Rhonda said,

<<   Like many others, I suggest cold compresses
 or cabbage (simply another form of cold application in my mind), >>

I do have to disagree that cabbage is "simply another form of cold
application."  Cabbage works, even if it is at room temperature.  It works
faster than just cold applications.  It works better than just ice on jaws
that have had wisdom teeth removed.  It works better than cold on Pitocin
edematous legs.  Lettuce -- even cold lettuce doesn't work.  No, there is an
ingredient IN the cabbage that reduces swelling.

Back in 1892, when "The Glory of Women" was published, recommending use of the
"young cabbage leaf to treat the caked breast," it wasn't an issue of cold vs.
hot.  It was recognized even then that there was something IN the cabbage that
made a difference.

Jan -- who thinks cabbage is wonderful, and would like to build a temple to it
in her back yard like the Romans did many thousands of years ago.