Poultices were a popular remedy in several conditions, especially those involving external inflammation. They were used to bring boils to a head. They were also used to bring relief to swollen joints and on the chest to relieve some respiratory or lung conditions. Inevitably, they tended to be rather messy.
A poultice was a hot semi-liquid mixture spread on a piece of cloth and applied to the skin. Various substances were included in poultices, according to the purpose of the poultice and according to the properties of the substance.
A poultice that was commonly used was a bread poultice. This was made by pouring boiling water over a quantity of breadcrumbs and stirring it until the mixture formed a soft mass. This was spread about half an inch thick on a cloth and applied to the area to be covered.
Mustard formed the basis of another poultice. In this, powdered mustard was mixed to the consistency of a soft mass by the addition of cold water or vinegar. This mixture was then placed either on a piece of cloth or on a piece of brown paper.
There was a problem with mustard poultices in that they could cause blistering. For this reason, it was suggested that a piece of muslin was placed between the poultice and the skin if the person being treated with the poultice had a delicate skin.
Mustard poultices were also made with one part mustard and four parts linseed meal. The mustard was mixed with warm water and the linseed meal mixed with boiling water in a separate dish. The mustard mixture was then added to the linseed meal mixture and the combined mixture applied to a piece of cloth and put on the relevant area of the patient's body.
Linseed poultices were also made without mustard. A thick paste was made by stirring the linseed meal with some boiling water. The paste was spread on a piece of cloth. It was advised that a piece of muslin dipped in olive oil be laid on the paste to prevent it from sticking to the skin.
Yeast poultices were made by mixing a pound of ordinary flour or a pound of linseed meal with half a pint of yeast. This mixture was then heated and stirred carefully before being applied to the skin on a piece of cloth.
Charcoal poultices were made by soaking breadcrumbs in boiling water and then adding powdered wood charcoal and linseed meal. The mixture was then stirred thoroughly and applied to a piece of cloth.
Treacle poultices were less usual and were made by mixing a pound of flour with half a pint of treacle. This was then warmed, being stirred all the time, and spread on a cloth and applied in the usual way.
Several herbs and vegetables were used to make poultices. Poultices could be made from watercress and applied to wounds or boils. Raw potato slices were also made into a poultice, and this was applied to wounds and sores. Grated raw apple was used in a poultice also, often being used for ulcers.
Cabbage was also the basis of a poultice, and this was used to relieve wounds, sores and boils. Carrot poultices were also used to speed the healing process of wounds and to bring boils to a head.
Leek poultices, onion poultices, turnip poultices, burdock poultices and comfrey poultices were also used for the relief of various conditions. A poultice of the leaves and flowers of borage was a remedy for some skin conditions.
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