|
Poultices are an old time remedy
that is still just as effective today with helping
to draw out infection and to speed healing. Poultices
help by increasing blood flow, relaxes tense muscles,
soothing inflamed tissues, or drawing toxins from
an infected area and are used with great success.
One of the reasons poultices are successful
is that the skin, the largest organ of the body,
and one of the first line of defense against disease,
has the ability of absorption. Applying an herbal
poultices to the painful area of the skin absorbs
the medicinal benefits of the substance almost immediately.
There have been many products developed to take
advantage of this fact, body creams, salves, baths
products, liniments, oil, compress and poultices.
Poultices can be used for the following
conditions
~Joint pain and inflammation
~Abscesses;
~Boils
~Bruises
~Carbuncles
~Fibrocystic disease
~Fractures
~Enlarged glands in the neck, breast or prostate
~Leg ulcers
~Sprains
~Sunburn
~Tumors
~Ulcerated eyelids
They are also used to break up congestion,
draw out pus, and remove embedded particles from
the skin.
How to make an herb poultice
By making your poultice with the appropriate
herbs or other substances, you will help ensure
that the treatment is effective. An herbal poultice
may be made with dried or fresh herbs. The two types
of poultices are prepared in slightly different
ways.
Preparing a dried herb poultice
If you are using dried herbs, use
a mortar and pestle to grind the herbs to a powder.
Place the herbs in a bowl, and add enough warm water
to make a thick paste that can be easily applied.
Make a quantity sufficient to cover the affected
area. The ratio of ground herbs to water will vary
according to the herb being used. Add the water
in small increments, just until the mixture is thick
but not stiff.
Arrange a clean piece of gauze, muslin,
linen, or white cotton sheeting on a clean, flat
surface. The material should be large enough to
cover the affected area completely. Spread the herbal
paste over the cloth. Cleanse the affected area
with hydrogen peroxide, and place the poultice over
the area. Wrap a towel around the poultice to prevent
the soiling of clothes or sheets. Use a pin or other
fastener to secure the poultice in place. You can
use a hot water bottle in order to keep a poultice
warm.
Preparing a fresh herb poultice
If using fresh herbs for your poultice,
place 2 ounces of the whole herb - about 1/2 cup
- and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Simmer
for 2 minutes. Do not drain.
Arrange a clean piece of gauze, muslin,
linen, or white cotton sheeting on a clean, flat
surface. The material should be large enough to
cover the affected area completely. Pour the herbal
solution over the cloth. Cleanse the affected area
with hydrogen peroxide, and place the poultice over
the area. Wrap a towel around the poultice to prevent
the soiling of clothes or sheets. Use a pin or other
fastener to secure the poultice in place.
Treatment duration
Herbal poultices should be kept in
place for 1 to 24 hours, or as needed. During this
period, you may experience a throbbing pain as the
poultice draws out infection and neutralizes toxins.
When the pain subsides, you will know that the poultice
has accomplished its task and should be removed.
Apply fresh poultices as needed until the desired
level of healing has been reached.
Chaparral,
Dandelion, and Yellow Dock
Can be used to treat skin disorders such as acne,
eczema, itchy or dry skin, psoriasis, and rashes.
You can use one herb, or combine two or three. The
greatest benefit will be obtained from using all
three. Use chaparral only if you grow it yourself
or purchase it from a reputable organic grower.
Elderberry
Can relieve pain associated with hemorrhoids.
Fenugreek,
Flaxseed, and Slippery Elm:
Can be combined to treat inflammation. Slippery
elm can also be used alone for the inflamed gangrenous
sores often associated with diabetes, and for leg
ulcers. The use of a slippery elm poultice upon
the appearance of sores and ulcers can help prevent
gangrene.
Slippery Elm
and Lobelia:
Can be used to treat abscesses, blood poisoning
and rheumatism.
Goldenseal:
Is good for inflammations of all kinds.
Lobelia and
Charcoal:
Charcoal is available in health food stores. These
are combined and used to treat insect bites, bee
stings, and almost all wounds.
Lobelia and
Slippery Elm:
Combined to treat abscesses, blood poisoning, and
rheumatism.
Mullein:
Is used for inflamed hemorrhoids, lung disorders,
mumps, tonsillitis, and sore throat. To make the
poultice, mix 4 parts mullein with 1 part hot apple
cider vinegar and 1 part water.
Mustard:
This is beneficial for inflammation, lung congestion,
and swelling, and can help relax tense muscles.
Because mustard is an irritant, place the mixture
between 2 pieces of cloth, rather than placing it
in direct contact with the skin.
Onion:
Is good for ear infections, and for boils and sores
that have difficulty healing. To make this poultice,
place finely chopped onion between 2 pieces of cloth,
rather than placing it in direct contact with the
skin.
Pau d'arco, Ragweed, and Wood Sage:
Can be combined and used to treat tumors and external
cancers.
Poke Root:
Is good for an inflamed or sore breast.
Sage:
Like poke root, can help relieve breast inflammation
and soreness.
Note:
that when the mixture
used to make the poultice contains an irritant,
such as mustard, it should not come into direct
contact with the skin, but should be placed between
pieces of cloth.
Information source: Prescription
for Nutritional Healing
|