To make a compress, use a clean cloth – made either of linen, gauze, cotton wool or cotton – and soak it in a hot infusion or decoction. Place this as hot as possible upon the affected area. As heat enhances the action of the herbs, either change the compress when it cools down or cover the cloth with a plastic or waxed paper and place on it a hot water bottle, which is changed when necessary. All the vulnerary herbs make good compresses, as do stimulants and diaphoretics in many situations
Reference: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman, Element Books 1996
