What are the compresses and poultices?

We are sure that you have read in some newspaper article or review that to carry out a health or beauty treatment requires a compress or poultice. Perhaps you've wondered what or why this technique is used. It is one of the natural remedies older that they exist and in this article you will have what serve compresses and poultices. So you can take advantage of them!

Poultices and compresses: what they are, what they are used

Throughout history many people have used these techniques for all types of ailments. They are very useful both for health and beauty, help to heal diseases and leave the skin more beautiful. They are economic therapeutic methods, easy production and simple use.
As a first step, it is good to make a differentiation between poultices and compresses and also indicate it relates to both. What they have in common is that they are treatments that are applied to the skin directly, in the majority of cases, above the area to be treated or affected.

Characteristics of the poultices

The poultices are composed of different elements such as herbs, flowers and oils. Apply on the skin and have different effects, as for example: soothing, healing, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, purifiers, etc.
Some examples of poultices are:

Crushed garlic

Applies on canker sores or skin wounds, or in cases of pimples or acne, to help healing and, at the same time, to prevent infection or bacteria to grow.

Potato

It is good to nourish and beautify the skin. Raw potato slices can be placed directly on a wound, a scar, a sting of bug, etc.

Cold clay

This poultice is used to relieve varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation, as well as to heal acne and heal wounds.

Onion

It is very good against otitis, migraines and pain in the teeth or gums. It has soothing, antiseptic and healing abilities. It is also used to cure infected wounds, injuries, inflammations and cares for the skin by eliminating pimples, acne, blemishes, scars, etc.

Mustard

This poultice is used since thousands of years ago (from the ancient Greece) to combat lung and chest diseases. At the same time, try rheumatic pains, neuralgia and sciatica problems.

Fenugreek or alhova

Another Greek recipe which serves to relieve the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, aid to Cystic beads and boils "mature", as well as alleviate problems in joints, arthrosis, arthritis, etc.

Characteristics of compresses

For his part, compresses are a preparation made with different elements of vegetal origin, such as herbs or oils, which are then wrapped in gauze, cloth or special fabric and are applied in the area of the body that you want to treat. Let stand the preparation for a few minutes or even hours (fixed with a band that doesn't move) and then rinse with warm water.
There are two types of packs: cold and hot. To find out which is the best for you, consider the cold are used to reduce fever, fight inflammation, soften or remove pain where there are bruises, etc. Hot compresses, on the other hand, are used to relieve cramps, spasms and muscle pain in the neck to cure, to relax tired feet, to relieve cough, relax, stimulate blood circulation, help to sleep and soothe all sorts of headaches (which were not produced by inflammation).
Some examples of packs are:

Flowers of Chamomile and olive oil

This pack is good when you have a stye in the eye. It can also be used in cases of inflammation of gums infection in a tooth (applied externally on the cheek).
Ingredients

• a handful of Chamomile flowers
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (can be also Sesame)

So I prepare
Make a mixture with both elements and soak with hot compress that you will use. Pour the preparation and applied, as hot as possible.

Flaxseed

Linen or flax seeds are excellent for all problems related to the respiratory system, such as, bronchitis, sinusitis and cough.
Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of flax seeds
• a few drops of olive oil

So I prepare
Both mixed and heated in a saucepan. Take up a canvas or cloth and applied to the chest, taking care not to burn yourself.

Romero

It is a compress for constipation, for inflammation of sprains and strengthen the blood risk in areas where we have beaten.
Ingredients

• 3 handfuls of dried rosemary leaves
• ½ litre of water

So I prepare
Bring to a boil both ingredients for five minutes. He retired from the fire, strain and using wet herbs to apply in the lower abdomen. Another option is to soak a cloth with the tea water and place on the same site. It also serves for scalp problems.

Mix of herbs

This pack is perfect for relieve bruises, sprains, and shock, reduce inflammation and pain that these produce.
Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of Yarrow
• 1 tablespoon St. John's wort
• 1 tablespoon of comfrey
• ¼ Cup of water

So I prepare
Prepare an infusion with water and three herbs, letting it boil a few minutes. Strain the water and applied wet plants (enabled) in the affected area, being careful not to burn the skin. Let cool until it is endurable. Then place a gauze or cloth over and wrapped with a bandage. Leave a few minutes before removing and washing.

If this recipe adds a tablespoon of herb Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) and another alquililla, is an excellent remedy to stop the bleeding in the nose. Instead of using herbs, it is strained and will soak a cotton ball in the water for tea, placing as a tourniquet in the nose. Remember that it is not good to take the head back when there is bleeding.

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