consuming food or drink that has been contaminated with bacteria Salmonella. These bacteria can generally be found in raw or uncooked foods and foods or beverages that have not gone through the pasteurization process.
One of the food poisoning caused by bacteria Salmonella is frequent bowel movements or diarrhea. Well, one way to overcome this condition is to drink lots of water and suck on ice cubes to replace lost body fluids.
3. Insect bites or stings
Ice cubes are also known to relieve itching, swelling, redness, or pain on the skin due to mosquito bites. You only need to compress the sore area with a wet towel or ice packs for a few minutes.
However, if you are stung by a bee or other dangerous animal and severe symptoms appear, such as shortness of breath and dizziness, it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately for further treatment.
4. Swollen gums
Pain or swelling in the gums can be relieved by using ice cubes, at least until you go to the dentist. The trick is to put ice cubes in the mouth, precisely over the sore area.
5. Cejoint pain or inflammation
Ice cubes have long been used to relieve swelling and inflammation from injuries or other conditions, such as arthritis.
The trick is to compress the swollen or sore area with a wet towel or ice that has been wrapped in a towel for 10-15 minutes. Do the compress several times a day.
For those of you who want to use ice cubes for the various complaints above, always remember not to put ice cubes directly on the skin, especially on open wounds. You can place a clean cloth between the skin and the ice cube. Also, don't put ice cubes on your skin for more than 15-20 minutes.
The benefits of ice cubes do not need to be doubted. However, if the pain, inflammation, or swelling does not improve after using ice cubes, don't hesitate to immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.