Introduction to Topicals: Poultices and Plasters
Why should I treat my pain?
Pain is exhausting. Ongoing pain over a period of time, wears us down and wears out the adrenal glands. When this happens, compounding health problems result. If you are not yet familiar with the adrenal gland aspect of healing and how it is integral to your health, get curious and learn more. In this article, learn more about topical applications and how they can help in pain management.
Introduction to Topicals: Poultices and Plasters
Gel, clay, liquid…wrapped, unwrapped….messy, easy application…there are an unlimited number of options we have for topical application of natural products that can help reduce inflammation. You are going to like some things better than others, and at the end of the day, it’s your choice.
What’s the difference
A poultice is a wet clay that helps draw out inflammation. A wet clay/product also has a cooling effect when first applied. The idea of a poultice has been around for centuries and sometimes contains minerals or salts that provide additional relief. You can apply a poultice anywhere on the body. However it can be quite messy especially if not wrapped. It is a great option as an adjunct to healing of injuries.
A liniment is often in a gel or liquid form. Wrapping over top of these medicinal treatments will help enhance or prolong the effects. However they can cause skin irritation for some sensitive skin. Always test before you apply and leave it unwrapped until you are sure it works for you.
You can find homeopathic preparations which are designed to be used topically. Things like Arnicare or topical preparations for burns, however please keep in mind that a topical preparation of a complex homeopathic is no substitute for taking the individual remedy orally. The homeopathic remedy will always out perform any topical complex product. Saying that, it is possible to put your home homeopathic arnica dose in some pure water, and apply this topically.
A homeopathic remedy will always out perform any topical homeopathic complex product
Traditional Chinese Medicine Plasters
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is untouched in its ability to help with healing of musculoskeletal injuries and pain. In 20 words or less, here’s TCM theory: Qi and blood flows freely in our body. When Qi gets stuck or is not moving well, this creates pain. Both TCM and homeopathy work the same way by stimulating the innate self healing of the body.
I will talk here about one aspect of healing with TCM and that is treating damage to soft tissue (ligaments, tendons etc) as a result of sprain, strain or bruising. This is different from bone fractures, dislocations, cuts and lacerations.
In TCM there are 3 stages of treating injury to soft tissue damage by external application (plasters)
Stage 1: the period where swelling, pain and redness are still present, this usually is the first 4-7 days but can be 2-3 days in light cases.
Stage 2: The second stage is the period during which swelling and pain (with aching and stiffness) still exist, but in a less severe form, lasting up to 3 weeks.
Stage 3: The third stage is where most of the symptoms have resolved, and the only symptoms left are persistent aching and stiffness. Plasters and acupuncture at this stage are used for other symptoms such as the chronic pain of arthritis, and long term injury pain.
Each stage has a different herbal plaster formula and purpose, all of which ease pain and discomfort and speed healing. For nagging ongoing injury or pain, the treatment in TCM is to gently move the Qi and blood, using topical application of plasters, acupuncture, and moxibustion.
There are many examples of common foods and plants used in folk medicine.
Clay
Infections, boils, tumours, – apply ¼ to ½ inch thick. Mix with hot water, herb tincture, or tea.
Cabbage Leaf
Remove rib and use rolling pin to flatten a few leaves to cover area. This removes poisons and pus. Change the poultice when it gets hot. It is an excellent poultice for cystic breasts.
Carrot Pulp
For sores, chapped skin and cracked nipples. You may use pulp from your juicer.
Figs
Boil in water for 3 minutes. Cut open and place over infected sore to bring to a head.
Garlic
Press garlic into a mush. Mix with a small amount of water and flour. Good for pustulant sores and infections.
Potato
Peal and grate raw potato. This will remove stingers and pus. Good also for styes and some eye infections.
Plantain
Chew or bruise raw leaves and place directly on bee stings or open wounds.
Bread and Milk
Soak a piece of baguette in milk and apply to splinters.
Seaweed
Fresh or rehydrated seaweed is wrapped around arthritic joints.
Cucumbers
Fresh slices are placed over closed eyes to soothe and hydrate.
Used teabags
After brewing black tea place tea bags over irritated eyes.
Honey
Pour honey into open wound and cover with gauze and tape.
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Please note that Dr. Doan accepts no liability whatsoever for any decisions that I may make for my health based on reading this information. The information is meant to educate only and does not constitute medical or naturopathic advice and makes no claim or promise that any product or service that may cure any condition or ailment. Always consult your doctor or naturopathic physician when it comes to your personal health, or before you start any treatment.