18 Standard Treatments for Respiratory Diseases – 300 g flaxseed (whole) – Saucepan, spoon, and water – 6 to 8 small linen cloths, wool cloth, 2 hot water bottles Fig. 4 Linseed poultices. a Preparation. b Application. Reproduced with permission from A. Sonn, Wickel und Auflagen, Thieme, Stuttgart, 1998. – Sinusitis, i. e., inflammation of the nasal and/or frontal sinuses – Headaches – 2 tablespoons grated horseradish root, either freshly prepared or commercially processed without chemical additives, at room temperature – Compress (gauze or small linen cloth), washcloth – Olive oil – The poultice will usually cause the skin to redden. After removing it, do not wash the skin with water, but wipe sparingly with olive oil. This preserves the heat and moisturizes the skin. – Instruct the patient to keep the feet warm (wool socks, blanket, etc.).
18.1 Flaxseed Poultice for Sinusitis
General Considerations
See Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), p. 66.
Indications: Sinusitis, i. e., inflammation of nasal and/or frontal sinuses.
Contraindications: Circulatory instability, coagulopathy.
Action: Reduces mucosal inflammation, relieves pain, and improves the discharge of pus and mucus.
Materials
Procedure
Preparation: Place flaxseed in pot of water (ratio of 1: 2, i. e., 300 g linseed in 600 mL water). Bring to a boil and allow to simmer until the mixture reaches the proper consistency for gruel. Add more water if too thick, or add more linseed if too thin. Wrap 1 to 2 tablespoons of the gruel in a linen cloth and place between 2 hot water bottles filled with hot water (Fig. 4). Repeat to make a total of 6 to 8 poultices.
Application: Apply the poultices to the regions of the nasal and frontal sinuses, as hot as the patient can stand them (Fig. 4). Cover with a small towel or wool cloth. Apply a fresh poultice every 4 to 5 minutes or so, since they are effective only when hot.
Duration of treatment: 20 to 30 minutes.
Frequency of treatment: 1 to 3 times daily.
Chamomile steam baths (p. 48), horseradish poultices (p. 293), and mustard footbaths (p. 312) are also helpful for sinusitis.
18.2 Horseradish Poultice
General Considerations
Horseradish root (Armoraciae radix).
Indications
Contraindications: Allergy to horseradish; broken skin or inflammation in the affected area.
Action: Increases the blood flow and dissolves mucus.
Materials
Procedure
Preparation: Spread a 1–2 cm thick layer of grated horseradish onto compress and fold over the edges securely.
Application: Apply the horseradish poultice to the upper neck region and cover with the washcloth.
Duration of treatment: 2 to 5 minutes, or as long as tolerated by the patient. The duration can be extended to a maximum of 10 to 12 minutes in later treatments.
Aftercare
Frequency of treatment: 1 to 2 times daily. Inspect the skin before the next poultice application. If redness or irritation from the previous application is still detected, treatment should be interrupted for a day. Long-term treatment is recommended in chronic disease.
Horseradish poultices can cause skin burns if left on for too long. Check the skin for redness or irritation during poultice application. Observe the patient’s reaction and remove the poultices if they cause undue burning or discomfort. Stay with the patient during first-time treatment. Carefully monitor individuals with sensitive skin, elderly individuals, and patients who are not mentally alert.
Horseradish poultices are also helpful in patients with cystitis (especially when chronic), indwelling catheters, and irritable bladder. In the latter case, the poultice is applied to the bladder region.
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