Poultices, Wraps and Rubs
Many injuries can be extremely painful. Fortunately, between modern medicine and a few practical home remedies, a lot of the pain can be mitigated. These remedies are simple to prepare and can bring a lot of relief.
Poultices:
This process involves placing the prepared herbs directly onto the injured area. It’s best used for closed injuries such as sprains, muscle pain and arthritis. Putting them on open wounds could be problematic, depending on the herb used.
Comfrey and gotu kola are two herbs often used in a poultice, though there is a great deal of argument about the use of comfrey in any application. It may cause severe damage to your kidneys and liver, even when placed on the skin. Gotu kola does not have that particular problem. Bread is also frequently used, particularly for infections. It is considered a drawing agent.
To prepare an herbal poultice, pound the herbs in order to release the oils in it. If there is plenty of liquid, place it directly on the skin. If not, mix it with a little hot water to make a paste. When it is no longer so hot it can cause a burn, place it on the injured area. If you wish to use bread, dampen it slightly and apply it directly to the area.
Wraps:
You’ve probably heard this term from spas, where they are used to decrease body size and so forth. The process is similar, but the purpose is healing rather than beautifying. It can be a little more involved than a poultice.
You’ll need plastic wrap, hot water and a piece of cloth. You can steep herbs in the water, if you like. Willow bark could be helpful for both pain and inflammation. Gotu kola and comfrey are often suggested as well. If you wish to steep the herbs, let them sit for ten to fifteen minutes.
When the water is cool enough that it won’t cause a burn, dip the cloth in it, lay it on the injured area and wrap the plastic around it. For large applications, I use a clean tall kitchen trash bag. This seals in the heat. Leave it until the cloth cools off. You can repeat this process until the water cools, usually about ten minutes.
Rubs:
There are a few different ways you can use this method. The first one involves capsaicin, and it is best to purchase a rub containing this ingredient, as it can cause second degree burns if it is too strong. Capsaicin rubs can help turn off the pain sensation to your brain. It is considered a counter irritant.
An oil or alcohol extraction of willow bark and gotu kola also make a good rub. Put the herbs into a bottle that can be capped, add high quality olive oil or triple distilled vodka and let it sit for six weeks. Strain into another bottle, preferably of amber or green glass, and use as needed.
Before using any of these remedies, you may want to speak to your doctor. The doctor knows your medical history and has seen the injury. This could prevent some serious side effects and drug/herb interactions.
The Author:
Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions.
Photo. Foto76
Source: EzineArticles.com
