Fomentations are a category of treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in a liquid herbal extract e.g. tea, tincture or succus, and placed over the treatment area on the skin. An occlusive covering such as plastic wrap or waxed paper covers this and is held in place with tape or more bandages for a measured period of time.
There are several ways to apply ginger (
Zingiber officinalis) to the body: A ginger bath is made by adding a decoction of the root to the hot bath water and soaking the whole body is one. This is done to open the circulation and release the interior heat at the start of a fever management protocol. Another way is to focus the treatment on a particular set of organs and target the circulation of those tissues. Stagnation in any viscera can be alleviated by a ginger compress or fomentation. There...
Read More
Fomentations are a category of treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in a liquid herbal extract e.g. tea, tincture or succus, and placed over the treatment area on the skin. An occlusive covering such as plastic wrap or waxed paper covers this and is held in place with tape or more bandages for a measured period of time.
A euphrasia fomentation is indicated where there is eye inflammation and/or infection.
- Combine 10g. each of the following dried herb:
- Eyebright – Euphrasia officinalis
- Chamomile – Matricaria recutita
- Golden Seal – Hydrastis Canadensis
- Bring 250 ml of pure water to a boil
- Infuse herbs until cool, then strain
- Soak folded gauze in infusion and place over the patient’s closed eyes
- Have patient recline for ½ hour
- Repeat ad lib
Read More
Fomentations are a category of treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in a liquid herbal extract e.g. tea, tincture or succus, and placed over the treatment area on the skin. An occlusive covering such as plastic wrap or waxed paper covers this and is held in place with tape or more bandages for a measured period of time.
An arnica fomentation is indicated for sprains, haematomas, contusions with swelling, and for the resorption of blood. CAUTION: DO NOT USE ON OPEN WOUNDS. May be painful and toxic if absorbed systemically.
- Mix tincture of Arnica Montana with pure water 1:4 (20% solution)
- Soak gauze in solution and place several folded layers over effusion
- Cover with occlusive dressing & Repeat BID until resolved
Read More
Fomentations are a category of treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in a liquid herbal extract e.g. tea, tincture or succus, and placed over the treatment area on the skin. An occlusive covering such as plastic wrap or waxed paper covers this and is held in place with tape or more bandages for a measured period of time.
An astringent fomentation is indicated for the treatment of cuts, scrapes, abrasions, wounds with exudates and cracked & sore nipples. As a preventive treatment to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding and help preclude mastitis.
- Choose appropriate astringent herb by strength and availability.
- Oak - Quercus spp
- Sweet Sumac - Rhus aromatica
- Comfrey - Symphytum off. fol.
- Yarrow - Achillea millefolium fol.
- Coneflower - Echinacea spp. rad.
- Self Heal - Prunella off.
- Shepherd’s Purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris
- Boil 15 minutes in pure water to make a...
Read More
