Herbal Hot Pack Development using Microwave Oven

Abstract

Retionale and Objective: Traditional Thai Herbs can decrease pain. If it will be applied with superficial heat treatment, it may be an interesting alternative treatment for relieving pain. The purpose of this study was to develop the Thai herbal hot pack that was heated by microwave oven and investigate the appropriate heat transfer and adequate duration for treatment.

Methodology: Forty healthy subjects aged between 20-40 years old were invited to this study. All subjects were randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). The experimental group received the Thai herbal hot pack treatment on lower back region for 30 minutes while the control group received the physiotherapy hot pack treatment. The investigator measured the change of skin temperature every minute for 30 minutes using thermometer. The difference in temperature between groups was analyzed by independent t-test.

Results: The results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between groups at 2 to 21 minutes (p<0.05). However, the microwave-heated Thai herbal hot pack has suitability due to able to increase surface skin temperature to 40-45 degree of Celsius for 20 minutes.

Discussion and Conclusion: The study concluded that the heat transfer and treatment duration of Thai herbal hot pack by using microwave oven has a sufficient effect for the clinical treatment. Thus, The Thai herbal hot pack can be an alternative method for treat the patients with chronic pain at home because it is easy to use and save the cost.