How to Make an Herbal Poultice

An herbal poultice is made of a herbs that are made into a soft paste like consistency, then spread onto or between thin layers of cloth. The prepared poultice is then applied to the body, usually a injury.

Why use a poultice?

A poultice can increase blood flow, draw out toxins, reduce swelling and relax the tension of muscles. They can help draw out pus and embedded material from wounds and abscesses.

They are also effective for sprains, bruises, enlarged lymph nodes, various skin ulcers and many other ailments.

What supplies are needed?

A cloth, cotton gauze, linen, or a muslin cloth will work fine.

Fresh or dried powdered herbs/plants

Plastic wrap, towel or ACE type bandage

Water

Safety pin (needed if you are using a towel to put over the poultice.)

How are they made?

You can use either fresh or dried herbs to make a poultice. They are also be prepared with different substances, such as water, oil or vinegar. These instructions are how to make a basic preparation, with water. Using other substances will be similar and will just replace the water in the directions.

Fresh herb preparation - Add 1/2 cup of fresh herbs and 1 cup of water into a saucepan. Simmer for about 2 minutes. The amount of herbs, for the paste, may vary depending upon how big or small the area you need the poultice to cover.

Dried herb preparation - Mix together enough powdered herbs and warm water to make a thick paste.

If you only have whole dried herbs, they should be ground up in a blender, grinder or with a mortar and pestal, before using. That way you will be able to bring out the most of their healing properties.

Make sure the wound or area is cleaned well first, before applying the poultice.

Lay your chosen cloth on a flat surface. Pour the fresh herb preparation or spread the dried herb preparation onto the cloth. Make sure the cloth is the right size for the wound area you need to cover and be sure the herbal preparation covers the cloth. If you use certain herbs/plants that can irritate, like onion, mustard or arnica, you should place another cloth over top, so the herbal preparation is sandwiched between the two cloths and the preparation will not come in direct contact with your skin.

Apply the prepared poultice to the affected area. Wrap a towel, plastic wrap or a bandage around the poultice. Secure the wrap, as necessary. This will keep the poultice on and keep it from staining sheets and other surfaces.

A poultice treatment can be necessary to leave on for as little as an hour to overnight, depending on what is being treated. During treatment of an infection it is possible to experience some pain and throbbing. It is caused by the infection being drawn out. When the pain subsides, the infection should be fully drawn out.

Poultice preparations and uses

- Mix Cayenne pepper and wintergreen oil (olive oil will be ok if you do not have wintergreen oil) Use this poultice for pain and inflammation caused by gout.

- Onion and White Willow bark poultice can be used for pain and swelling prepare the poultice preparation with aloe vera or oil. Onion is also great to help heal various sore and boils. Remember to use another cloth on top, when you use onion preparations.

- Goldenseal root poultice can be used on boils as well as any kind of inflammation..

- Slippery Elm can be used for sores and leg ulcers, such as those associated with diabetes. It can help keep them from developing gangrene.

- Chaparral can be made into a poultice and used for a variety of skin disorders, such as rashes, eczema, acne and other skin disorders.

The poultices above are only some of the possible herbal preparations and uses. Many herbs can be used alone or added together to create very effective poultices, for a variety of healing uses.