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THE ACADEMY OF HEALING NUTRITION

Holistic Health & Counseling Practitioner Professional Certification Course

Kitchen Practicum 5Home Remedies

by Roger Greenwith Jennifer Bader

Kitchen Practicum 5, copyright www.AcademyHealingNutrition.com 5-1

Kitchen PracticumThis practicum covers the topic of using food as medicine. It illustrates how thefoods in your kitchen can become your medicine chest.

5 Home Remedies

Home Remedies 2

Treatment With Home Remedies 2

Acute Conditions 3

Chronic Conditions 4

Acute Conditions: A Closer Look 5

Using Home Remedies 6

Home Remedy Treatment Types 7

Water 7

Bath Therapy 7

Bath Recipes 8

Compresses 13

Cold Compresses 13

Hot Compresses 13

Compress Recipes 14

Plaster and Poultice 22

Plaster and Poultice Recipes 22

Points to Remember when using Compresses and Plasters 30

Mud and Clay Packs 31

Hot Treatments 32

Hot Treatment Recipes 33

Home Study and Review 34


Practicum 5: Home Remedies

"Let your foods be your medicines and your medicines be your foods."–Hippocrates, a Greek physician considered to be one of the forefathers of medicine

Home Remedies

Self-responsibility grows from the conscious decision to take care of yourself and toseek all avenues available to you, rather than blindly accepting orthodox medicaltreatment. Learning about and using home remedies is one way we can do this.

Despite efforts to maintain a level of optimum health through diet, exercise andbalanced lifestyle, there may be times when the body becomes out of balance due toenvironmental and emotional changes.

For thousands of years home remedies have been used in all corners of the world toalleviate chronic and acute illnesses. The benefits of home remedies include:

• They aid in treatment of acute/chronic disease

• They are simple, easy and effective--relief can be gained fairlyquickly

• They are safe, and have little or no side effects (remember to neverforget contraindications, i.e. for ginger compresses)

• The cost is low when compared to high priced medications

• They supply the body with what it needs by using ingredients that itrecognizes and can easily assimilate

• A stronger bond is built in the home, and trust in your own abilitiesgrows as you learn how to take care of yourself and others

The disadvantage of using home remedies is:

• The overall impact of home remedies is useless if the lifestyle thatbrought on the condition is not changed

Treatment With Home Remedies

Using home remedies begins with defining the treatment method, which is based onthe assessment of the symptoms. In order to define the treatment method you mustunderstand the difference between acute and chronic conditions.


Acute Conditions

An acute condition is a yang excess condition that indicates a very obvious problemand develops suddenly, quickly, and rapidly. When the problem is acute, patients willexpress what they're feeling by using descriptions such as:

• Throbbing

• Pulsing

• Burning

• Swelling

Acute conditions are always an immediate issue. They are self-limiting—not deep-seated. Given time, they will usually clear of their own accord. They generally lasts aday or two and then subside.

An acute illness has 3 definite stages:

1. The incubation period, where there may be no symptoms

2. The acute phase, when recognizable symptoms surface

3. The convalescent stage, when a person usually improves.

External symptoms such as cuts, burns, coughs, colds, food poisoning, fever, the flu,insect bites, broken bones, mucous, measles, toothaches, and chicken pox are allconsidered to be acute conditions.

Acute Condition Treatment Principle: Acute conditions indicate a concentrationof heat in the affected area. To ease pain, disperse the amount of heat (yang) by theapplication of something cool (yin). For example, when a football injury has occurredyou often see doctors reach for an ice pack to reduce swelling and ease the pain.

External home remedies that can be used for common acute symptoms of throbbing,pulsing, swelling, aches and pains include:

• Cool or cold water in the form of baths and ice packs

• Chlorophyll Plaster

• Tofu Plaster

• Buckwheat Plaster

• Raw Soybean Plaster

• Daikon or Turnip Plaster


Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions are yin, therefore are more deep-seated than acute conditions.

They develop slowly, and continue for a long time. They are often accompanied by ageneral deterioration in health. Chronic conditions are hidden (i.e. in internalorgans), passive, slow, and debilitating. The development of the condition does nottake a predictable course; it is not possible to say how long it will last. Arthritis, heartdisease, cancer and mental illness are all examples of chronic illness.

Chronic Condition Treatment Principle: Chronic symptoms appear deeper withinthe body. They are usually represented by deficient and colder symptoms (yin). Toease chronic symptoms, assist the organs to function better by using the oppositenature, which is warming (yang), as a tonifying and penetrating treatment.

External home remedies that can be used for common chronic symptoms include:

• Tonic drinks

• Hot water in the form of compresses or baths

• Hot/warming compresses, such as ginger compress taro compress

• Oil rubs (i.e. Ginger Oil)

• Massage

• Acupressure

• Do-In exercises (self massage)

• Moxa treatments1

For long-standing symptoms or chronic illness, we need to look at diet and lifestyle,for foods such as fats, cold drinks and foods all have great potential to hold theaches and pains in the body and therefore produce stagnated blood and energy. Inaddition to using home remedies and proper diet, exercise is needed to aidcirculation.

1 Moxa, originally used in Northern China, is dried mugwort that is burned on or above theskin. It is used to warm regions and acupuncture points to stimulate circulation. Its effects arewarming and tonifying. It is excellent for chronic internal cold conditions, i.e. cramps, lowerback problems, excessive cold feelings, and excessive damp.


Characteristics of Acute and Chronic Conditions

Acute (Yang) Chronic (Yin)

Development Quick Slow

Pain Sharp Lingering

Symptoms Obvious Hidden

Lifespan Short Persists

Acute Conditions: A Closer Look

Cuts

When the skin is cut, blood coagulation and formation is the result. The two mainfunctions of the blood coagulation mechanism are:

• Production of thrombin, which stabilizes the platelet plug

• Formation of fibrin, which, by rendering the platelet plugspermanent, mechanically blocks the flow of blood through rupturedvessels.

A cut falls under two categories for identification and treatment in orthodoxmedicine. They are:

• Incised wound: As the name implies, these are clean wounds withminimal damage sustained. They are the result of cuts with knives,broken glass etc.

• Lacerated wounds: The wounds are due to relatively blunt objects,and are associated with a certain amount of tearing so that theedges and surfaces of the wound are jagged and contain moderateamounts of devitalized tissue. This group includes most wounds seenin traffic accidents, industrial injuries, etc.

Steps for immediate treatment of cuts:

1. Apply direct pressure to wound with clean cloth

2. If possible, wash wound in clean water. You may add salt to the water.

3. Elevate injured part.


Burns and Scalds

Most burns are caused by sunburn, irradiation, chemicals, electricity, and dry frictionheat.

Treatment: Burns and scalds result in a skin temperature increase (yang). Weaddress this by bringing that temperature down by applying cold (yin) water (yin) toneutralize this process. Salt may be placed in the water to aid in the contraction ofthe skin and decrease the formation of blisters.

To decrease the chances of infection, place honey and egg white over burn area toexclude air. This lessens the risk of infection by airborne bacteria.

Aloe Vera is a great topical treatment for minor burns. It has antimicrobial propertiesand is an effective analgesic. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may decreasesubsequent puritis (itching) and peeling. If you have a plant in the house, cut off thethorns, slit the plant open and either squeeze juice onto the burn or lay the exposedside of the herb onto the injury.

Using Home Remedies

When using home remedies your mental state is always important. Remind yourselfto remain calm and not to panic; think clearly and assess the given situation.2 Whenyou remain calm you can determine the seriousness of the problem. In consideringwhich home remedy to use, ask yourself the following:

• What is the process the body has become involved in to bring itselfback to balance?

• How serious is the condition?

o Does the person require hospitalization?

o Keep in mind that venomous bites (i.e. from snakes, spiders, andpossibly even dogs) may require an anti-venom. Alwaysremember we are treating minor ailments only—be sensible!

2 Following a balanced diet aids in remaining calm, for you become more in tune with nature,which in turn gives clarity of thought and a natural response to any given situation.


Home Remedy Treatment Types

Water

Water is probably the oldest of healing tools: it is easily available, either from tap,stream, sea, rain or tongue.

It can be used as ice, cold, lukewarm, hot, and steam in the form of packs,compresses, baths, sprays, and steaming.

An Overview of Water:

Cold water, in short applications, reduces fever, relieves pain and tonifies thesystem. In a compress, cold water warms up and increases circulation, therebyaiding metabolism and the elimination of waste matter. Long cold water applicationsare chills the body and slows things down. A cold footbath can relieve congestion inthe upper body as blood rushes down to heat the feet.

Hot water, in the form of compresses or baths, relaxes the muscles and combatstension. It also increases perspiration and surface circulation by drawing blood to thearea, thereby relieving congestion that is deep within the body. The eventualreaction to hot water will be cooling, as the perspiration evaporates. Unless care isexercised, a hot water application that is too prolonged can both weaken and chillthe body. For this reason it is a very good idea to finish every hot shower with a fewseconds of a cold one to provoke the body into a warming reaction.

Caution: Hot water treatments should never be used on open wounds or injuries,inflammations on the surface of the body, and sprains or broken bones, as they maymake the condition worse.

Bath Therapy

Sometimes it is more appropriate to give a bath as a way of administering a naturalremedy rather than giving a remedy by mouth or massage. This is especially truewith children and babies. Because water has a soothing as well as therapeutic effect,it is an easy way to get certain substances absorbed into the body, either directlythrough the skin or by way of inhalation.

Adding herbs to the bath water helps the body to absorb the vital elements that maybe missing at the time into the blood for easy distribution. Baths are especially goodfor itchy skin, eczema, colds, acute and chronic coughing, and chronic bronchitis.

When bathing, use soft lighting, i.e. as candles, to relax the optic nerve and helpcalm the body. Add favorite aromatherapy oil for relaxation.


General Preparation Method:

• It is best to brew your bath mixtures before adding them to the bathwater.

• Combine the herbs or other plant material with cold water in anenameled, glass or clay saucepan (no metal). Bring to a boil andsimmer

o 4 to 5 minutes for flowers or soft materials

o 10 to 15 minutes for roots, barks or twigs

Set aside and steep 3-4 minutes, covered. Strain and pour into the bathwater.

Bath Recipes

Chamomile Flower Bath

For inflammation, cleaning wounds, itchy skin, eczema and catarrhal conditions.

Chamomile Flowers:

4 oz (125 g) for age 3 or under,

8 oz (250 g) for 4 to 7 years,

1 lb (500 g) for 7+ years

Bath water

Follow General Preparation Method described above.

Thyme Bath

For acute and chronic coughing.

Thyme:

4 oz (125 g) for age 3 or under,

8 oz (250 g) for 4 to 7 years,

1 lb (500 g) for 7+ years

Bath water

Use the same amounts as for chamomile flowers. Follow General Preparation Methoddescribed above.


Rice Wheat or Oat Bran Bath

Use for inflammation of the skin. This bath is especially effective for hives, eczemaand hypersensitive skin.

Rice Wheat or Oat Bran:

1 lb (500 g) for age 3 or under,

1 1/2 lb (750 g) for 4 to 7 years,

2 lbs (1 kg) for 7+ years.

Bath water

Cotton sock, cheesecloth or muslin

Place the bran in a cotton sock, cheesecloth or muslin. Tie it into a bag and bring itto a boil in a large pot of water. Press the bag until a milky liquid comes out. Add allthe boiled water and bran to tub as you are filling it. Gently wash skin.

Oatmeal Bath

Use for inflammation of the skin. This bath is especially effective for hives, eczemaand hypersensitive skin.

3 to 4 cups (15-20 oz) oatmeal Bath water

Cheesecloth, muslin or sock

Wrap oatmeal in a piece of cheesecloth, muslin or sock. Tie it into a bag and bring itto a boil in a large pot of water. Press the bag until a milky liquid comes out. Add allthe boiled water and bran to tub as you are filling it. Gently wash skin.

Note: All of the above recipes may be used as footbaths as well. Decrease the amount by halffor each age group (Refer to Chamomile Flower Bath recipe for age groups).

Rescue Remedy Bath

Beneficial for any situation where we lose balance mentally, including stress,emergencies, after receiving bad news, before an exam or job interview, etc. Helpsinduce relaxation, focus and a sense of calm.

2-3 drops of Bach Rescue Remedy Bath water

Add Rescue Remedy to the bath water as tub is filling up. Relax in bath water,inhaling deeply a few times while in tub.


Body Bath

This is a very relaxing bath and adjusts minerals back into the body.

Epsom salt Bath water

Add enough salt to running bath water to make a seawater concentration. Lay in tubfor 15 to 20 minutes.

Lavender Foot Bath

Lavender is warming. It relieves muscle tension, has a calming effect, is good forcold sensations, and relaxes the nervous system. Use for cases of weak circulation,kidney infections, and insomnia.

5 to 10 drops essential lavender oil Warm water

Add lavender to warm water. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Ginger Foot Bath

Ginger is warming. Use for cases of rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.

3” piece fresh ginger Warm water

Slice ginger and add to large pot of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 to 15minutes. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Ginger Body Bath

This is for cold sensations where you want to warm and move chi. It is excellent formenstrual cramps. Do not use for hot conditions and high blood pressure.

1 lb (1/2 kilo) fresh ginger, grated (use 1/4

kilo for less sever diarrhea)

Cotton bag

2 gallons (7.5 liters) water

Use ginger water left over from a ginger compress. Add to full bath. This is a veryrelaxing bath as well as stimulating.

Note: Do not use too much ginger! Refer to Ginger to a boil under Ginger Compressrecipe.


Hip Baths

Stimulates metabolism, especially sexual metabolism. Absorbs body odor andcleanses, dissolving animal fats and mucous deposits. Recommended for women’sreproductive problems.

Place water in bath, fill with hot water to navel level. For best results take this bathas hot as possible. Sit in bath, and keep shoulders covered so as not to get cold.Take bath 10 to 20 minutes before bedtime. Do not take immediately after eating.Keep hips warm after moving out of bath.

Ginger Hip Bath

Ginger is warming and promotes circulation. This is an ideal bath for severe diarrhea.

1 lb (approx. 1/2 kilo fresh ginger, grated

(use 1/2 this amount for less severe

diarrhea)

Cotton bag

2 gallons (approx 7.5 liters) water

Finely grate fresh ginger and place it in the cotton bag. In a large pot bring water toa hot temperature—do not boil. Place bag of ginger in pot. With back of woodenspoon, press the bag against the side of the pot to squeeze out ginger juice. Simmerginger for 5 minutes or until water turns yellowish and gives off a strong gingeraroma. Pour water into hip bath. Add more water and sit in it, with water as hot aspossible. When taking a hip bath, sexual organs and abdomen should be immersedin water.

Dried Daikon Hip Bath

Enables the body to discharge fats accumulated in the body. Note: If a person isweak, they should not stay in the bath too long or it will be quite debilitating.

4 to 5 bunches of Daikon, radish or turnip

leaves

1 handful of salt

3 quarts (approx 3 liters) water

Dry daikon, radish or turnip leaves in the shade on the clothesline until they turnbrown and are brittle to the touch. To prepare the water, take 4 to 5 bunches ofleaves and boil in water. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, untilwater turns brown. Add salt, stir well, and add to bath water. Follow Hip Bathinstructions above.


Salt Hip Bath

Indications same as Daikon Hip Bath: Enables the body to discharge fatsaccumulated in the body. Note: If a person is weak, they should not stay in the bathtoo long or it will be quite debilitating.

2 handfuls of sea salt Cotton bag

Place salt into small tub of water. Add very warm water. Follow Hip Bath instructionsabove.

Steam Baths and Saunas

These methods enable the body to discharge fats accumulated in the body.Recommended for people who have consumed high amounts of animal fats andmeat proteins.

Sand Bath

Burying oneself in sand is an ancient way of removing toxins from the body. It isused extensively in Asia and Mediterranean countries. Because sand is very alkaline,it pulls toxins and acids out of the body. It can also replace minerals in the body byosmosis.

Cool Bath

Cool baths are used for acute illnesses that happen outside the body and are mainlyassociated with the symptom of heat. Cool Baths can be used to treat fevers, poisonivy, itching, rashes, inflammation, bleeding, stomachaches, ulcers, and hemorrhoids.

2 cups of salt in cool bath Cool bath water

1 cup of baking soda (for itch rashes) Cornstarch

Prepare a cool bath and place salt in bath. For itchy rash also add baking soda. Afterbath, place powdered cornstarch over body.


Cold Salt Ocean Bath

The ocean is ideal for cleansing due to the unlimited number of nutrients that arereadily absorbed into the body. The sea contains about three and a half percent salt.Most of it is common salt (sodium chloride), but many other elements and ions arepresent in appreciable amounts and some (magnesium and bromine) arecommercially extracted. There are even traces of gold in the ocean. So if you havethe opportunity, swim in cold ocean water. It’s good for you!

Compresses

Compresses are external applications to the body using water or other liquids as abase and adding or infusing other substances. They may be applied with or withoutpressure. The compress may be wet, dry, hot or cold. It is placed onto a specifiedarea of the body; a wrapper is used to secure and seal the healing properties inplace. Wrappers for compresses should be made from materials that are porous andsoft, such as cheesecloth, muslin, or cotton (natural fibers).

Cold Compresses

A cold compress has an anti-inflammatory, and calming effect. It reduces both localheat and circulation. Apply at the height of an inflammation.

To apply a cold compress, immerse a cotton towel, piece of linen, or some otherporous natural material in cold water. You can float ice cubes in the water or wrapthem in the compress. Fold material several times until it is a suitable size and placedirectly on the affected area. Change the compress when it starts to get warm.

Another way to use a cold compress is to stimulate inflammation. This compress isessential at the beginning of an inflammation when the body's defences are reactingslowly. It is applied cold in the same way as above, but leave the compress in placewhen it starts to become warm. When its warmth becomes intense, cover compresswith a hot water bottle to enhance the warming process. Once the body isimproving, switch over to cold compresses.

Hot Compresses

A hot compress is primarily for relieving pain. Have two porous cloths ready to use insuccession, so that treatment can be constant. Immerse the first cloth in very hotwater and wring it out well. Lay it on the affected part of the body, changing thecompress every few minutes or as it starts to cool. Cover the compress with a woolcloth to help retain the heat. Continue the application for approximately 30 minutesunless otherwise specified.

If a patient (child or adult) exhibits symptoms of being feverish in the lungs, buildperiphery by using compresses on ankles and wrists. Use hot compresses for highfever.


Compress Recipes

Sage Tea Wash

For use after sweating or using a compress.

Sage Water

Prepare tea by boiling sage in water. After tea cools a bit, wash the whole body withthe tea, which cleans the sweat.

Ginger Compress

Stimulates blood and body fluid circulation. Use for chills, fatigue, and body aches.

1.3 oz (40 gms) ginger (about the size of a

tennis ball), grated

10" x 10" piece of cheesecloth, muslin,

handkerchief, or clean cotton sock

2 to 3 quarts (approx 2 to 3 liters) water Clean towel

Finely grate fresh ginger and place it in the center of the fabric. Gather edges up andtie with string to form a bag. In a large pot bring water to a hot temperature—do notboil. Place bag of ginger in pot

With back of wooden spoon, press the bag against the side of the pot to squeeze outginger juice. Simmer ginger for 5 minutes or until water turns yellowish and gives offa strong ginger aroma. Remove from stove and bring pot near to where person is tobe treated.

Method: Have the person lying face down on floor. Area to be treated must be wellexposed. If it is a cool day, make sure the patient is well covered and kept warm onall parts of the body not being treated. Fold cotton towel. Place middle of towel inginger water. Hold both ends, remove towel from ginger water and squeeze excessback into pot.

Towel will be extremely hot; unfold to allow excess steam/heat to escape. Check thetemperature by placing the towel very lightly against your cheek; if you can toleratethe heat it is the correct temperature for your patient. Refold towel and apply directlyon area to be treated. To retain heat, place a wool dry towel over the top of thecompress.

Replace compress every 3 to 4 minutes, or when it becomes cool. Treatmentgenerally lasts 20 minutes. Treatment may need to be longer depending on condition(acute or chronic). Area that is being treated will become quite red.

Indications: Ginger compresses are indicated for areas of stagnation that manifestthemselves as inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. Ginger compresses allow


the stagnated areas to free up and disperse the stagnated energy. The overall bestlocation for the ginger compass is on the back over the kidneys.

How it works:

The elements of a ginger compress include:

• Strong heat (very yang): Heat dilates blood and activates themovement of stagnated fluids. Strong heat penetrates deep intotissues and body. Ginger compresses aid the kidneys, liver andlungs.

• Ginger (yang): Ginger is very warming. It assists in the dispersion orbreak up mineral crystallizations. Ginger easily moves stagnated yinsubstances such as mucous and fat accumulation Ginger opensblood vessels, further increasing local circulation. As the movementof stagnated liquids begins to move, tissues get cleaned andnourished with fresh blood.

Stagnation and deposits are caused by our way of life and eating habits(especially eating an excess of meat, cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, milkand lack of exercise). Additional ways to increase circulation include:

• Exercise: do-in massage, walking and cycling all increase circulationand metabolic rate.

• Chew foods thoroughly; be watchful of overeating.

• Shiatsu massage.

Ginger Compress Indications:

Acute and chronic pains can be relieved by ginger compresses. Use:

• For rheumatism, arthritis, backache, menstrual cramps, intestinalcramps, kidney stone attacks, toothaches, stiff neck, stiffness injoints. If pain increases diagnosis may be incorrect.

• For asthma—compresses may be used for long periods, even hours.

• Where there are hardened deposits and accumulation of fats,proteins or minerals, i.e. kidney stones, gallbladder stones, cysts(breast cysts, ovarian cysts), benign tumors such as uterine fibroids.

• To aid in release of muscle tension, especially in neck and shoulders.

• Where tissue damage has occurred, i.e. broken bones. Depending onthe condition also consider other treatments such as taro plaster forsymptomatic conditions.


Ginger compresses are a wonderful treatment for symptomaticconditions, however they do not remove the basic cause and othertreatments may be necessary.

Ginger Compress Contraindications:

Ginger compresses are of a yang nature. The nature of ginger moves deep into thebody. Do not use on situations characterized by yang, i.e. never use gingercompresses:

• On the brain. Use alternatives, such as a warm facial scrub forsinusitis caused by headache.

• On babies.

• On pregnant women.

• On inflamed appendix or a lung affected by pneumonia. These maybe caused by the consumption of yang foods.

• Where there is a strong fever.

• On cancerous tumors. It can increase the size of tumors and speedup acceleration of tumor. Note: Licensed natural healers mayadminister ginger compresses, but it should be for no more than 5minutes.

• Use extreme caution and for a short time (5 minutes) when using forinflammatory conditions.3 Be careful when applying it for: bronchitis,acute or chronic liver inflammations, kidney inflammations, prostrateinfection, bladder inflammation, intestinal inflammation, boils andabscesses.

3 Usually not used for inflammations. In some cases, a ginger compress is used for 5 minutesto stimulate and relieve stagnation before applying a compress that has more drawingproperties to it.


Duration times for Ginger Compress Application:

Always be aware of the condition.

• Acute:

o Where there is stiffness: 1 treatment per day for 2-3 days

o Kidney stones and pain attacks: may be applied over a period ofhours for

o Bladder inflammations: 2-3 times per day for 1 week to helprelieve pain

• Chronic:

o Cysts: may apply daily; treatment period may span months

o Weak organs: apply every day for 3-5 days, break for 1 week,then reapply every day for a further 3-5 days

Rice Bran Compress (Nuka Compress)

Rice bran compresses are very nutritious for the skin. It is used for skininflammations resulting from eczema, itchy skin, and allergies.

5 quarts (approx 5 liters) water 6 cups of rice bran

Cotton Bag

In a large pot bring water to boil. Place rice bran in a cotton bag and tie bag tightly.Place bag in water and shake from time to time until water becomes yellow.

Gently rub skin with bag (test bag temperature before applying). Note: compress iswarm on the skin, but can be used as a cold and hot compress, as it has asmoothing action.

Tea Compress

This is an excellent compress for sties (inflamed swelling on the edge of the eyelid).When treating eye problems an experienced person should be consulted first.

Bancha tea Water

Salt Clean cloth

Roast or grill bancha until dark brown. Prepare as for drinking. Add five percent salt.Soak a cloth in this solution and apply to eye for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day.Good for all eye diseases. Note: compress is warm on the skin, but can be used as acold and hot compress, as it has a smoothing action.


Salt Compress

Good for burns. This is also a wonderful preparation for tense and tired shouldersafter a hard days work: Sit quietly and place salt pack around shoulders.

2-3 pounds of salt (use cheaper salt—sea

salt is too expensive for this preparation)

Cotton sack (may use a pillowcase; use

100% cotton only; nylon or polyester will

melt when it comes into contact with the

heated salt)

Heat salt dry (do not add water) and place in cotton sack and apply to painful area.Note: Do not discard salt; it may be used over and over again.

Variation: Can also be used as cold salt-water compress. In a large pot, add salt to 1gallon (4 liters) water. Heat water—do not boil. Place middle of towel in salt water.Hold both ends, remove towel from water and squeeze excess back into pot. Applyto treatment area. Use until pain disappears.

Wood Ash Water Compress

Good for treatment of skin diseases.

Ash from fireplace Hot water

Cotton cloth

Place ash in hot water and stir. The ash will sink to the bottom. Use water as acompress or to wash the skin.

Konnyaku CompressThis compress is good for aches, pains, and rashes.

4.5 lbs to 6.5 lbs (2 to 3 kilos) Konnyaku

(paste made from Japanese tuberose)

Cotton cloth

1/2 gallon (approx. 2 liters) water

Boil konnyaku in water. Wrap in two towels and apply to painful area. Note:compress is warm on the skin, but can be used as a cold and hot compress, as it hasa smoothing action.


Clay Compress

For inflammatory relief, infection and swelling in cases of insect stings (for stings, thecompress should be replaced hourly) and disorders of metabolism and congestion inthe tissue and muscles.

Sterilized clay* Water

Vinegar Cotton cloth

This can be purchased or you can sterilize it yourself by heating the clay in the oven for 1hour, then pulverizing it.

Mix the pulverized clay into a paste together with equal parts vinegar and water. Itshould be the same consistency as an ointment. Spread clay (amount to use isapproximately the same size as the body part to be treated) onto a cloth and applythe compress.

Clay mixture can also be applied directly to the affected part until it dries andcrumbles off. Any remaining clay can be wiped or washed off. Apply warm olive oilafter treatment to lubricate the skin.

For applications to large body parts or the whole of the body, apply the pasteapproximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick and wrap body with a dry sheet or blanket.Follow above procedures for removing clay.

Cottage Cheese Compress

For fever to the head and pneumonia to the chest and lung areas.

Cottage cheese (enough to cover treatment

area)

Cotton or linen cloth

Approx. 1/2 cup milk, depending uponamount made

Sheet or blanket

Few drops of vinegar

Place cottage cheese, milk and a few drops of vinegar in a bowl. Stir until themixture thickens. Spread onto cloth and apply.

If desired, the mixture can be applied directly to the affected part. Wrap a sheet orblanket around the compress and leave on until the cottage cheese has dried andstarts to crumble. Replace.


Chamomile Stomach Compress

Use for stomachaches, aches and pains.

Blanket and cotton sheet 2 1/2 TBSPs chamomile flowers

Tea towels and nappies (flannel) Boiling water

2 hot water bottles

Spread large blanket on area where patient will lay Spread cotton sheet over top ofwhole length of blanket. Rinse hot water bottles with cold water then hot water. Foldhot water bottle in half (it is easier to fill this way—less air), then fill with hot water.Squeeze air out and seal. Place water bottle on blankets, and fold over to keepblanket and cotton warm.

To prepare compress roll, fold nappies (flannel) in half lengthwise. Fold tea towel inhalf. Lay folded nappies on tea towel and roll them up tightly.

To make compress liquid, pour boiling water over tea in saucepan (fill pan about 1/2full) and cover with lid. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then immerse center of cloth roll inbowl, making sure to leave ends out (so you do not burn your fingers when you pickit up to wring out). Note: Use liquid immediately—do not keep overnight.

Lay patient on their back on top of cotton and blanket. Wring compress towel toremove excess tea. Unroll towel and take out nappy (purpose of towel is to help holdin the heat). Unfold it and place over the tummy, then close up the blanket.

Keep patient still for 20 min to 1 hour. Patient may fall asleep. If patient is very ill,keep them still for one hour, remove compress and replace with hot water bottle.

Green Vegetable Compress

For infection, bruises, swelling, fever, and earaches.

Green leafy vegetables (using

leaves)—amount depends upon size of

treatment area

Cotton or cheesecloth

Flour as needed

Blend or chop and mash leaves into a paste. Add in a little flour if it is too watery.Place mashed greens onto cotton, forming a layer about 3/4” (2 cm thick. Apply toafflicted area and change every 2-3 hours or when it becomes warm.


Dry Chamomile Compress

Good for earaches.

Chamomile tea bag

Place teabag on ear.

Lemon Compress

Use for fever.

Lemon Long cotton strips

Warm water

Cut lemon in half and place in a bowl of warm water. Make slits in lemon while it isunder water, then squeeze lemon by pressing it against the bottom of the bowl.

Roll up cotton strips, then soak in lemon water. Wring out excess liquid and placecloth under leg and wrap up, beginning at the inside foot arch to the outside of foot.Continue wrapping up to the knee. Cover foot and leg well, ensuring there are nogaps.

Tofu/Green Vegetable Compress

For fever, inflammation, and earaches.

Several leaves of spinach or cabbage 3/4 inch (2cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated

8 oz (250 g) fresh tofu

Chop or blend spinach or cabbage. Mash tofu and ginger until it becomes a paste,combine it with vegetable and apply directly to treatment area or use a cotton clothto wrap it in before applying.

Tofu Compress

Use for fever.

8 oz (250 g) fresh tofu 3/4 inch (2 cm) piece of fresh ginger,

grated

1 oz (30 g) flour

Squeeze the water from tofu. Mash it and add flour and grated ginger. Mix togetherand apply directly to the forehead or the back of the neck.


Sesame Oil and Ginger Compress

Use to improve circulation and nerve reactions, and relieve aches and pains.

Fresh ginger, grated Cotton cloth

Sesame oil

Mix equal amounts of fresh ginger and sesame oil. Dip a piece of cloth into thismixture and rub vigorously onto the affected area.

Plaster and Poultice

Plaster and poultices are similar to compresses but they are warmer and retain theirwarmth longer. They are applied to relieve a variety of ailments from congestion andinflammations to the draining of pus.

Plaster and Poultice Recipes

Potato Poultice (Uncooked)

For boils and drawing pus.

Potato, grated Gauze

3/4 inch (2cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated

Mix grated raw potato with ginger. Spread it 3/4” (2 cm) thick on gauze and applydirectly to the skin. Change every four hours.

Onion Poultice

For earaches.

1 onion, finely chopped Cotton or gauze

Dry fry a finely chopped onion for a few seconds until hot. Wrap in a cloth and applybehind the ear. Bind to head with bandage.

Potato Poultice (Cooked)

For eczema, sunburn, and reducing puffiness.

Unpeeled potatoes Linen or cotton gauze

Boil potatoes. When cooked, mash them. Place between two layers of linen or cottongauze. Make sure that the application is not too hot by testing it on your cheek.Apply to the affected area and wrap in a sheet or towel. Remove when cold.


Mustard Poultice

For coughs and chest congestion.

Dry mustard Paper towel

Hot water 2 pieces of gauze

Add hot water to dry mustard in a bowl, stirring the mixture well until it becomes asmooth paste. Place this mixture onto a paper towel, fold it over itself, and put itbetween two pieces of gauze. Apply this to the affected area. Do not let the mustardtouch the skin as it can burn. Leave for 10-15 minutes to create heat.

Hot Salt Poultice

For diarrhea and the fever chills

Salt Kitchen towel

Pillowcase

Roast salt in a dry frying pan until it becomes hot. Put it into a pillowcase and wrap atowel around it. Allow the poultice to cool a little before applying it the abdomen.Change when the pack becomes cool

Flaxseed Poultice

For abscesses and inflammation.

1/2 to 1 cup flaxseed or linseed meal 2 pieces of linen or cotton

3/4/ to 1 1/4 cups water Sheet or blanket

Boil flaxseed in water, stirring constantly until it has formed a thick paste. Add morewater or flaxseed as necessary, Spread between two pieces of linen or cotton andfold. Make sure the poultice is not too hot before applying. Cover poultice with asheet or blanket, and remove when cool.

Fenugreek Poultice

For small external complaints and boils.

2 - 3 handfuls of fenugreek powder 2 pieces of linen or cotton

Water Sheet or blanket

Place fenugreek powder in saucepan. Slowly stir in cold water until thin paste isformed. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Apply as above.


Chlorophyll Plaster

Chlorophyll is the green substance found in plants. It is the blood of plants. It is yin,and is associated with a cooling effect. Therefore it can absorb yang heat very well.It can also soothe or extinguish an inflammatory process (yang). When ingestedthrough our food, chlorophyll helps oxygenate our blood and circulate oxygen to ourcells.

This treatment is best used for a twisted knee, sprained ankle, headache, and wherethere is not a lot of swelling. To help reduce fevers, place on forehead, above ears,and at the back of the head and neck. Use for inflammation when tofu or taro plasterare unavailable.

Green leaves, chopped. Daikon is best. Do

not use leeks or anything pungent.

Cheese cloth or paper towel

White flour

Chop leaves and crush in suribachi until they form a paste. Add 20% flour to hold thepaste together. Spread on a towel 1/2 inch thick. Apply directly to skin. Leave for 2to 3 hours.

Variation: use bottled chlorophyll (may be purchased as Green Magma) in place ofgreen leaves. Pour into a bowl, add some water, then place either gauze orcheesecloth into water and wrap around affected area for a minimum of four hoursor all night. After assessing condition treatment may be repeated until it improves(i.e. temperature is sufficiently reduced).

Buckwheat Plaster

Buckwheat plaster draws water from the body through the skin. It temporarilyrelieves fluid built up in abdominal or pleural cavity. Use for sprains or swollen knees,ankles and feet. Use hen bladder inflammation and urination is difficult by applyingplaster to bladder area (several plasters in a row will be needed).

Buckwheat flour Cotton cloth

Warm water

Mix buckwheat flour and warm water to make a stiff dough. Knead dough, thenapply directly onto skin 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick, and hold in place with cotton cloth.

Remove when dough becomes soft and watery (approximately 1-2 hours) andreplace with fresh plaster. Best results are obtained if plaster can be kept warm,therefore a salt pack may be applied over plaster.


Tofu Plaster

Tofu is yin, and is therefore good for yang conditions. It absorbs fevers (note: seeadditional indications and contraindications below), extinguishes inflammatoryprocesses whether they are causing fever or not, and decreases swelling alreadypresent, and prevents swelling in the same way as taro does.

Tofu Cheesecloth

10-15% White flour Thin cotton towel, gauze, wax paper or

paper towel

5% fresh ginger root, grated

Squeeze out excess liquid from tofu in cheesecloth or towel. Crush tofu in suribachi,then add a small amount of ginger and white flour. Mix together well. It now willresemble a thick sticky paste. On a thin cotton towel, gauze or wax paper spreadpaste 1/2 inch thick. Place plaster on treatment area (this plaster needs to be indirect contact with the skin). Plaster dries very quickly, so if not using plasterimmediately, apply another towel on top of plaster application—do not cover withplastic. The temperature of tofu plasters increases quickly, so it needs to be replacedevery 20 minutes as needed. Plaster treatment may be repeated every 1 to 2 hours,or sooner, depending upon the condition.

For bronchitis, first apply a ginger compress, then follow with a tofu plaster. Continuetreatment for 1 to 2 hours. Repeat process as required.

Tofu Indications:

Tofu is yin, and therefore the plaster is good for yang conditions. It is a betterpreparation than ice packs or cold towels, and does not produce secondary sideeffects. It may be used for:

• Treatment on the head

• Acute pneumonia or bronchitis where there inflammatory processesare causing fever. Note: if fever is deep in the body a gingercompress may be needed first).

• Any painful condition accompanied by fever

• Second or third degree burns to assist in scar healing and relievepain. Apply continuously in the first 48 hours of burn. For heavyburns apply every day for several days.

• Sprains, contusion and concussion. The healing properties of tofuprevent swellings and intra tissular bleeding

• Brain hemorrhage, or any areas where there is hardening of theblood or clotting (continued on next page)


Contraindications:

• NOT FOR FEVER OF MEASLES OR CHICKEN POX unless temperatureis over 105°F (40°C). Temperature should not be forced artificially tonormal, but maintained within a safe range.

Mustard Plaster

Stimulates the blood and body fluid circulation and loosens stagnation. Can be usedas replacement for ginger compress. Use where blood circulation has stagnated inthe muscles around the neck and shoulders. Use for lung troubles, includingbronchitis, mucous accumulation in the lungs, coughing and asthma. Plaster may beapplied simultaneously or alternatively on the chest and on the lung area on theback. Provides relief of menstrual cramps and rheumatic pains.

1/2 cup ground mustard seeds, flour or

plain mustard

Paper towels or wax paper

White flour 2 cotton bath towels.

Add warm water to mustard, stirring in one direction to form a thick pasteresembling cream. Note: if treating children, add equal amounts of white flour.

Cut paper twice the size of area to be treated. Spread mixture onto paper andsandwich it between two cotton towels. Apply this "sandwich" to the skin area andleave on until the skin becomes red and hot, then remove. Do not allow mustard toget onto skin as it may cause burns or blisters.

This plaster will start to heat up after it has been applied. Mustard particles start topenetrate towel onto skin within minutes. Treatment may last 10-20 minutes, or untilplaster becomes uncomfortable. The skin will appear red and warm after treatment.Pat skin with a warm towel. DO NOT RUB SKIN, as this may cause pain andrupturing of the skin.

Note: This is a safe plaster for children. However, if skin (child or adult) gets burned,treat with olive oil.

Treatment Duration: For acute trouble, apply 3 to 4 times per day. For chronicconditions, apply in the same way as ginger compresses.


Taro Plaster

Taro plasters draw out dead cells and toxin build up. Pus, which is stagnated bloodthat accumulates in abscesses, tumors, contusions, etc., can be drawn from the bodythrough taro plaster methods. Taro prevents or decreases swelling formation due tocontusions or sprains. See additional indications below.

Small taro potatoes--choose the freshest. If

fresh taro is unavailable you may use dried

taro, called Al-bi powder.

Cotton towel or cheesecloth

Grated raw ginger, or ginger powder Bandage

White unbleached flour

Note: To receive the best results and increase treatment benefits, you may want toapply a ginger compress for 3 to 10 minutes before Taro plaster. Do not do thisautomatically—always assess each individual case.

Wash and remove hair from skin of taro potato. Peel taro and grate it with a finegrater. As you grate, you will see a white, wet and sticky paste will appear—it lookslike wet mud. Add ginger to the taro, using a ratio of 90-95% taro to 5-10% ginger.Mix thoroughly.

If past becomes too wet, white flour may be added to bind together. White flour isused instead of whole grain flour because of its binding agents. If you add too muchflour it can be diluted with cool water (not warm).

Spread taro paste onto damp cotton towel or damp cheesecloth 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.5to 2 cm) thick. Place plaster directly onto the skin. Plaster must cover all areas ofaffected site. Apply another cloth over the top of this and then bandage the area andremain still for duration of treatment. Plaster is to be left on for 2, 3, or a maximumof 4 hours or until paste dries.

Remove dried plaster with warm water, taking care when applied to hairy areas ofthe body. There will be times when a ginger compress is required after the taroplaster, i.e. when the taro plaster becomes uncomfortable or when a new taroplaster is going to be applied.

Treatment Duration:

As always each person is treated as the individual that they are. In cancer patients,Taro plasters may be used for several weeks. In cases of less severity, plasters maybe applied up to 3 times per day over a period of 1 to 3 weeks.

Precautions:

• If you need to dilute past with water—it is a cold plaster


• Due to the coldness of this plaster, warm towels may be placed overthe plaster application if it becomes too uncomfortable for patient.Ginger compresses may be applied more frequently between taroplaster treatments to aid in warming the area

• Ulceration of the skin may occur if such items as a plastic or vinylsheet are placed over plaster during application

• Always ensure that plaster stays in complete contact with skin. Ifplaster is wrapped in a cloth it will be useless

• When treating very yin people, they may experience itching in thearea being treated. This may be due to a reaction with the amountof ginger added. If this occurs, decrease ginger and start again. Ifitching remains, add salt to the next preparation to abate itchiness.In extreme and very sensitive yin people, sesame or vegetable oilmay be added rubbed lightly into treatment area before applyingplaster. If itching still persists, only then may a fine piece ofcheesecloth be placed onto skin before plaster.

• It is possible and probable that the skin area and Taro plaster willchange color. The skin may become darker or even black. Aftermany hours a blackness may appear on the taro paste. This is due tothe oxidation process of the potato being exposed to the air.

Taro Plaster Indications:

Taro root is yin. It is able to open the pores of the skin. Applying a yang gingercompress treatment before applying taro plaster increases blood and tissue fluidcirculation. The yin quality of taro reduces yang factors that may have attractedwater; water will begin to disperse after taro application. When swellings decreasepain is relieved. If this treatment is applied immediately and continued over severaldays, the re-absorption of intra-tissular bleeding can be increased.

Taro is indicated for:

• Inflammations

o Caused by trauma, contusions, sprains, burns, and fractures.Taro plaster offers relief of pain and in certain circumstances isable to decrease inflammation.

o Of a non specific type including abscesses, boils, inflamedhemorrhoids, appendicitis, arthritis, rheumatism, sinusitis,pleurisy, neuritis, neuralgia and eczema.

o Cases have been recorded in which illnesses of mumps,tuberculosis, leprosy and pneumonia have been aided by usingtaro plaster.


• Tumoral diseases such as:

o Benign tumors, warts, fibroid tumors, ovary, breast, thyroid, andcysts (where external treatment can be used.)

o Cancer/malignant tumors. Taro plaster is widely used amongstcancer clients. Note: Ginger compresses may increase spread oftumor and are not advisable, unless used under the guidance ofa qualified natural healing counselor.

Raw Soya Bea Plaster

To reduce fever. Indications are the same as for tofu plaster. Apply in cases of feveror on any kind of inflammations or on painful areas.

1 cup raw soybeans Flour as binding agent

5 cups of water

Soak soybeans overnight in water. Mash the beans and add some flour. Apply thispaste in the same way as a tofu plaster.

Daikon or Turnip Root Plaster

This plaster has a cooling (yin) effect. It will cool down pain and heal internalbleeding quickly. Apply to bruised areas. If bruise is large, treatment may berepeated for several days.

Daikon or turnip Flour as binding agent

Grate 1/3 of a daikon or 1/3 turnip. Do not use juice. Add flour to bind. Applymixture directly on the area to be treated. Leave for 15 to 30 minutes, then renewthe plaster.


Miso Plaster

A great home remedy for bleeding caused by cuts, itchy skin or any kind of swelling.Dark miso keeps infection down and promotes healing.

Dark Miso Cheesecloth

Place miso directly onto the skin or wrap it in one layer of cheesecloth.

Why Miso Works

Miso contains living enzymes that aid digestion, strengthen the blood and provide anutritious balance of complex carbohydrates, essential oils, protein, vitamins andminerals. According to legend, miso was a gift from the gods to ensure humanity'shealth, longevity and happiness.

During the processing of miso several types of energy have been wisely combined.The soybeans in miso represent autumn energy, salt represents winter energy andbarley represents spring energy. The fermentation process represents tree energyand passes through at least 4 seasons, including one summer and one winterseason. It becomes an energetically well-balanced product that can be used in allseasons. Overall miso has a slight and slow upward energy making it very good forpromotion of digestion, healing and supplying energy.

Miso has great healing properties—it keeps infection down to a minimum. It isalkaline, has the contractive effect of drawing the wound together, and has anti-infection properties. The theory behind miso is that the enzymes, salt andfermentation process has a very yin or contractive effect on the wound, whichpromotes healing.

For comparison of yin/yang, if we were to apply sugar to an open cut, the expansiveforce of the yan sugar would open the cut further and allow the blood to flow freely.

Points to Remember when using Compresses and Plasters

• Remain calm. Seek professional assistance if unsure.

• Use natural fibers such as cotton and cheesecloth. Avoid syntheticmaterials.

• Use stainless steel, glass and cast iron saucepans. Aluminum or non-stick surfaces may alter the nature of vegetables, herbs and spices.

• Prepare home remedies fresh each day. It is unwise to prepare largequantities and use over and over again.

• Always rinse materials used for compresses, packs and plaster well.Dry completely and store in a cool, dry place.


Mud and Clay Packs

The earth itself, receiving its vital energies from sun, air and water, is a mostpowerful healing agent. Different forms of earth, including clay, mud and sand, allparticipate in life giving and health restoring processes.

Dense, dark mud has a high salt content, making it very alkalizing. Using dark mudas a body treatment is very beneficial if you do not have any miso on hand. The useof mud with high mineral content is very common in health resorts and clinics.

Much of the clay that is used comes from Europe. Medicinal clay is especially green,and has a cooling affect. Clays are used for their ability to draw out toxins such asboils, pus forming tumors and pimples, and absorb them.

Forms and uses of clay include:

• Clay packs are excellent for the complexion. If treating pimples,leave on for approximately 4 hours.

• Finely ground clay is advisable for powdering babies, instead oftalcum, which generally has medicinal substances. Do not hesitate touse clay powder on pimples or drink it with water if necessary (foradults and children).

• Powdered clay performs an antiseptic action on ulcers, aiding in therebuilding of harmed tissues. To use, apply powder to sores, scars,inflammations, eczema etc.

• Using very fine clay powder for a massage increases its efficiency.

• Clay powder aids the healing of cuts, wounds etc. If cut is recent,apply clay powder directly onto the wound, then cover it with a largecold poultice and bandage firmly. Keep poultice in place for amaximum of 2 hours, then wash the wound with salted or lemonwater. After that, use a compress of clayish water.

If the existence of foreign bodies in the wound is feared, continue the claypoultices until there is no more doubt. All the foreign substances will beabsorbed by the clay and later found there. There have been many caseswhere foreign bodies that were impossible to extract surgically have beendrawn out with clay.

When the state of the wound allows it, expose it to the open air in order tohasten its healing. Sometimes it is necessary to apply a dry dressing in orderto avoid friction or any other contact. This dry dressing may stick to the skinand present difficulties in removing it. To avoid this, use the followingantiseptic pack: peel an onion, take out a layer carefully and extract the verythin membrane that is between two layers of onion. When applied directly tothe wound, this pellicle, will protect and disinfect it. Add the dressing and


bandage. This precaution is very useful for any dry dressing in general, suchas on ulcers or sores.

• Clay compress provide relief of inflammation, infection and swellingdue to disorders of metabolism, congestion in the tissues andmuscles, and insect stings (for stings, the compress should bereplaced hourly). Refer to compress recipes for instructions on howto make a clay compress.

Hot Treatments

Hot treatments increase blood circulation and move the chi. Hot treatments are usedfor those symptoms and pains that have been present in the body for some time andare more long term. Aches are due to stagnation of energy and blood. Heat appliedto these areas increase blood supply and aid in the movement of energy andstagnation.

Examples of pains and sensations that hot treatments are effective in treatinginclude:

• Aching

• Griping pain

• Cramping

• Pulsating

• Rheumatic

• Tearing

• Cutting

• Bruising

Examples of conditions that hot treatments are effective for include:

• Stomach cramps

• Leg cramps

• Arthritis

• Lower back pain

• Muscle cramps

• Menstrual cramps

• Chronic headaches


• Pain in Shoulders

• Ear ache

• Tension in neck.

Methods of "heat" may be applied in various forms:

• Hot towels

• Heat pads

• Hot water bottles

• Full body bath, great for relaxation

• Hip bath, used for dysentery

• Vapor baths (steam baths)

• Dry baths (include hot air or sand baths)

• Rubbing: Use hot towels or with hot ginger water for rubbing alongthe spine to promote circulation

• Heat pads and hot water bottles to ease pain associated withmenstrual cramps, muscle cramps, or pain in abdominal area

Hot Treatment Recipes

Tiger Balm and Vicks Vapor Rub

These two common household items are a great warming treatment for sinustroubles.

For sinus troubles, use tiger balm or Vicks around cheeks and third eye to increaseblood flow.

Ginger Water

Aids blood flow to swollen fingers, hands and feet.

1 handful ginger, grated Large pot of water

To prepare, add grated ginger to water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.When temperature has cooled enough to touch, soak swollen fingers, hands or feetin ginger water for 10 minutes.


Ginger Oil

Ginger oil penetrates deep into the tissues and relieves aches and pains. It is awonderful home remedy for headaches (do not use for migraines, or if heatsymptoms appear in head), earwax buildup, chronic back problems and nervoustension. See indication information below.

1 TBSP Sesame oil (or as needed) Cheesecloth

1 TBSP Fresh ginger juice (or as needed)

To make ginger juice, grate ginger and squeeze through cheesecloth to get gingerjuice. Warm sesame oil, then mix the oil and ginger juice together.

Note: excess oil may be stored in the refrigerator.

Indications:

• For excessive earwax build-up place 2 drops of ginger oil in ear.Note: Do not use for ear infections.

• For chronic back problems and nervous tension, rub into spinebefore going to bed.

• Rub into shoulders and neck area to relieve aches and pains. Itpenetrates deep into the tissues. If used after ginger compress it willprolong the treatment.

• For dull, lingering type headaches (yin), especially after a long day atwork, dip the end of a cloth in ginger oil and rub gently into templearea. Massaging the backs of the ears and temples may also easeheadaches. Do not use ginger oil for migraines or if any heatsymptoms appear in the head, e.g. red complexion.

• For muscle cramps, rub into affected area.

Home Study and Review

1. What are the two main functions of blood coagulation?

2. Give 3 examples of conditions that you would use a hot treatment for, other thanthose listed in this text.

3. Write one or two paragraphs on why a Ginger Foot Bath would be used forrheumatism, arthritis or gout.

4. How do you decrease the chances of infection if there is a burn on the skin?


5. What are the feelings and sensations a person will experience when using TigerBalm?

6. What are the benefits of using dark mud?

7. Name 3 areas of the body where you can use a clay pack.

8. What antiseptic treatment is used on the skin before applying a dry dressing?

9. Prepare a tofu plaster and apply it to your leg. Do you feel a cool sensation inthat area afterwards? Why would this be good to use in a fever over theforehead?

10. Name four key words that describe the sensation felt in an acute pain.

11. What is a chronic condition? What symptoms manifest from it? What is the cure?

12. Prepare a chlorophyll plaster. What is it good for? What conditions of the bodywould you not use it on?

13. What are the actions and precautions of a taro plaster? Is it a yin or yangplaster, and why?

14. What is the main indication for using a ginger compress? What are thecontraindications of a ginger compress?

15. Prepare a ginger compress for a friend or a relative and apply on the lower backkidney area. Ask the patient how they feel after the treatment.

16. Apply a salt pack to the shoulder area of yourself and write about the sensationsand feelings you experienced.

the academy of healing nutrition · cold compresses 13 hot compresses 13 compress recipes 14...

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