Mullein Compress

2 quarts cider or malt vinegar
4 oz. Mullein
1/2 oz Lobelia herb
1/4 ounce cayenne powder

Gently simmer well covered for 20-30 min. Strain and pour over 1/4 ounce cayenne powder. Foment affected area as hot as possible for at least 1 hour. I usually place a soaked cloth on the area and cover with plastic wrap and place a heating pad over it all.

This is wonderful for glandular swellings, painful joints and muscles, edema and other swellings. Mullein encourages the absorbtion of fluids thus reducing swelling and inflammation. Lobelia is very relaxing and anti-spasmodic. Using a stimulant like Cayenne makes the other ingredients more effective and it also can help allay pain and staunch bleeding both on the surface and under (e.g. good for bruising). Cayenne is also somewhat antiseptic. This fomentation may be stored in a cool place and used within a 3 month period.

Just a couple of notes:
1. If it is too "hot", use less capsicum. Adjust to the needs of the patient.
2. Don't foment overnight. It may cause skin irritation. Use moderation. Don't forget vinegar is an acid. My daughter had peeling skin for several days after falling asleep with a compress on her arm.
3. If the vinegar is too irritating, substitute olive oil, in which case you can foment longer.
4. An interesting variation is to use 2 oz Mullein and 2 oz Comfrey with the other ingredients. Comfrey tends to hasten healing of tissues so might be helpful in wounds etc.
5. Do NOT use this compress on cancerous tumors since it encourages dispersion and absorption of fluids, etc.

Massage Oil for Sore Muscles

5 or 6 Cayenne peppers
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 tsp. clove essential oil
1/4 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil
1/4 tsp. mint essential oil


Chop cayenne peppers and place in a jar. Cover with vegetable oil. Make sure the peppers are completely covered. Store oil in a warm, dark place. Strain after one week. Add the essential oils.

Massage on sore muscles. Be careful not to get this oil in your eyes or open wounds - it will sting. Wash your hands after using this oil.

Muscle and Congestion Ointment

1/2 oz. cayenne pods, chopped
1/2 oz. cloves, powdered
1 oz. eucalyptus leaves, chopped
1 cup isopropyl alcohol (common rubbing alcohol)
60 drops wintergreen essential oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
20 drops clove essential oil


Soak first three ingredients in alcohol for two weeks, then strain. Add
essential oils. Stir Well. Massage liniment into area affected by arthritis, onto back and chest for congestion or on sore muscles.

Juniper Berry Ointment

This ointment is good for wounds, itching and scratches.

1 cup juniper berries
2 cups oil (olive, peanut, wheat germ, lanolin)
2 - 3 Tbsp. beeswax

Simmer berries in oil. Melt beeswax into the oil and berry mixture. Strain & pour into jars.

All-Purpose Healing Salve

1/2 cup comfrey root oil
1/2 cup calendula oil
3/4 oz. beeswax
1Tbsp vitamin E oil
20 drops vitamin A emulsion

Combine the oils and gently warm them. Melt the beeswax into the oils. Add vitamins E & A. Pour into salve containers and let stand about 20 minutes to harden.