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Poultice

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Poultice

A poultice is fresh or dried plant material applied directly to the skin, either bruised and applied raw or rehydrated into a paste with hot water or apple cider vinegar. It's one of the oldest forms of herbal first aid, useful for cuts, wounds, stings, skin irritation, joint stiffness, and chest congestion. Choose your method below based on whether you are working with fresh or dried herb.

Materials Needed

  • Fresh or dried herb
  • Hot water or apple cider vinegar (for dried herb method)
  • Gauze
  • Hot water bottle (optional, to keep the poultice warm)
  • Mortar and pestle (optional)

Instructions

Fresh Herb Method

  1. Bruise the plant material using a mortar and pestle if available. You can also chew the herb briefly to break it down if preparing in the field.
  2. Apply a thin layer of oil to the skin before placing plant material on it, to make removal easier. Alternatively, wrap the plant material in a thin layer of gauze first.
  3. Apply poultice to the affected area and leave for 10 to 20 minutes.

Dried Herb Method

  1. Add enough hot water or apple cider vinegar to the dried plant material to make a paste of your desired consistency.
  2. Apply a thin layer of oil to the skin before placing the paste on it, to make removal easier. Alternatively, wrap in a thin layer of gauze first.
  3. Apply poultice to the affected area and leave for 10 to 20 minutes.
A poultice can be left on for 10 to 20 minutes. A hot water bottle placed over the poultice can help keep it warm and extend its effectiveness.

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 traditionally used for joint stiffness, muscle pain, and chest congestion
  • 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
  • Compress: A related external preparation using an infusion-soaked cloth instead of direct plant application
  • Herb Properties: Understanding vulnerary, drawing, and anti-inflammatory actions relevant to poultice herbs

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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