Swedish Bitters Compress

Internally: To assist as a preventative, take according to the "old manuscript" in the morning and evening, 1 teaspoonful diluted with water. For indisposition of any kind, 3 tablespoons diluted with water can be taken. For serious diseases, 2 to 3 tablespoons are taken as follows: 1 tablespoon diluted with half a cup of herb tea, half of it is sipped half an hour before and the other half an hour after each meal.

Compress: According to area, a piece of cotton wool or gauze is moistened with Swedish Bitters and applied to the affected area which has been well covered with lard or Calendula ointment. A slightly larger piece of plastic is put over it to prevent the clothes from getting stained. Then a cloth is wound around or a bandage is used.

The compress can be left on, depending on illness, for 2 to 4 hours. If tolerated, the compress can stay on overnight. After removal the skin is powdered. Should people with sensitive skin still develop a rash, the compresses have to be used for a shorter period only or moistened for a time. People who are allergic to plastic should leave it off. Never forget to grease the skin beforehand. If an itching rash has already developed it can be treated with Calendula ointment.

Materials

• -Three layers of non-dyed wool, cheesecloth or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area.
• -Swedish Bitters
• -Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
• -If using Swedish bitters with alcohol – coconut oil
• -Hot water bottle
• -Container with lid
• -Old clothes and sheets. Bitters will stain clothing and bedding.

Method

1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in Swedish Bitters so that it is saturated but not dripping.

2. Warm the compress/pack before applying to body.

3.  If using Swedish bitters with alcohol, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the area first.

4. Place the pack over the affected body part.

5. Cover with plastic.

6. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 2 -4 hours. Rest while the pack is in place.

7. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.

8. A fresh compress should be made each time.

Castor Oil Pack

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis. Although it was once taken orally as a laxative, it's now known to be toxic and is used only externally over unbroken skin. It should only be used after consulting a health care professional.

What is a Castor Oil Pack?

A castor oil pack involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin. It's used by some alternative practitioners to enhance circulation and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. Alternative practitioners also use it to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and to improve digestion.

How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?

Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.
A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:
The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.
Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.
The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.

Safety

Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.

Materials

• Three layers of  non-dyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
• Castor oil
• Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
• Hot water bottle
• Container with lid
• Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Method

1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
2. Place the pack over the affected body part.
3. Cover with plastic.
4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.
5. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.