Mustard Plaster
This is a recipe I learned while in school. The general idea for its use
is in cases of chest/lung issues like bronchitis, etc. While skin will
redden, remember to remove the plaster if burning, stinging, or extreme
redness occurs.
Ingredients:
Wheat flour
Warm Water
Dry Mustard (Coleman’s or Durkee)
Saran Wrap
Castor oil
Towel
Cheesecloth
Heating Pad
Process:
For adults, it’s a ratio of 4 TBS of flour to 1 TBS of mustard. Children
take an 8 to 1 ratio, while infants take a 12-1 ratio. Mix with tepid
water to make a paste. Put the paste on half of a piece of cheesecloth;
fold the other half over the top. Warm on a heating pad. Remove from
heating pad. Apply castor oil to skin, and then apply the plaster to
chest. Cover with a layer of saran wrap, then a towel. Leave for twenty
minutes. Discard plaster. Wipe skin with castor oil to remove mustard
remnants. Cover area with snug shirt, wear overnight.
Salt and Cider Vinegar Poultice
This is for sprains, ligament issues, arthritis, colitis, bruises,
rheumatism, or general injuries of that nature. It is rumored to relieve
pain, swelling, and toxin build-up.
Ingredients:
Hot Epsom Salt (available at any pharmacy)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Process:
This can be applied in several ways. My preference is to put a layer of
dampened salt on the skin about half an inch thick and then simply let it set
for 30-60 minutes. However, you can also moisten the salt and lightly
massage it into the skin for 2-3 minutes. A cloth soaked in vinegar can be
applied to the skin, with hot packs of salt laid on top (in cloth bags). So, just try whichever methods you prefer to see which is most effective
for you, or for that particular injury.
Potato Poultice for the Eyes
Back in the day, and once upon a time, my mother was married to her first
husband. He was a welder. Now, I never realized, but welders can get
burned simply by being near to that much heat. Something else I never
realized was that their eyes are not immune to this. So, when, on
occasion, Jim would burn his eyes, Mom would cut up one of whatever type
of potato they had in the house into slices. Jim would close his eyes and
lay (as we girls like to do with cucumbers) with them on his eyes for
maybe 20 minutes. Doing this seemed to really help his eyes from itching,
redness, and the pain that came from actual burns.
Salves, tinctures, and random homemade remedies - not bad for a day’s work!
I hope that you find this information useful. When I use any of these, I
certainly am able to feel better about the quality of ingredient being put
onto my skin. This is particularly important since we absorb about 60% of
what goes on our skin. I enjoy being able to pronounce everything I am
absorbing! However, please remember, these are not substitutions for a
doctor’s care when needed, and, if in doubt, it is always better to ere on
the side of caution when it comes to your health. Homemade remedies are
just that, and while useful, we must still take care to seek professional
advice when needed.
