Flaxseed Poultice

1. Basic Plain Flaxseed Poultice (standard hospital/pharmacy formula)

• Whole or coarsely crushed Flaxseed– 100 g
• Boiling water – 200–250 ml
  Method: Pour boiling water over the seeds, stir vigorously 1–2 min until a thick jelly forms. Spread hot (but bearable) between two layers of gauze or muslin.
  Use: boils, abscesses, carbuncles, deep cellulitis, swollen joints, chest congestion (safe on children and delicate skin).

2. Flaxseed+ Mustard Combination (the classic “mild mustard poultice”)

• Flaxseed Meal – 70–90 g
• Black mustard powder (freshly ground) – 10–30 g
• Warm water (45–50 °C) – q.s.
  Purpose: adds counter-irritant effect but greatly reduces burn risk compared to pure mustard.
  Used in bronchitis, pleurisy, and rheumatic pains when pure mustard would be too strong.

3. Flaxseed+ Baking Soda (for drawing boils and splinters)

• Flaxseed– 100 g
• Sodium bicarbonate – 10–15 g
• Boiling water – q.s.
  The alkaline environment accelerates maturation and drawing of pus.

4. Flaxseed + Charcoal (for foul or gangrenous wounds – old military formula)

• Flaxseedmeal – 80 g
• Activated charcoal powder – 20 g
• Boiling water
  Very absorbent and deodorising; used in diabetic ulcers and necrotic wounds.

5. Flaxseed + Fenugreek (Ayurvedic & Unani variation – very common in India/Pakistan)

• Flaxseed– 50 g
• Fenugreek seeds (powdered) – 50 g
• Boiling water or milk
  Extra anti-inflammatory and soothing; used for mastitis, lymphadenitis, and painful arthritic joints.

6. Flaxseed + Turpentine (old stimulating version – now rarely used)

• Basic Flaxseed poultice + 5–10 ml rectified oil of turpentine stirred in just before application
  Strong rubefacient; was used for severe chest congestion and lumbago (high risk of skin irritation today).

7. Flaxseed + Marshmallow or Slippery Elm (extra-soothing for very sensitive skin)

• Flaxseed – 70 g
• Marshmallow root powder or slippery elm – 30 g
  Especially good for babies, the elderly, or when prolonged application (4–8 h) is needed.

8. Flaxseed Meal + Glycerin (longer-lasting moist heat – modern nursing version)

• Pre-made Flaxseed meal + glycerin + a little hot water
  Stays moist longer; useful for overnight application on chronic joint pain.

Practical Tips for All Flaxseed Poultices

• Always use freshly crushed or whole seeds (pre-ground commercial linseed meal loses mucilage quickly).
• The poultice must be applied as hot as the patient can tolerate (usually 45–60 °C).
• Cover with wool or plastic to retain heat (can stay warm 1–3 hours).
• Change every 2–4 hours for drawing boils; can be left 4–8 hours for pain relief.
• Never microwave the finished poultice — it can create dangerous hot spots.

Current Availability of Ready-Made Linseed Poultices

• Germany/Austria: “Leinsamen-Kataplasma” or “Leinmehlbeutel” (pre-filled bags)
• UK: “Linseed Poultice Bags” (Hopf or similar)
• France: “Cataplasme de lin” (still in some pharmacies)
• India: “Alsi ki patti” (widely sold in Ayurvedic shops)

Linseed remains the gold-standard soothing, heat-retaining poultice that can be safely combined with almost any other medicinal powder according to the desired effect.