Grain pillow
Grain pillows are pillows filled with different materials that are used for both heat and cold therapy . They are known as a natural remedy because they are made from organic raw materials.
history
The use, especially of cherry stone pillows, was considered an effective home remedy, especially in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. According to stories, women employed in a Swiss cherry liqueur factory are said to have discovered the suitability of cherry stones for corresponding warming cushions and to have used kernels left over from the liqueur production to make the pillows. During excavations in the parking lot on Stubengasse in Münster between 1997 and 1999, however, around 400 grams of cherry stones previously sewn into a cloth bag were discovered, which indicate that cherry stone pillows had already been used in the Middle Ages.
application areas
- Tensions can be loosened with a heated grain pillow. The shape of the pillow should be chosen so that it adapts well to the part of the body. Specially shaped neck pillows are suitable for tension in the neck.
- For muscle pain , a warm or a cold pillow can be used, depending on the type of complaint.
- In the case of sprains / bruises , the grain cushion is used in its cooling function.
- Grain glasses (a grain pillow in the shape of glasses) can provide relief for eye pressure or tired and heavy eyes.
- A grain pillow can be used for all symptoms for which a hot water bottle is normally used, such as colds and menstrual cramps .
- Some people use grain pillows for nausea and abdominal pain.
Fillings
- Grain grains ( wheat , rye , spelled and others) are ideally suited as a filling due to their very good storage properties. They keep the temperature constant for a long time. However, due to problems for allergy sufferers, wheat and rye kernels are no longer used today.
- Fruit kernels ( grapes , cherries and others) are not grains, but are often equated with grain pillows. In contrast to grains, kernels store dry heat or cold. The filled cores must be cleaned. Foreign matter in the grain filling could cause the pillow to ignite .
Form and quilting
Grain pillows are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Heat cushions are now available in many different designs, e.g. B. as slippers, cuddly toys, warming scarf, etc. They are tailored to the respective application. An important quality criterion for grain pillows is the quilting . This means that the cushion is divided into chambers that prevent the filling from slipping. Depending on the shape, quilting can run across or lengthways.
temperature
The grain cushion is to be tempered depending on the area of application. Tiled , charcoal ovens or microwaves are suitable for heating .
- Use in the microwave: heat pad for 90 seconds in the microwave at max. Heat 800 watts. To prevent the grain pillows from igniting, it is advisable to always put a glass of water in the microwave.
- Use in a preheated electric oven: Heat at 100 degrees for approx. 10 to a maximum of 15 minutes on the lower rail in a plate or bowl.
- As a cool bag replacement: the pillow is placed in the freezer or in the freezer to cool down.
safety instructions
The manufacturers' operating instructions usually point out that (fully or partially) overheated grain pillows can catch fire. This happens when heated in the microwave by the formation of hot spots, which are not easily recognizable and, as documented in a large number of cases, can trigger a fire even after hours. Heating in the oven is energy-intensive and takes longer, but it is far safer. Some manufacturers point out that grain pillows have a healing effect. A grain pillow offered in this way requires certification as a medical product.
Movies
- Carom episode 302: The subject: The cherry stone pillow , from May 26, 2013
Individual evidence
- ↑ the subject: the cherry stone pillow . In: collision . ( arte.tv [accessed December 19, 2017]).
- ↑ City of Münster: The excavations in the parking lot at Stubengasse 1997 to 1999. Accessed on December 19, 2017 .