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Poultice

Poultice

Materials Needed:

  • Fresh or Dried Herb
  • Hot water or apple cider vinegar
  • Gauze
  • Optional: hot water bottle to keep the poultice warm
  • Optional: mortar and pestle
  1. Fresh Herb: Bruise the plant material using mortar and pestle if available. You may apply a thin layer of oil to the skin before placing on the skin to make removal of the poultice easier or, wrap plant material in a thin layer of gauze. Apply poultice to affected area.
  2. Dried Herb: Add enough hot water or apple cider vinegar to the dried plant material to make a paste of desired consistency. You may apply a thin layer of oil to the skin before placing on the skin to make removal of the poultice easier or, wrap plant material in a thin layer of gauze. Apply poultice to affected area.

A poultice can be left on for 10-20 minutes.

Herbs Commonly Used in Poultices

A poultice works best when you match the herb to the condition. These are traditional poultice herbs — explore each one in the Materia Medica:

  • Yarrow — First-aid herb; applied fresh to cuts, wounds, and bruises to slow bleeding and reduce inflammation
  • Chamomile — Soothing and anti-inflammatory; gentle poultice for irritated or inflamed skin
  • Calendula — Wound-healing and antimicrobial; excellent for minor skin injuries and rashes
  • Lavender — Antimicrobial and calming; useful for bee stings, minor burns, and headache poultices applied to the temples
  • Plantain — One of the most classic drawing poultice herbs; applied fresh to insect stings and splinters
  • Ginger — Warming poultice for joint stiffness, muscle pain, and congestion on the chest
  • Mullein — Leaf poultice traditionally applied to the chest for respiratory congestion

Learn More

  • Herbal Wellness Basics — A complete guide to building an herbal wellness practice using simple, traditional preparations

The herbal preparation methods on this page are for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.

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