Flaxseed Poultice or Linseed Poultice

Flaxseed or linseed can be purchased from a health food store or supermarket. Flaxseed or linseed is often used for cooking, for constipation, to make gels, and it has a medicated quality that makes it useful in therapeutics. As is the case with all poultices Flaxseed poultice is used to relieve pain and congestion, to reduce inflammation, to diminish tissue swelling and tension and to promote absorption or hasten formation of a head in abscesses.

How to Make a Flaxseed or Linseed  Poultice?

• One tablespoon of flaxseed ground in a seed mill or blender and mixed with one cup of water brought to a boil, will make enough to cover the front of the abdomen.
• Take a paper towel and spread the material completely over the towel. It may be laid directly on the skin of the affected area.
• Cover completely with a plastic, allowing the plastic to extend over the edges and inch on all sides.
• Hold the poultice in place with a roller bandage, an ace bandage, or a 50 to 60" strip of cloth specially prepared for this purpose, cutting a strip from a bedsheet or other long piece, wrapping it around the entire body or an extremity and pinning it in place.Make a neat, snug bandage.
• Leave the poultice on from 30 minutes to 8 hours. At the end of the time, remove the poultice, sponge the surface clean with a damp washcloth, and friction the area of the poultice with an alcohol sponge, or a cold mitten friction. Dry thoroughly and replace clothing.