Flaxseed & Fenugreek Poultice

• Flaxseed (linseed / alsi) – whole or very coarsely crushed → 100 g
• Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) – coarsely powdered → 80–100 g (equal weight or slightly less)
• Water – 350–450 ml (or half water + half full-fat milk for extra soothing effect)
• Optional (for stronger drawing action on boils): 1–2 teaspoons turmeric powder or 10 g rock salt

Equipment

• Heavy-bottom pan or kadhai
• Wooden spoon
• Clean cotton cloth, muslin, or an old handkerchief (30 × 50 cm)
• Plastic sheet or woollen cloth to cover

Step-by-Step Preparation (takes 10–12 minutes)

1. Dry-roast very lightly (optional but recommended)
   Put flaxseed and fenugreek seeds together in a dry kadhai over low heat, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes.
   Purpose: enhances aroma, slightly reduces the bitterness of fenugreek, and makes mucilage release faster. Do NOT let them brown.
2. Coarse grinding (critical)
   • Traditional way: pound together in a mortar (khalbatta) until seeds are broken but still coarse.
   • Modern way: pulse 3–4 times in the mixer – you want cracked seeds, NOT fine powder (fine powder makes the poultice sticky and hard to clean).
3. Boil the water or water+milk.
4. Add the cracked seeds all at once to the boiling liquid, and immediately lower the heat to a minimum.
5. Stir vigorously and continuously for 4–6 minutes.
   You will see it rapidly thicken into a soft, glossy, jelly-like mass that runs down the sides of the pan.
   It should be thick enough to stay on a spoon upside-down for 2–3 seconds.
6. Turn off the flame. If using turmeric or rock salt, stir it in now.
7. Spread immediately while still piping hot:
   • Place an old cotton cloth on a plate.
   • Pour the thick paste in the centre and spread with the back of a spoon to 1–1.5 cm thickness (about the size of your hand or larger).
   • Fold the four sides of the cloth over the paste like an envelope, or cover with a second cloth.
8. Test temperature on your forearm first (must be as hot as the patient can comfortably bear — usually 50–60 °C).

Application

• Place directly on the affected area (breast for mastitis, swollen joint, boil, lymph node, etc.).
• Cover with a plastic sheet or thin woollen cloth to retain heat.
• Secure lightly with a crepe bandage or shawl.
• Duration:
  – Pain relief/arthritis: 2–4 hours (or overnight)
  – Boils/mastitis/abscess: change every 3–4 hours until pus head forms or swelling subsides.

Expected Effect Timeline

• 10–15 min: deep penetrating warmth
• 30–60 min: peak heat + softening of tissues
• 2–3 hours: strong drawing action; pain markedly reduced

After Removal

• Wipe skin with a warm, wet towel.
• Apply a little coconut oil, ghee, or aloe vera if skin feels dry.

Storage of Extra Mixture