Compresses and Poultices

Compresses – are a local application method that use a towel or cloth soaked in herbal infusions or essential oils.  They are useful for treating wounds, irritation, pain, sprains, strains, inflammations and skin conditions and can be applied either hot or cold depending on the nature of the condition or injury being treated and client preference.

· Hot — hot compresses (also known as fomentations) are generally used to treat chronic conditions and are excellent for treating backache, relieving muscular , rheumatic and osteo-arthritic pain, reducing chest congestion, and, depending on preference, earache and toothache

· Cold — cold compresses are an easy way of administering first aid to acute injuries such as a sprain or strain.  They are also useful for soothing inflammation and fever, migraines, sunburn and other ‘heated’ conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (in the acute phase) and, depending on preference, earache and toothache

Poultices – are an external preparation that are used to draw out pus and dirt form wounds, to draw out boils and to promote skin and bone healing.  A poultice is generally a thick paste that is made from herbs, clays and essential oils. 

· White Clay — is the finest and mildest type of clay, it soothes and softens the skin and has the gentlest drawing action

· Pink Clay — is cleansing, toning and firming, gentler on the skin than green clay

· Red Clay — is high in iron which is important for healthy skin, it is a little oily and mildly absorbent

· Yellow Clay— revitalises tired and neglected skin

· Green Clay — is the most detoxifying clay of all, it has the strongest drawing action and draws out toxins

· Bentonite Clay —  has powerful drawing and absorptive qualities, it is deep cleansing and detoxifying