Compresses and Poultices

A Clay poultice is very effective for drawing out impurities from the skin and a wonderful remedy for pimples and blemishes due to acne.  It can also be used as an all-over facial mask.

Simply mix the clay with water to form a paste and apply directly to the spot.  Leave on until completely dry and rinse off.

Clay is used to draw out of the skin, debris, splinters, insect stings and ticks.

Purchase a cosmetic grade clay, Kaolin clay is the mildest for skin.

Mustard and Onion make a good poultice pack in the case of thick respiratory congestion in the lungs.  It helps to expel and cough up that phlegm.  This remedy is heating and relaxing to the tissues.

Dilute with 1 part ground herb to 3 parts flour such as oat or barley flour.  Make this into a paste and place on top of a cloth over the afflicted area.

Both mustard and onion can be used internally during a cold or flu as well due to their warming qualities.

Cayenne has a few different uses as a poultice.  It increases blood flow and circulation to the area.

It can be used similar to mustard and onion in helping to move congested mucous in the lungs and is best used when there is cold stagnation in the extremities such as the fingers and toes.  This is especially helpful in winter by placing Cayenne powder in gloves and socks to help keep hands and feet warm when outdoors.  

Cayenne may also be used to stop bleeding, simply sprinkle some powdered cayenne on to the cut or wound.

Chamomile flowers can be used both fresh or dried.  As an anti-inflammatory, it is used for arthritis and other joint pains and swellings.  Make a strong tea, soak a cloth in this liquid and wrap around the joint or swelling.

For eye strain or sore, inflamed eyes a Chamomile tea bag is the easiest to use.

Swedish Bitters is not just good for the digestion, packed with 19 herbs this powerhouse can be used for SO many ailments, 46 points of healing in the body to be exact!  It can be used as a compress for so many discomforts. Read more about this incredible liquid under tinctures in the menu.

A quick personal testimony, my daughter came down with an awful bug – fever, terrible stomach cramp, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea and weakness.  For 2 nights I put a compress of Swedish bitters on her tummy, each morning she got up and had a runny tummy (our body’s ways of getting rid of disease) from then on, she started feeling stronger.

Another time she kicked her toe badly, this time I liberally put Swedish Bitters Balm on the swelling and covered it as a poultice for the night.  The next morning the swelling was gone, no bruising formed, and the pain had lessened that she could walk properly. I really recommend more reading of other testimonies in Maria Treben’s Book, “God’s Pharmacy” which is also available here at the link below.