How to Make a Poultice

A traditional poultice is a remedy composed of a pulpy substance, liquid, and heat. Basically, herbs are crushed or made into a paste using a hot liquid and are applied to skin while still warm. Poultices owe much of their healing power to the moist heat that the contain, so they must be renewed every few minutes or kept warm some other way.

A Very Simple Poultice 1) Put powdered or chopped fresh herbs into a clean white cotton sock. Use two socks and alternate them.

2) Tie it at the top

3) Place this into a shallow bowl

4) Pour enough hot water over the sock to soak the herb

5) With your hands, knead the wet sock until it is very hot, but bearable

6) Apply this to affected area until poultice is cool

7) Repeat steps 3 to 6 to reheat and reapply the poultice

Another kind of poultice that is useful to know about is the field poultice. It is known for its ability to sooth bug bites and bee stings, whether new or old. The field poultice is made of Plantain, which helps stop bleeding, neutralizes venom and toxins, soothes inflammation, and heals wounds. It is a wonderful addition to any herbal first aid kit.

Field Poultice

1) Pick a handful of Plantain (both narrow and broad leaf types work)

2) Wad it up by rolling it firmly between your palms, bruising and crushing it well. Or you can chew it. If you choose to chew it, do not swallow the juice, for it is the operating substance in this poultice.

3) Make the poultice thick and slap it on skin

4) Keep it warm by covering it with the palm of your hand

5) Change the poultice a couple times a day and keep one on the wound overnight with some form of a bandage. Repeat until all is well again, and it will be soon!