Raw potato has drying and disinfectant properties. It is used within the folk wisdom tradition to soothe cracked, burnt or inflamed skin, and may also be applied to the eyes as a remedy for conjunctivitis symptoms, like redness and tearing, watery or thick discharge, a "night crust" or swollen eyelids. Some traditions suggest using thinly sliced, raw potatoes bound in place as treatments, but it's best used for a poultice when freshly grated.
Step 1
Peel a potato, then finely grate enough of the raw, peeled potato to cover the affected area.
Step 2
Lay out a piece of clean cheesecloth and spread the grated potato on it in a layer between 1/2- and 1-inch thick.
Step 3
Fold both sides of the cheesecloth over itself to secure the grated potato inside. Secure with bandage clips. Trim away any excess cheesecloth that gets in your way.
Step 4
Arrange space on a couch or bed so that you can recline with your eyes closed for at least 10 to 15 minutes during the treatment.
Step 5
Close the affected eye or eyes and apply the "bottom" of the poultice---the side without bandage clips, which should be raw potato covered by a single or double thickness of cheesecloth---to the affected area.
Step 6
Tie a bandanna, extra cheesecloth or a bandage loosely around your head, if necessary, to help hold the poultice in place. It should rest gently on the affected eye; no need to apply pressure.
Step 7
Remain at rest with the poultice applied for at least 10 or 15 minutes. Repeat this treatment three or four times a day until symptoms subside.
Things You'll Need
- Raw, fresh potato
- Vegetable peeler
- Fine-toothed grater
- Cheesecloth
- Bandage clips
- Scissors
- Bandanna or bandage
