Fomentation. The power of the plant.

I had a severe reaction to my infusion line a while back. My arm was extremely painful, badly inflamed and doubled in size. My first thought was to apply a poultice but decided upon a herbal fomentation of chamomile tea instead for its simplicity. Within several hours of constant application the redness was down by over half and the swelling was almost unnoticeable. The proof is in the seeing. Simple, effective healing.

A fomentation is a topical preparation that allows herbs to be absorbed through the skin. It is prepared by first making a strong infusion, or tea, from the herb parts (usually the leaves, roots, or flowers). Fomentations stimulate circulation, aid in decongestion, draw abscesses, are soothing to external tissue and warm stiff joints. They can be used for acute inflammations, local pains and congestion, neuralgia, and toothaches, and especially in cases of sore or injured muscles and joints.