“Other Items” in chapter 11 for formulas.
Dosage Guide
Apply two to three times daily, or more frequently if necessary.
compresses
A compress is basically a herbal infusion or decoction applied directly to
the skin using a piece of cloth, gauze, or towel, always one made of
natural fi bers like cotton. Compresses can be made with any liquid at any
temperature, but a hot herbal tea or decoction is commonly used. Other
possible ways to make a compress are by using various vegetable oils,
apple cider vinegar, and essential oils.
To make a herbal tea compress, fi rst prepare an infusion or decoction
in the usual way. Then dip a piece of cloth into the solution, the size of
the cloth being proportional to the area of the body you want to cover.
Wring out excess liquid, and apply the cloth to the affected area. You may
wish to keep the fl uid hot and keep dipping the cloth back into it every
few minutes as it cools. Placing a heavy towel, plastic wrap, or hot water
bottle over the compress will help it retain its heat longer. Replace when
the heat has ceased.
A good way to increase circulation in any area of the body is to
alternate the hot compress with a cold one. Place a wet, ice-cold cloth on
the area for a few minutes, and then follow with a similar application of a
hot compress. You may decide at some point to leave the compress on for
a long period of time. In this case, you will want to cover it with plastic
wrap and then extra towels, and defi nitely a hot water bottle. Leave on for
up to two hours. Using different temperatures encourages circulation in
the affected area and will relieve congestion. While the hot compress
pulls impurities from the body, the cold compress temporarily constricts
the blood fl ow and circulation to the area. This can soothe discomfort
caused by too much exposure to heat and will reduce unwanted swelling
and pain. A mixture of the two will increase circulation threefold.
poultices
A poultice differs from a compress in that, instead of the infusion or
decoction being applied to the body, the herb or herb oil itself is applied.
This can be done very simply by just “bruising” a herb leaf (crushing it
slightly) and applying it to the skin; plantain leaves, mullein fl owers, and
comfrey leaf poultices are good examples and are ideal for sprains.
Another common method is to mix dried, cut, or powdered herbs
together and add water, apple cider vinegar, or another appropriate liquid
such as olive oil to form a paste, which is then applied to the skin. I have
the plants themselves 35