Abstract: A skin treatment system includes a flexible panel having an outer surface and an inner surface. The flexible panel may be configured to surround at least a portion of a user's appendage. The skin treatment system may also include at least one skin treatment insert having an inner surface and an outer surface. The flexible panel may be further configured to releasably engage the skin treatment insert. The skin treatment insert may be configured to receive a topical skin treatment. The inner surface of the skin treatment insert may be configured to apply the topical skin treatment to at least a portion of a surface of the user's appendage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stretchable sleeve having a medicinal section that can be loaded with a medicinal composition and a perforated section comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the medicinal section and the perforated section overlap, and wherein the sleeve is sized so that the interior surface of the medicinal section comfortably fits a body portion and the medicinal section contacts the body portion at the site of pain. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for preparing a sleeve by applying a medicinal composition to the inner surface of the medicinal section through the openings at the perforated section. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for relieving pain in a body portion by pulling the sleeve in an outside-out configuration straight up a body portion without having to roll and flip its exterior surface outside.

Abstract: A device used for applying an antiseptic preparation to a surgical site of a patient prior to surgery outside of an operating theater. A loose-fitting bag is provided which encloses the surgical site by securing the open end(s) to the patient by closing means. A method and apparatus are also provided for releasing antiseptic into the interior of the bag. The method provides that the surgical site can be scrubbed within the bag so as to properly prepare the skin for surgery. A temperature indicator for the antiseptic preparation is also provided.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound, which appliance comprises a semi-rigid or rigid wound covering device and a vacuum system to provide a supply of reduced pressure to the wound covering device. The wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay, a stopper, and a suction drain. Alternatively, the wound covering device may be comprised of an impermeable overlay and a suction drain. The wound covering device may also be comprised of an impermeable overlay that has at least one channel that is a part thereof, wherein the at least one channel is used to provide reduced pressure to the wound and may remove fluid aspirated from the wound. The vacuum system may be comprised of at least a vacuum pump or a suction bulb, or a combination of the same. Finally, methods for using the wound treatment appliance are provided.

Abstract: An aromatherapy herb pack has a flexible, aroma-permeable cover having upper and lower layers joined at their outer edges to form an interior space to contain thermal reservoir and aromatherapy materials. The interior space is divided into a series of subspaces in the form of parallel, tube-shaped containers to prevent shifting of the contained materials. A central opening is provided penetrating the upper and layers of the cover. The opening permits a user to place the herb pack over his head and onto his shoulders. The opening is X-shaped to permit maximum shoulder contact. The openings are circular in another embodiment, designed to fit snugly about a user's neck. A slit is provided extending from the outer edge of the herb pack to the opening for easy placement about the neck. A fastener, such as a hook and loop, button, zipper or tie string is used to close the slit.

Abstract: A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. A gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmotic solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.

Abstract: An irrigation dressing is provided including a hollow inflatable tubulardam with a central opening adapted to surround the wound of the individual. A semi-hard resilient clear plastic window is attached to the dam, such that the central opening is completely enclosed on a front surface of the dam. The dressing includes an inner peripheral ridge and an outer peripheral ridge extending beyond a bottom or back body-engaging surface of the dam which facilitates drawing a vacuum. A plurality of connectors are attached to a front planar face surface of the clear plastic window. At least one connector is pivotable about an axis parallel to the front planar surface of the window. A self-sealing plug is disposed inside the dam so that the dam can be inflated to selected pressures using an associated hypodermic needle or the like.

Abstract: A hydrogel wound dressing which is highly absorptive, contours to a wound site, and maintains the wound in a moist state to promote healing thereof. The hydrogel wound dressing may also contain additives to prevent bacterial and fungal infections and to control wound odor.

Abstract: A method for adhering a first substrate to a second substrate using a double sided adhesive device based on silicone gels. The method is particularly useful for adhering a medical prosthesis to a human or animal body.

Abstract: A carrier delivered dressing which has a conformable backing with a pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a bottom face and a low adhesion coating on a top face. The backing is supported during shipping and handling by a liner attached to the adhesive and a removable heat sealed carrier attached to the top face of the backing. The method according to the present invention discloses the steps of forming and optionally removing windows in a carrier material and nonpermanently heat sealing the carrier to the backing to form the dressings of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for safely tagging and releasing large fish includes a long pole to which is attached at its distal end a holder body for retaining therewithin an axially extending cutting blade and, at its tip portion, a tag applicator.

Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article includes an outer cover and an absorbent structure in superposed relation to the outer cover and defining a bodyfacing surface. A lotion formulation is deposited on the bodyfacing surface in discrete locations targeted for specific regions of the wearer's body.

Abstract: Pad for the treatment of inflammatory afflictions, which comprises an absorbing matrix, a medicament that is a hypertonic substance such as inorganic salt solutions, and a functional backing for directing and limiting the activity of the medicament to the desired body surface. The pad may further comprise binding means for maintaining it in place and in engagement with the desired body surface. The absorbing matrix and the functional backing may be structurally connected or separate. The absorbing matrix may be made of cotton, lignin cellulose or synthetic absorbing materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a sleeve containing a non-removable therapeutic agent within that is used to provide a variety of therapeutic modalities. The sleeve is constructed of an inner and outer layer of flexible materials suitable to pulled onto a portion of the body such as elbow, wrist, ankle, knee, or other limb for application of therapy. A therapeutic agent of choice becomes non-removable, permanently contained between the inner and outer layers. Various therapeutic agents may be chosen to delivery a wide range of modality. Microwave activated particulates may be contained within the inner and outer coverings to provide moist heat therapy. Metallic particulates may be chosen for cold therapy applications. Outer layers may be insulated to improve heat retention to extend therapeutic time. So constructed, a therapeutic sleeve is provided to delivery heat, cold, or contrast therapy to an affected body part of a human or animal subject.

Abstract: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient with a wound comprises a bandage, a receptacle, and a vacuum source. The bandage comprises a cover to seal about the wound and to define a space above the wound in which a vacuum is to be formed. The bandage further comprises a port providing communication with the space. The receptacle is connected to the port to receive exudate from the wound and is provided to be placed below the wound. The vacuum source is spaced apart from the receptacle, is connected to the receptacle, and is effective to provide a vacuum in the receptacle and in the space.

Abstract: An adherent article, such as a bandage or adhesive tape, having a nonwoven substrate that contains water soluble fibers is provided. The water soluble fibers of the nonwoven substrate can include polyvinyl alcohol fibers that only dissolve at temperatures greater than 37° C. and/or polyvinyl alcohol fibers that can dissolve at temperatures less than about 37° C. The adherent article also includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the nonwoven substrate that facilitates adherence of the substrate to human skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be water soluble or generally insoluble, but dispersible in water.

Abstract: An absorbent article (1) having a liquid-retentive absorbing layer (2), a liquid-impermeable leakproof layer (3), and standing gathers (4) on each side thereof which have an elastically extensible portion (40) coming into planar contact with the wearer's skin while worn, wherein the elastically extensible portion (40) is made of a sheet (44) and at least one elastic member (45), the elastic member (45) being fixed to the sheet (44) discretely in the longitudinal direction thereof in their stretched state, and the parts of the sheet where the elastic member (45) is not fixed are raised by contraction of the elastic member (45) to form a plurality of hollow ridges (43) on the side of the elastically extensible portion (40) to be brought into contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: An aseptic protector for skin penetrating devices includes a body of deformable material for accepting and encapsulating a protruding portion of a skin penetrating device, such as a pin or drain, from a location where the skin penetrating device protrudes from a skin surface to a location spaced outwardly from the skin surface. The body of deformable material functions as a buffer and inhibits movement of the skin penetrating device. The body of deformable material includes an aseptic agent, preferably dispersed throughout the body of material, for contacting the skin surface and the skin penetrating device at the location where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface to prevent, inhibit or arrest infection where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface.

Abstract: A hydrogel wound dressing which is highly absorptive, contours to a wound site and maintains the wound in a moist state to promote healing thereof.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions for use in transdermal drug delivery systems comprising an adhesive composition which is tolerant to plasticization by cutaneous penetration enhancers contained in the transdermal drug formulation are disclosed. Specifically, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition of the present invention comprises an acrylic copolymer prepared from (i) at least 40% by weight of th total monomer composition of alkyl acrylate monomers with a Tg of -90 to 0.degree. C., (ii) 0-15% by weight of the total monomer composition of monomers with a Tg of 0 to 250.degree. C., and (iii) 10-60% by weight of the total monomer composition of substituted acrylamides or methacrylamides having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3,R.sub.2 is H or CH.sub.3, andR.sub.3 is (a) CH.sub.3,(b) C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CH.sub.3 where n is 0 through 17, or(c) substituents of the formula: ##STR2## where m is 0 through 10, and optionally(iv) at least 0.

Abstract: A patient interface system includes a fluid transfer subsystem comprising a primary fluid transfer element fluidically communicating with the wound and a secondary fluid transfer element/manifold in contact therewith. A drape subsystem covers the fluid transfer elements and includes a film material membrane. A fluid conveying subsystem includes a vacuum source connected to the secondary fluid transfer element/manifold by a suction tube for creating a negative, sub-atmospheric pressure within the interface system for extracting fluids collected in the interface system. A fluid supply is provided for supplying various types of fluids to the interface system.

Abstract: A dressing comprising a body facing layer of a thermoplastic adhesive and a carrier film and an absorbent material, the dressing having in itself an outwardly facing convex surface and an inwardly facing concave surface, wherein the dressing comprises a first area facing the wound or skin, the area having essentially three-dimensional geometry and optionally a second area, the first area preferably comprising a hydrocolloid adhesive and a carrier film, and the second area essentially showing adhesive properties and preferably comprising a carrier film and a hydrocolloid adhesive and wherein the adhesive in one or both areas is optionally covered by one or more layers to be removed before use.

Abstract: A sampler device for applying sample material having a supporting base with a hole through its width. A stretchy layer, such a latex, is affixed to the base to cover the hole. A cover protects sample material deposited on the stretchy layer. After removing the cover, a user inserts a finger through the hole, stretches the stretchy layer into an applicator shape, and applies or consumes the sample material.

Abstract: The method for automatic dosing of drugs utilizes a delivery device which may be administered to an animal. The delivery device is configured to have one or more compartments or reservoirs, each containing at least one drug so that a plurality of doses of the drug(s) are held within the device. In accordance with the present invention, the delivery device selectively releases doses of the drug(s) to provide an efficacious dosing pattern. One primary function of the present invention is to release two or more pesticides in such a pattern that parasites are effectively controlled while preventing the development of tolerance to the drugs within the parasites. Preferably, the delivery device is programmable to effectuate the release of the drug(s) at a desired time to maintain efficacious levels of the drug while minimizing the amount of drug which must be used.

Abstract: A bandage in the form of a reinforced silicone gel sheet for the treatment of scar tissue is disclosed. The bandage consists of a first layer of silicone adapted to adhere to the skin, a second layer of polyester mesh fabric with a plurality of holes therethrough, which contacts the first layer, and a third layer of silicone. The third layer acts as a sealant and an adhesive when applied to the mesh fabric by projecting through the holes in the mesh fabric to seal the second layer and to laminate the second layer between the first layer and the third layer. The sealant effect of the third layer provides a non-adherent surface which enables the bandage to be worn underneath clothing. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wound dressing that releases, via hydrolysis and in a controlled manner, acetic acid when subjected to body temperatures and moisture, and is made from a cellulose ester substrate with a partial solvent thereon.

Abstract: Cellulose films useful as wound and bum dressings are prepared from a solution of cellulose produced by Acetobacter xylinum in a stirred tank. The materials of this invention comprise a film of microbially produced cellulose, particularly cellulose produced from the culture of Acetobacter xylinum in a stirred tank. The film is made by dissolving the cellulose in a solvent system comprising dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride, casting the resulting solution onto a flat surface and regenerating the film in a gelation bath. Humectant is incorporated into the film by solvent exchange. The film is then sterilized and packaged for long term storage. These films are strong and elastic having mechanical properties superior to plant derived cellulose membranes and similar to that of the human skin and are useful as wound dressings.

Abstract: The skin plate product according to the invention is an adhesive, flat skin plate product for use as a semi-manufacture in the production of dressings, skin and wound care devices, fastening means for dressings, ostomy equipment, wound drains and catheters for incontinence equipment, in particular for men, and for use in electrodes for application to the skin, the said skin plate product having an area being delimited by the periphery of the product, and a first surface and a second surface consisting of two or more essentially non-mixed material units (1, 1', 2, 2', 2a, 2b, 2c, 4, 11, 12, 21, 21', 22, 22', 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43), at least two material units being of different material, of which at least one material unit is a skin friendly self-adhesive material, and where a first material unit (1, 1', 11, 21, 21', 31, 41) extends throughout the area of the entire product, this material unit further constituting at least a portion of the first surface (6, 26, 26', 36, 46) and the second surface (5, 25, 25',

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric therapy device is provided for treating skin disorders and for administering pressurized therapeutic gas (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen) to an afflicted region of a patient's skin. In particular, the topical hyperbaric therapy device of the present invention comprises an inflatable and generally toroidal-shaped tube having a top portion, a bottom portion, and an open interior portion. In addition, a pliable pad member is sealably joined to the bottom portion of the tube. In use, the pliable pad member and the open interior portion of the tube define an enclosed chamber when the tube is inflated and top portion of the tube is sealably constrained against the patient's skin. The topical hyperbaric therapy device also includes an inlet port for supplying pressurized therapeutic gas to the enclosed chamber, and an outlet port for venting pressurized therapeutic gas from the enclosed chamber once the pressure therein becomes greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate material having stretchability and recovery, breathability and barrier properties, and being made from a nonwoven elastomeric web having at least one web of textile material discontinuously adhesively bonded to each side thereof. The laminate material is free of an elastomeric film, the elastomeric web is substantially flat when the laminate is unstretched, and the nonwoven elastomeric web provides recovery to the laminate. The nonwoven elastomeric web is preferably a web of meltblown elastomeric fibers and the other webs may be knits, wovens or scrim materials. These laminates are well suited for infection control products, personal care products and garments.

Abstract: A body shielding device having an elongate tube constructed of flexible, water-resistant sheet material. The tube has a diameter large enough to allow a limb to be inserted through the tube. The tube preferably has a permanent crease running along the length of the tube so as to allow a sidewall of the tube to be easily folded over itself as needed to accomodate varying limb sizes. Fastening strips are provided on the outer surface of the tube to provide convenient means by which to secure the tube tightly around the limb in the folded-over position.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for wound dressing are provided for application with all sizes and shapes of wounds, particularly lacerations and deep and ragged cuts. The medical apparatus includes a compressed pad that expands as it absorbs body fluid from the wound and a backing member that increases the pressure applied to the body part as the compressed pad expands. The medical apparatus applies pressure to the wound of at least 0.4 psi.

Abstract: A medicinal substance for topical application is disclosed. The substance comprises a water-soluble glass containing silver or a silver compound. Typically, the glass comprises phosphorus pentoxide and contains silver oxide. The substance may be used for the treatment of wounds, catheter and tubing entry points, stoma sites and body passage entrances where bacterial growth and migration are rife. The glass may be in the form of a powder, granules, woven into a dressing form, a sinter shaped in a particular way or used as filler in polymers for surface release.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape for use over a wound is made from a laminate structure of flexible rubber, a hydrophilic hydrogel polymer bonded to one side of the flexible rubber, and an adhesive bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along at least a first section of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape. The adhesive is preferably a hydrogel adhesive with a cellulosic, polyurethane or polyacrylate base, while the flexible rubber is preferably rubber which is pretreated with hydrogel polymer prior to curing. A medicament such as CPC or BAK can be bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along the non-adhesive portion of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing or surgical drape to provide slow release medication, and if desired, removable plastic may be provided to cover the adhesive portions. The bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape may take various shapes, sizes, and arrangements.

Abstract: A protective covering for select areas of the surface anatomy of the body having incisions, wounds, injuries or other delicate features requiring protection from moisture or trauma for limited periods of time during external application of water or aqueous solutions including a waterproof flexible membrane, a window to aid in positioning over the select areas and means for affixing the membrane without adhering to the incisions, wounds, injuries or delicate features requiring protection.

Abstract: An animal treatment and handling device which is a flexible enclosure or case into which the animal can be placed. The animal is secured up to its neck by means of hook-and-loop type fastening strips located on either side of the front opening and which provide a quick closure. Only the head of the animal extends without the case. A second closing means adds strength and helps to seal the case so that it can be used for bathing or dipping the animal. The case has a reclosable slit along the top through which medication can be introduced or the animal can be treated. Means are provided to affix a carrying strap to the case for transporting the animal.

Abstract: A technique for administering medicaments in veterinary applications including the steps of applying a medicament transdermally to an animal and non-surgically terminating the application of the medicament at a pre-determined time. There is also provided apparatus for transdermal application of medicaments to animals including a removable enclosure arranged to be non-invasively mounted onto an animal ear.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: An improved eye shield retention system holds a generally ovate eye cover in position across the bony orbital rim of a user's eye. The eye shield comprises a plastic shell adapted to function as an eye shield or as a backup member for an eyelid compress. The retention system has a first strap segment that attaches to the lower end of the eye shield and joins with a second strap segment behind the user's head. The second strap segment attaches to the upper end of the eye shield and is bifurcated into an upper and lower strap segment adapted to encircle a user's head either in an adjacent and parallel relationship or to be laterally separated to cause the two strap segments to oppose one another against the curvature of the user's skull. In the latter condition the strap segments prevent the eye shield retention system from slipping into a less than snug fit over the skull in which the eye cover could become dislodged.

Abstract: A topical hyperbaric apparatus and method is disclosed for treating wounds and lesions on a patient's body. The hyperbaric apparatus includes a shell constructed of flexible plastic material which enables the shell which provides a substantially closed internal chamber to be arrangable between an expanded and collapsed configuration having a substantially reduced volume. As a result, the hyperbaric apparatus can be economically shipped to distant locations while minimizing storage requirements. The hyperbaric apparatus is expanded for use during normal application of therapeutic gases for treatment of the patient's wounds or lesions after being adhered to the patient's body using an adhesive material. The construction of the shell form plastic-like material allows the shell to be washable during patient use which is particularly pertinent when treating incontinent patients.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transdermal patch holder is provided for making possible an ascertaining of drug release rate of a transdermal patch mountable thereon. The holder includes upper and lower spaced-apart aligned annular adapter disc structures forming aligned through-spaces. An upper surface of the lower disc structure has a centrally positioned stepped indentation forming a recess space seatable of the transdermal patch. The lower surface of the upper disc structure has a centrally positioned stepped downwardly-extending projection of slightly lesser cross-section than the cross-section of the recess space and is adapted to downwardly press upon an upper surface of a seated transdermal patch when the upper disc structure is intermittently in a latched state of being latched to the lower disc structure.

Abstract: A sleeve to be worn by a sports player, such as a baseball pitcher, is disclosed herein for covering the favored pitching arm of the player and the sleeve includes a pair of inside pockets located adjacent to the elbow and shoulder joint areas intended to be kept warm. The pockets insertably receive a therapeutic pack, either an electrical heating device or a cold pack as desired. The sleeve is attached to a partial torso covering portion to which securement straps are attached for releasably retaining the sleeve and torso covering portion on the body of the player.

Abstract: An athlete's foot bandage is set forth utilizing a generally "T" shaped configuration for securement between adjacent toes of an individual. The bandage utilizes a first and second horizontally aligned first and second leg with a medially positioned downwardly depending shank therefrom having secured thereto a medicant pad secured to outer surfaces of the opposed sides of the shank spaced somewhat above lower terminal edges of the shank to position the treated pads to confronting surfaces of adjacent toes to simultaneously space the toes to prevent reinfection therebetween and apply an anti-fungal medicant to preselected areas.

Abstract: A disposable surgical apparatus for removing potentially harmful vapor and airborne particulate, especially AIDS virus, from an operating zone, including an environment occupied by a surgeon during an operation comprises a vacuum generating system that draws the potentially harmful vapor and airborne particulate through a suction manifold mounted on the surgeon's wrists and outside the protective apparel donned by surgeons during operations. The apparatus further includes a suction conduit routed beneath the surgeon's protective apparel connecting the suction manifold cuff to a high efficiency filter and vacuum pump. The protective cuff is designed so as not to appreciably impair the movement or vision of the surgeon.

Abstract: A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be in the form of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means.Strains of Acetobacter that are stable under agitated culture conditions and that exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production are described.

Abstract: An applicator which is designed to fit over a fingernail or toenail to apply a liquid solution to the nail region is provided. The applicator is mounted on a removable backing which has a hole therein to permit application of a liquid nail and cuticle nutrient to the applicator prior to removing it and affixing it on a finger or toe.The applicator is generally in the shape of a triangle with a base, two sloping sides, and an apex opposite the base. The applicator inner side is adhesively coated and contains an absorbent pad section which is designed to receive the liquid nutrient solution and to apply that solution to the nail and cuticle of the finger or toe on which the applicator is attached.

Abstract: Improved therapy members useful for treating of sprains, muscle aches, orthopedic and skin injuries such as burns and other wounds are provided which make use of a pliable, self-sustaining, moisture sorbing gel including a humectant such as glycerin entrapped within a synthetic resin polymer matrix (e.g., a matrix containing acrylic acid or acrylamide monomer moieties). In one preferred embodiment, a body of the gel is encased within heat and moisture-permeable stretch fabric, and securing ties or the like are provided to permit the composite to be conformed to a body part and held in place. In use, such therapy wraps are either heated (as in a microwave oven) or refrigerated, so as to provide appropriate thermal treatment; it has been found that the preferred gel of the invention retains its pliability and other physical properties over a very broad temperature range, such as -20.degree. to 305.degree. F., and therefore the wraps of the invention can be used in many treatment contexts.

Abstract: A composition and body wrap comprising several herbs forms the basis for a solution, salve and an oil which is applied to the body. The body is completely wrapped and covered with a non-porous membrane to retain the body heat. The method of making the solution, salve and oil is described using nutrients such as lecithin, herbs such as kelp, parsley, chickweed, and, alfalfa, and sesame oil and water. A carrier used to keep the solution on the body is a foam or sponge material and the non-porous membrane is a thin plastic material. All of the materials are disposed of after one use.