Magical Warming Socks: A surprisingly effective remedy that starts with cold, wet feet

Given the season, and the already intense array of viruses that seem to be traveling around the area right now, I thought that I would introduce you to this simple, surprising effective remedy. This is an old remedy for colds, flus, sleeplessness, earaches, sore throats. I tried to find its origins but could only find anecdotes on its healing properties.

It starts with cold, wet socks… but that doesn’t sound too enticing. So, we call it magic warming socks. But you can also find it listed as wet socks treatment or just warming socks.

Here’s how you do it: Warm your feet first! (This is a very important step) and then, take a thin pair of cotton socks, wet them thoroughly with cold water, wring them out and put them on. Then cover them immediately with dry wool socks (fleece works okay, too). And off to bed you go right away.

Your feet usually warm the socks rather quickly and it can take your mind off of pain, worries, stresses and help promote blood circulation through your body. By morning, your feet are warm and dry.

The theory is that the cold constricts your blood flow at first, then your body works to warm the socks by promoting circulation which in turn increases lymph flow and stimulates your immune system.

If you catch a cold early or are just feeling run down, this has been known to turn things around. It works great for kids too, especially if you call them “magic socks”. You can have a special pair of socks to use to make it more enticing. Children often enjoy them and are comforted by doing these rituals that help them feel better.

I know that it doesn’t sound pleasant but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It actually helps you sleep. Maybe by the distraction they provide, maybe they cool a heated brain.

I had a patient who did this for a couple of months and got rid of the nerve pain in their feet. It improves circulation so could also be used for circulatory issues but make sure that your feet warm up. It usually happens within 30 seconds to a minute.

If you cannot warm your feet after 5 minutes, take the socks off and put your feet in a warm bath. You may do better with alternating warm and cool foot baths to help promote the circulation in your legs.

Enjoy the Fall and stay healthy!

Dr. Jennifer Means welcomes you for Primary Care for the whole family: Nutrition, IV Therapy, Naturopathy, and Acupuncture. Contact us at 503-641-6400.