The therapeutic uses of potatoes date back at least 2000 years. They are found in traditional European medicine used as a remedy for a variety of internal and external ailments.
Potatoes have diuretic, remineralizing, tonic, antiseptic, and healing properties on the gastric mucosa. However, they are most commonly used in the form of compresses or poultices.
Poultices with Potatoes
This simple and seemingly insignificant remedy can help alleviate many problems we face, especially in the cold season: cough, sore throat, headaches, frontal and maxillary sinusitis, rheumatic pain, and neuralgias. They are also useful for boils and skin infections.
Poultices increase blood supply to the affected area, draw out toxins and infection, and accelerate the healing process. They have a relaxing effect on tense muscles and soothe inflamed tissues.
Poultices are very easy to prepare. Wash 3 potatoes and grate them coarsely, skin and all. Place the grated potatoes on a piece of thick gauze, cloth, or a thick paper towel. Spread it over the entire surface and cover with another piece of gauze/cloth or paper towel.
Apply it to the affected area, and place a plastic wrap on top, then bandage it.
For sinusitis, the poultice should be applied to the entire painful area. In the case of migraines, it should be applied only to the temples. Leave it on for 2-6 hours, or overnight.
For rheumatic pain, earaches, dry cough, or muscle contractions, hot poultices are recommended. In this case, wash the potatoes and boil them with the skin on. Then mash them and wrap them in a cotton cloth or a piece of gauze. Leave it on the affected area until the potatoes cool down.
People also use raw potato compresses for sunburn, eyelid inflammation, or skin burns.
Wash the potatoes well, slice them or grate them, and apply directly to the skin. Leave for 1 hour, then apply another compress, which should be left for another hour and a half.
After removing the compress, the potatoes should have a black-violet color. This hue indicates that they have done their job.
