Anodyne Fomentation
A traditional herbal fomentation used topically to relax muscle spasms and relieve acute pain. This warm compress combines white poppy heads and elder flowers in a soothing preparation.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces White poppy heads, dried (Approximately 85 grams; contains natural alkaloids for pain relief)
- 0.5 ounce Elder flowers, dried (Approximately 14 grams; provides anti-inflammatory properties)
- 3 pints Water (Approximately 1.4 liters or 6 cups)
- 3 teaspoons Tincture of opium (Optional addition for enhanced pain relief; requires prescription)
Instructions
- 1Measure out 3 ounces of white poppy heads, half an ounce of elder flowers, and 3 pints of water. Have all ingredients ready for boiling.
- 2Combine the white poppy heads, elder flowers, and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer. Continue boiling until one pint of liquid has evaporated, leaving approximately 2 pints remaining.
- 3Remove the pot from heat. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, discarding the solid plant material. Press gently on the solids to extract all the liquid.
- 4If additional pain relief is needed and medically appropriate, add 3 teaspoons of tincture of opium to the strained liquid and stir well to combine.
- 5Soak a clean cloth in the warm fomentation liquid. Wring out excess liquid and apply the warm, moist cloth to the affected area. Keep the compress warm by reheating as needed. Use for topical application only to relax spasms and relieve acute pain.
