Herbal Lesson 14

Herbal Poultices and Compresses
Daniel Blankley - Thursday, December 14, 2017

'''SO FAR YOU HAVE LEARNED to make Herbal Teas, Decoctions and Infusions in Water, Oil, Alcohol and Vinegar. REMEMBER infusions in Vinegar or Alcohol are called TINCTURES'''

In this lesson we will learn some ways to Topically Apply these remedies to the Skin and other external body parts. Aside from drinking Herbal Teas, Applications are the second most common use of herbal remedies. Lets REVIEW by looking back at Lesson 03 Types of Herbal Preparations... don’t worry I will post it here for you. Lets look at them in order.

The Simplest is The FOMENTATION In Applying a FOMENTATION, A cloth is wrung out of a hot infusion or decoction and applied to the affected area. This is usually not as effective as a poultice and it may be only applied for minutes or used to wipe or cleanse the injured part before bandaging with a Poultice.

The Second Topical Application is The COMPRESS Compresses are also used topically on wounded skin. Compresses are made by infusing or decocting fresh or dried herbs, soaking a cloth in the warm liquid extract, and then applying the wet cloth to the affected area for up to an hour. A typical application may be a compress on a child’s skinned knee, or bump on the head.

'''A COMPRESS is removed immediately after the treatment while a POULTICE is generally left for a prolonged period or bound like a bandage. A BAND-AID is actually a miniature Poultace.'''

The Third Topical Application is The POULTICE (there are two types) A Poultice is a moist hot herbal pack applied locally. If using fresh herbs crush and bruise it. The powdered herb maybe used also as in making a mustard plaster. Mix with pure water or other liquid to form a thick paste. Spread on a clean cloth and cover the affected area. Leave on for several hours. Always use a fresh poultice, never re-heat to use one over.

THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO COMMON POULTICES

FRESH: Crush the fresh herbs and mix with enough water to make a thick paste and apply to the affected area. Put cloth over the wound and change as it dries out. (Plastic may be used to hold moisture in)

DRIED: Mix herb with cornmeal, slippery elm, or flaxseed. Add enough boiling water to hold together. Spread on a clean cloth and cover the affected area. Cover and use plastic to hold in moisture.

A POULTICE was the most common type of application in ancient times for Puncture Wounds and Cuts or Lacerations. In the old western movies, it was a Poultice that was bound over the cowboy’s bullet wound in the shoulder, after which the pretty girl fed him chicken soup.

YOU WILL NEED

Ground Mustard 8oz

About 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour

Cotton Dish Towel

Mixing bowl and a spoon

HERE IS THE HANDS-ON VIDEO



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