< previous page | page_72 | next page >
Page 72
| Baths |
| Use a quart of herbal infusion or a decoction depending on the herbs to be used in the recipe. Strain the herbs out and add to the bath. |
| Compresses |
| These are for external applications. Make up a quart of an infusion or decoction as described above; use a flannel cloth or washcloth as the compress. Moisten the cloth with the herbal mixture and apply over the affected area; cover with a piece of plastic and a towel to keep the compress warm. Leave on for 15 to 25 minutes. |
| Poultices |
| Poultices can be made simply by macerating a fresh herb to a pulp and applying the pulp to the skin. The herb can be macerated by using a mortar and pestle, a blender or by finely chopping it with a knife. Dried herbs can be used if reconstituted with water until moist and soft. Freshly grated roots are easy to make into a poultice. Herbal powder can be used for poultices if mixed with enough warm water to make a paste or gruel. Poultices are placed directly on the area to be healed. They should be applied for 10 to 20 minutes. Cover with cheesecloth topped with plastic wrap to keep heat in. |
| Tinctures |
| Tinctures are made by digesting the herb in an alcohol/water mixture for 14 days. They can be made |
< previous page | page_72 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!