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| Herbal Applications Herbs are used to make ointments, oils, infusions, teas, and more. Here are a few of the many applications you can enjoy with herbs: Compresses A compress is a folded cloth used to apply moisture. It can be soaked in hot or cold water, tea, or oil and is applied externally. A compress can be placed on any part of the body and used for many different conditions. However, some precautions must be taken. Heat should never be applied at a temperature that would burn the patient. Temperatures should be modified for children and weak or frail persons. It is most important to watch the skin for changes and to listen to what the patient is saying about the treatment. Also, do not use a compress if a person is unconscious. A cold compress will initially constrict the blood flow and circulation to the affected area and reduce swelling. To make: Dip a cotton or wool cloth, washcloth or towel into cold water. Wring out enough to avoid dripping. Place on affected area. Cover with a dry cloth to hold in the cold. Reapply when compress warms. For injuries such as sprains, crushed ice placed between layers of cloth may be used. This should be timed at about twenty minutes every two hours for the first day. After the ice pack has been removed, dry the skin and cover with a dry towel. Ice will prevent the blood from collecting and reduce swelling. However, it should never be placed directly on the skin or left on too long. A hot compress, also called a hot fomentation, will relax tight muscles, increase circulation and open up congestion. It is helpful for colds and conditions like arthritis and for sprains after the swelling and tenderness have decreased. To make: Use a cloth of natural fibers like linen, cotton, or wool. Fold into several layers. Soak in hot water or an herb tea. Wring out the cloth using a twisting motion. Place on area to be treated. Cover with a wool cloth or towel to hold in the heat. Prepare another cloth in the same way ready to replace the first as it cools. To leave a fomentation on for a longer period of time, a hot water bottle may be used to keep it warm. An herbal tea fomentation is another name for a hot compress soaked in herb tea. The tea is either an infusion or a decoction, depending on which parts of an herb are needed. An infusion uses the leaves and flowers of a plant while a decoction uses the roots, bark, berries, nuts, etc. To make a basic infusion, use 1 teaspoon of the dried herbs or 3 teaspoons of the fresh per cup of water, preferably distilled. To use with a compress, some herbalists suggest making a strong infusion, tripling the amount of the herb (1T dried and 3T fresh). A hot infusion is made by pouring boiling water over the herb and letting it steep for 10-15 minutes. A cold infusion is made by soaking the herbs in cold water for at least one hour before straining. The proportions for a decoction are 1-4 tablespoons of dried herb to 1&1/2 pints of water. Soak overnight. In the morning, bring it slowly up to a boil and then simmer for twenty minutes. An oil compress is used mainly for elimination problems and is placed over such areas as the liver, intestines or kidneys. It is well-known as a means to remove blockages. The oil most generally used is castor oil and because it is used on a large area is also called a castor oil pack. These have been used throughout the centuries and have proved helpful in stimulating deep tissue and bringing out toxins. To make: Apply oil to a flannel cloth (wool is best). This can be done by laying the cloth on a piece of plaster (saran wrap) and pouring the oil on it or by pouring some oil into a pan and then dipping the cloth into it. When it is saturated but not dripping, place the cloth onto the area that needs help and cover with plastic. A small area might use saran wrap; a large area might need a plastic garbage bag. Next, place a hot water bottle over the pack to add heat. An hour is usually the minimum time needed to be effective. When finished, wash skin with a mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and water mixed half and half in order to remove the toxins. A baking soda solution can also be used. This procedure is usually carried out three times a week. This application can be messy so paper towels are handy. Also, depending on where you are, in bed or on the couch, a large piece of plastic underneath the patient is essential to alleviate stains on the bedding or furniture. In preparation for a time when it is necessary to apply a compress, it is wise to assemble a compress kit. Gather the following supplies: desired cloths, such as cotton or wool flannel; clean plastic; large pieces of plastic for bedding or furniture protection; castor oil, desired herbs, hot water bottle; and wool cloths or towels to hold in heat. Place in one location, ready to use. A reliable source for castor oil, cotton and wool flannel cloth, as well as a holder with two strips that can be fastened around the waist or abdomen with velcro so that one can be up and doing during a treatment, is the Heritage Store. The Heritage Store may be reached by phone at 1-800-643-4221 (USA) or through their website at www.internatural.com. Mullein is usually administered in a tea form, either orally, as a wash for skin problems, or as a fomentation. It can also be made into a soothing, healing ointment. Directions: 1. Wash and cut fresh leaves (3T) or use 1T dried herb. Drink 2 oz. of tea 4 times a day. Good for dry coughs. vTo use for a fomentation, make one quart of tea, steeping 15 minutes. Dip a cotton cloth or a Turkish towel into the herbal infusion. Wring towel just enough to eliminate any drips and then place on the afflicted area as warm as the person can tolerate. A piece of saran wrap can be placed over the cloth, and then a towel added to hold the heat. A hot water bottle can also be used. For a detailed reference concerning herbal uses
and applications, see The School of Natural Healing by Dr. John
Christopher. In case of serious problems, seek the competent counsel
of a physician. Oil made from the yellow flowers of the mullein plant will fight infection and soothe the pain of an earache. Use 2-3 drops of warmed oil in both ears two to three times a day. Mullein oil may also be rubbed on the chest to relieve congestion. Although the oil can be made from both fresh and dried flowers, the water content of fresh flowers can adversely affect the finished oil. However, if dried flowers are not available, fresh flowers can be 'wilted' to remove moisture by placing them in a warm place for several hours or, better yet, overnight. Directions: 1. Place dried mullein flowers into a jar. Note: If using fresh wilted flowers, replace the lid with several pieces of cheesecloth after each daily shaking and secure with a rubber band. This allows moisture to escape. |