Brother Richard S,
Yes, the charcoal does work as a poultice, even with no break in the skin. I have lived for 45 years with the results of a bad case of phlebitis (inflamnation) in my leg. This happened at the birth of my last child.
About three times since then, the problem has recurred, and has almost been full blown, with swelling, rednesss and fever in the area. I have prepared charcoal poultices, used hot water packs with them, and bed rest, and so far have not had to be hospitalized, or take medication.
Recently, I had a bout with an upper respiratory infection, which usually results in bronchitis. This time, at the advice of a health minded church member, I used lobelia, valerian, and mullein tinctures with 1/4 t.cayenne in a glass of warm water, three times a day. In two days, I could tell I was recovering, and it cleared up completely.
But, I worked in a plastics plant for 11 years, and during that time, started having bad migraine headaches, with vomiting which could not be stopped. I have found nothing to stop them in natural remedies. I had to resort to the Doctor's care, and then it took a while to find the right combination. What I now do is to try to abort them, for if they ever get full blown, I am in bed for two days, and even the third day I have no energy.
I have tried eleminating foods, (I am totally vegan) but they seem to begin as what the doctors call a "tension migraine" and develop from there. No, even a charcoal poultice doesn't faze these!!
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Dora