Helpful Naturopathic Home Remedies
by Melissa Dawahare, ND, RN
Family and friends of mine always seem to be asking for helpful home remedies they can use when they are sick. So in this article, I thought I would offer a few classic old school naturopathic remedies you can use at home for various health problems.
Since naturopathy uses gentle and non harmful treatments to help people heal, notice how natural these remedies are. The home remedies are mustard packs, carrot poultices, and castor oil packs! Never heard of them? Well, read on to learn all you need to know about them.
MUSTARD PACK
When placed over the chest, a mustard pack stimulates the lungs to expectorate, or loosen up a tight chest and dry cough. Don’t leave on longer than 10 minutes for a child, or 15-20 minutes for an adult. Be aware of irritation to the skin and remove it if it becomes painful or glowing red.
Directions:
1. Add 1-2 Tbs. dry mustard (depending on freshness and potency) to 1 cup of flour. Add enough hot water to make a paste.
2. Spread over a thin cloth and cover with another cloth, making a mustard sandwich.
3. Place the cloth over chest. Next cover with a layer of saran wrap followed by a layer or two of towels. Finally, apply a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.
CARROT POULTICE
These are helpful for sore throats and gives especially good results in children.
Directions:
1. Grate a large carrot. Roll the carrot into a thin cloth such as cheesecloth.
2. Wrap the cloth around the throat and cover with an additional scarf.
Make poultice either hot or cold, depending on which feels best to the person. For a hot poultice: place cloth and carrot in hot water and squeeze out before applying to neck. For a cold poultice: combine crushed ice with the carrot.
Note: Do not wrap the cloth or scarf around the neck too tightly. It should be firmly against skin but loose enough to insert a finger between the cloth and neck. Place a pad beneath the head and neck. The poultice can leak and stain the furniture or bed clothing.
CASTOR OIL PACK
These may be used on any part of the body to reduce
inflammation or aid in healing. Apply when at rest, in a calm, quiet environment. Pack should be in place for at least 20 minutes and can be left on for up to 2 hours.
Directions:
1. Fold a flannel cloth to 2 - 4 layers of thickness and to the appropriate size for the body part you are treating.
2. Place the cloth in a large pan; pour castor oil over it to saturate the cloth. Warm in oven for 10 minutes. (If convenient - not a necessary step)
3. Wring the cloth out lightly; it should be wet but not dripping.
4. Apply the cloth to your skin, cover with saran wrap and 2 layers of towels. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the towels and follow with another towel or blanket.
5. The flannel cloth may be kept in a container for future use.
I hope you find these naturopathic home remedies helpful the next time you are sick!
About the Author
Melissa Dawahare, ND, RN, is a naturopathic medical doctor, a 
registered nurse, and shamanic practitioner who has over 12 years of clinical experience in mainstream and alternative healthcare. As a leading expert in health and welln
ess, she has helped hundreds of people end chronic pain, end depression, have more energy, lose weight, and solve all kinds of other health problems. Health, wellness, fitness, and helping people feel better are her passions!
She is the author of several successful books including, House Call: How Ordinary People Have Extraordinary Health and The ND Survival Guide for the Acupuncture Board Exam. She is also a public speaker and educates people about naturopathic medicine and shamanism.
Log onto her website at www.drmelissa.com.