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HOW TO MAKE A MUSTARD PLASTER
Plasters made with mustard can be used to effectively treat coughs and congestion. Additionally, this treatment can help ease pain and aches that arise from inflammation. The mustard plaster’s vapor helps ease congestion. The warmth of the plaster increases blood flow and oxygenation of the area.
MAKING A MUSTARD PLASTER
In a small container, place 2 cups of flour and combine with 4 tablespoons of dry mustard, blending with a fork. If you haven’t any dried mustard, you can use prepared mustard. While you continue to stir, add a little warm water until you have a paste-like consistency. Smear this paste onto half of a swatch of flannel or cotton cloth (about 12 inches by 6 inches). Fold the cloth in half so that the paste is sandwiched in the middle. Heat your oven to its lowest setting and warm the cloth on a baking sheet inside for 5 minutes. Don’t leave it longer as the plaster could overheat or harden. Remove the warmed plaster from the oven. NEVER MICROWAVE YOUR PLASTER.
HOW TO USE YOUR PLASTER
To apply your plaster, wear a thin undershirt and place the plaster on your chest. The plaster should never make direct contact with the skin. If preferred, you may make two plasters and apply one to your chest and one to your back. On top of this, place a blanket or towel and relax for fifteen to twenty minutes.
CAUTIONS
Remove the plaster if you detect irritation, blistering, red or painful skin. The plaster treatment should not last longer than one half hour. To save ingredients, you can use half as much of the recipe for small children. Children younger than six years old and fragile older persons aren’t usually good candidates for this treatment.
Wait 4 hours between applications which can be continued until symptoms improve.
DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this article is for information only. Persons utilizing these methods assume all liability. This article is not a substitute for the care of a trained health professional.
HERBS USED FOR INCENSE
Historically, sick rooms were once cleansed using the smoke from burning sage and rosemary. A fragrant wood, Cedar is known to have expectorant, antifungal, antiviral and lymphatic cleansing properties. The needles from Pine, Spruce and Fir trees contain the main ingredient in Tamiflu (a medicine used to treat the bird flu) called shikimic acid. Respiratory ailments have been helped with the application of incense made with Frankincense. Other similarly beneficial herbs are Eucalyptus leaves and Mullein.
The slow burning of plant materials release essential oils into the smoke which – when inhaled – are then carried into the lungs. Bronchial inflammation can be relieved by beneficial herbal properties that are directly applied to the tissue using this method.
I know of one instance of a woman that was left struggling for air, choking and vomiting from a strong cytokine response during the flu. The man of the house closed the damper on the wood stove and placed cedar in the fire box, which produced a cleansing smoke. The cytokine storm stopped right away. Twenty minutes later, she had no more mucus and was relieved of her flu symptoms. Since that time, they have used this same remedy on other family members to good effect (of course, they air the house out afterwards).
Native Americans often used the smoke of Cedar to cleanse their homes. Smoke can be used in rustic conditions as a cleanser to rid a person, bedding, clothing or shelter of vermin, viruses and harmful bacteria. The last part of Leviticus 14 records that priests were instructed to cleanse a house of the plague using Cedar.
HOW TO USE HERBS FOR INCENSE
Carefully place a hot ember or coal from a hardwood fire (use tongs) onto a heat resistant surface. Assemble the herbs around and onto the ember and watch for smoke. Allow the smoke to waft over you and inhale. Be careful that the plant material does not burst into flames but only smokes. The smoldering is accomplished by using hot coals rather than an open fire; you can also tie your herbs or wood into tight bundles.
Herbs tightly bundled for incense are called smudge sticks. In some cases, leaves and stems can be tightly braided. If you only have dry leaves, these can be tightly wrapped in unbleached paper and tied with cotton thread. To use smudge sticks, light one of the ends. Extinguish the flame by gently blowing on it, leaving the smudge stick to smoking. These smudge sticks make it easier to direct the smoke and they tend to smoke longer than loose plant material.
WARNING
Never inhale or come near the smoke of a plant to which you are allergic. The purpose of this article is for information only. Persons utilizing these methods assume all liability and are encouraged to use safety guidelines. This article is not a substitute for the care of a trained health professional.
FRANKINCENSE – AN AMAZING HEALER
Frankincense is an impressive healing tool. It is an item I would choose to have in a survival kit. If you find yourself fighting an advancing infection, this gum resin is an invaluable tool.
Frankincense is retailed as a powder, little bits of hardened gum, or as an essential oil. The pebbles of gum and powder are not heavy. In my opinion, the granules are easier to carry and can be crushed to powder if this is needed.
As a steam inhalation, Frankincense is a helpful treatment for colds, bronchitis and other breathing difficulties. I’ve witnessed its benefits help in the recovery process of pneumonia. We use it in our home in a crock pot with dried mullein and eucalyptus leaves, add filtered water and heat to introduce a healing steam into the room. Frankincense can also be used as incense, releasing its beneficial properties in a fine smoke, as the granules are placed on a hot coal in a fireproof container.
Frankincense is regenerative, restorative, rejuvenating and quite valuable as a topical wound dressing. Its astringent properties make Frankincense infused oil a selection by some for a post-natal uterine tonic and massage oil. Frankincense is an anti-inflammatory and promotes healing when used to treat blemishes, scars, sores, skin ulcers and wounds. In some parts of the world, Frankincense is regarded as a treatment for leprosy. (See HOW TO INFUSE OILS)
In one case, a weeping leg injury had developed an odor. The infection was advancing as evidenced by the inflammation and red lines. Although good wound care was applied, this seemed to do little to make the infection retreat. Frankincense was used after other methods failed. The patient immediately felt the difference. A physician was surprised that the leg did not require amputation, but only stitches to help close the healthy tissue. His experience had been that such cases ended with the loss of the leg.
I observed a burn wound to an arm that had touched a hot oven rack. The wound was immediately dressed with honey and some olive oil infused with plantain. The area was kept clean and bandaged. The burn was about one fourth of an inch deep and one inch long. Though a second degree burn, there was only slight blistering. Although the injury seemed to be healing well, it became infected. Swelling, pain and red streaks soon appeared. A garlic poultice helped, but did not reverse the inflammation. Frankincense infused olive oil was applied resulting in the reduction of pain and inflammation in less than twelve hours. In the space of a day the wound began to heal from within and the pain stopped. By the second day, the swelling had gone, the wound was closed and was a healthy pink as the lower layers of skin were rebuilding By the week’s end, there was only a faint scar.
When available, Frankincense can be an effective wound care tool. If you use essential oil for medicinal purposes, take the time to insure that the product you select was steam distilled or alcohol extracted as chemical solvent methods are not safe for this application. Many manufacturers will gladly receive telephone inquiries. Methods of manufacture can change with time (even with the same brand), so re-check your information periodically.
This article is for the information of the reader. Nothing here is intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical examination and care. Utilize these processes at your own risk.
MAKE CHANGE & LEARNING FUN
When learning occurs in a safe environment, you can increase the intensity (fun or excitement) of a lesson, repeat the information and discover new ways to take hold of the student’s attention span over extended periods of time. Effective instructors look for ways to use all of these methods in order to stimulate learning.
Classrooms aren’t always able to incorporate these items. Yet, students of human nature and advertisers are happy to use what works. Recently, a large car company sponsored a contest to find the best invention that would make a task fun and change behavior. Creating a sense of fun rewards the desired behavior and encourages people to repeat that activity. The projects were designed to change encourage positive changes in behavior.
What value does this have to you? It is due to the fact that these things can be used to enhance your learning experiences as you gain new skills. Whether you are trying to become proficient at primitive life skills, herbal medicine or plant identification it is very important to be knowledgeable and prepared. Your education will be difficult if you are full of fear instead of happy adventure. Few are motivated to practice skills that they view with overwhelm and dread.
Make time in your schedule for your family to enjoy some fun adventures together. Develop a family hobby. Together you can discover the beauty and wonder of nature in your area. How can you use the plants growing near you? Plan educational outings. Offer assistance to other that are working on educational projects. Consider starting your own class and inviting friends. Enjoy the social aspect of learning. Choose a specific skill and invite others to a friendly competition or workshop. Your family will be drawn closer by the memories and fun you create while gaining valuable information that may prove useful in times to come. With a creative approach, the joy of learning can be yours.
HERE ARE THREE OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE FUN THEORY PROJECTS:
In this first example, the goal was to increase the use of trash receptacles by members of the public. Watch to see how they found a way to make using a trash can so much fun that a boy is seen looking for more trash to place inside the bin.
Here, the object was to increase bottles placed into the recycling bin. A few flashing lights later, a crowd gathered to cheer on their fellow recyclers.
We all know that taking the stairs is better for us than taking the escalator. In this video watch the time elapsed footage that shows a dramatic shift in use of the stairs when the steps are creatively covered.
HARVESTING & USING GOLDENROD
Solidago virgaurea is the botanical name for goldenrod. This adaptable plant can be found in Asia, North America & Europe. Found in areas with good sun exposure, goldenrod will reach a height of 2-3 feet in open areas, mountain ranges and along hillsides. The leaves alternate along the stem which is accented with branches of golden flowers.
In the late summer and fall, this plant blooms and is ready to harvest. If goldenrod grows in your area, the feathery yellow blossoms are easy to spot in patches beside the road. However, you won’t want to use these plants because they’ve been coated in fumes from passing cars.
The choice places to locate goldenrod are those with good sun exposure, near water. We were able to locate a patch growing near an abandoned footbridge in an open area. The little patch was filled with pokeweed, leggy grasses and splashes of goldenrod. Use sharp garden shears to harvest, removing the 2 or 3 feet of stem, leaves and blooming tops. The bruised parts of the plant will offer up a pleasant smell similar to wild carrots with a hint of citrus. A yellow dye can be made from the flower tops.
HOW TO DRY HERBS
Use a string to tie the cut stems in groups of five to ten. Make a loop in the tail of the string in order that you may hang the plants with the flowers downward and a box lid or tray beneath. Find a place to hang the plants where they will not be disturbed: a closet, cabinet, storage room, ceiling beam. Hooks and coat racks can also be used. If it fits, a paper bag can be secured over the plants to shield them from sun and catch loose plant parts. In one to three weeks the plants will be dry. This method is also effective for preserving flower arrangements.
When the plants are dried, remove the blooms and leaves to store them in a glass jar with a lid.
As an herb, goldenrod has qualities that make it symptom regulating, regenerating and detoxifying.
DETOXIFYING HERBS clear blockages and remove excesses. Known as a bitter, goldenrod contains tannin. Bitters are herbs that trigger the secretion of digestive juices by their taste. Because it helps the body release excess fluids, this herb is known as a diuretic. In times past this herb was used in applications to assist in the removal of bladder stones. Goldenrod helps remove hardened mucus and thick phlegm deposits (catarrh). Urinary tract infections are also eased by the antioxidant properties of goldenrod tea. Goldenrod is a digestive which means it strengthens digestion. A diaphoretic, this herb promotes perspiration which helps the body remove toxins.
REGENERATING HERBS help restore normal function, tone and build overwhelmed tissues. Inflamed tissues are eased with the application of goldenrod as it is an astringent. An aromatic, the volatile oils in the goldenrod give it a pleasant odor. As a powder, this herb is used to help wounds close and form scar tissue, a process known as cicatrization. Ulcers were once commonly treated in this manner. Goldenrod’s support of healing tissues classifies it as a vulnerary.
SYMPTOM REGULATING HERBS are plants which help relieve discomfort and pain. The antiseptic properties of this herb help counteract decay. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used as a mouthwash. Its stimulant properties increase the action of other herbs in remedies. Stomach pain is relieved by the carminative action of goldenseal which helps remove gas from the digestive tract. To reduce fevers, goldenseal tea is helpful. Pain associated with menstruation is also lessened by drinking goldenseal tea.
TO MAKE GOLDENSEAL TEA
Measure 2 tsp of dried herb into a cup. Add boiling water to the container and cover, letting it steep for ten minutes. Enjoy a cup of the tea three times each day until the symptoms lessen. Taken in quantities of ½ cup four times per day, this tea is reported to be helpful in the treatment seasonal allergies. Yet, if I felt it beneficial, I would consume it more liberally.
SINUS WASH
The tea is also good as a sinus spray. This is an effective treatment for upper respiratory inflammation and congestion accompanied by a sore throat and low fever.
SALVES & OILS
When goldenrod is infused in oil, it is a soothing topical treatment for sore muscles, strains and sprains. This oil can be applied repeatedly and liberally as frequently as every half hour, but usually every three hours. Even chronic pain and stiffness has been alleviated with this application. This does not correct serious structural damage; rather it helps with painful and inflamed tissues. Goldenrod’s vulnerary properties make this a good choice for the treatment of cuts, scratches and wounds as it speeds healing.
A tincture of goldenrod can be used to help alleviate allergy symptoms. In tincture combinations, goldenrod will help to increase the beneficial properties of other herbs. While the individual response and underlying conditions must be considered, a tincture of goldenrod, nettle and elderberry is considered a good combination for allergy relief. Another tincture combination that is useful in the treatment of kidney and urinary tract infections is goldenrod, echinacea, yarrow and elderberry. One dropperful should be taken hourly until symptoms ease. After the symptoms lessen, continue taking several drops 3-4 times a day for around 10 days. A ten day trial period is the same time used in Scripture to establish good health.* Another application for tinctures can be topical as a liniment.
Subsequent articles will deal with the procedures for making your own tinctures, oils and salves. Meanwhile, if you’d like a great resource for introductory herbal information and applications (and a great read), I suggest you purchase the latest book by herbalist Debi Pearl entitled THE VISION. In addition to herbal tips on the everyday use of herbs, you’ll enjoy an exciting story of adventure, romance and intrigue. Buy it today.
*The phrase “ten days” makes for an interesting word study in Scripture.
Information and ideas presented here are for the reader’s use and enrichment. This is not offered as a replacement for the care of a medical professional. The ideas and opinions expressed are that of the author and fallible. It is the responsibility of the reader to arrive at his own conclusions and be informed.
