Hydrotherapy
Poultices
Poultices are used
to apply remedies to a skin area using moist heat. Poultices can be kept
warm by replacing it entirely or using a hot water bottle on top of pack.
Do not allow poultice to become cold. Do not reuse poultices.
Do not use a poultice on an open wound or burn.
Preparation
: Bruise or crush the medicinal parts of the plant to a pulpy mass and
heat. If using dried herbs moisten the materials by mixing with a
hot, soft, adhesive substance such as moist flour, corn meal, or flaxseed
meal. Cleanse skin first with chamomile or mugwort tea or hydrogen
peroxide. Apply directly on the skin or wrap the paste or pulp in
a wet, hot cloth and wrap the cloth around to retain moisture and heat.
If using an irritant herb such as mustard, keep the paste between two pieces
of cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin. Use muslin or thin cotton
towel to wrap herbs in and cover with towel or plastic to retain heat.
Remove before poultice gets cold. A second one can be applied. After removing
poultice wash the area with water or herb tea such as chamomile or mugwort.
Bran Poultice:
Make a paste with hot water and bran, apply as hot as can be tolerated.
Used for inflammations, strains, sprains, bruises.
Bread and Milk
Poultice: mix together to make a paste. Used for bringing
boils and abscesses to a head.
Cabbage Poultice
: Use raw or cooked cabbage. Can use whole leaves layered over
area and covered with a hot towel. Has a warming, detoxifying and stimulating
effect. Used for ulcers, varicose veins, shingles, eczema, gout,
rheumatism, infection. Apply to lower abdomen to promote pelvic circulation
and dissolve small fibroids and cysts in pelvic cavity. Used over
the liver it will assist in breaking up congestion and detoxify (use only
10 minutes first time and work up to more as it can cause a strong detoxification
reaction).
Carrot Poultice:
Boil carrots until soft or use raw and mash to a pulp. Mix with small
amount of vegetable oil. Used for cysts, tumors, boils, cold sores,
impetigo
Clay Poultice:
Use clay that has been cleaned of impurities. Mix with water or apple cider
vinegar to make a paste. Allow to dry before removing with warm water.
Use on inflammatory skin diseases, bruises, sprains, acne, drawing toxins
from the skin.
Mustard Poultice:
Use powdered mustard and mix with water to make a paste. May need to add
flour to hold paste together. Do not apply directly on skin.
Wrap in muslin or cheesecloth or cotton towel between skin and paste.
Cover with plastic wrap. Remove immediately if stinging or burning
occurs. Use with caution. Do not use on sensitive or broken skin.
Good for arthritic joints and any condition requiring increased circulation.
Used to help relieve congestion, aid asthma, relieve coughs and assists
in getting rid of colds and flu when used on the chest.
Onion Poultice
- Sautee chopped onion in oil add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and wrap in cheese
cloth. Apply to
area. Excellent for drawing out impurities.
High sulfur content makes it good for inflamed areas.
Potato Poultice
: Grate raw potato, mix with boiling water. Used to reduce
inflammation as in arthritis. Has soothing and cooling effect. Can be applied
to boils or carbuncles.
