How to Make and Use a Fomentation

A fomentation is used to stimulate, bring blood flow, moisture and relieve pain to a specific area. A castor oil pack is a fomentation technique. It is the use of a warm, moist cloth soaked in a tea or infusion. Can be changed as soon as towel cools for longer, more intensive treatment. The name comes from the Latin "fovimentum" which means "a warm application." "Foment" means to warm or heat up.

For external use only.

All cotton cloth that can be folded in layers to cover desired area to be treated.
Hot water
Herb
Plastic wrap
A clean towel

Always do skin patch test before applying any medicine to skin.

Make herbal tea by adding herb to boiling water, turning off heat and letting it steep for 5 minutes. Add cotton cloth and let it soak for a few minutes. Remove with tongs or other utensil. Be careful not to get burned. Wring it out a little. As soon as it is tolerable, place on affected area. You want it hot, but not hot enough to scald. Cover with plastic wrap and then dry towel to keep heat in. Let it remain until cool.

Types of herbs used:

Ginger Root Powder- to relieve fever, stimulation, pain releif, circulation, cramp relief, foot baths; placed on affected areas.

Castor Oil-to remove toxins, joint pain, arthritis, old injuries, liver cleanse, lymph gland cleanse; placed on liver or lymph nodes.

Comfrey root, Elecampane root, Mullein leaves, and Lobelia (all powdered)-to decongest chest and sinuses; placed on chest or forhead or sinuses.

Marshmallow root powder-to relive mastitis; placed on affected breast.

Fennel root, fennel seed, celery root, anise, celery seed-to relieve pain and congestion to the kidneys

Cayenne-muscle aches, pains and strains relief; apply to affected area

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