How to make a Poultice

Have you ever used a poultice?

A poultice is a traditional method of healing where you apply moistened herbs directly to the skin. You can think of them as a homemade healing paste to be applied externally. The paste is usually a combination of herbs. It can also contain healing ingredients such as activated charcoal, epsom salt, essential oils, clay and other beneficial ingredients. The healing occurs as the body gets constant contact with all of the beneficial parts of the herb or plant for an extended period of time. The active components of the plants are able to reach the bloodstream and deeper tissues.

A poultice is covered and left on for several hours at a time and changed several times a day. Poultices are often used to help wounds, boils, burns, splinters, infections and other skin problems. Some poultices can even be used externally to help internal problems.

Before modern medicine, poultices were known as drawing salves. This was because they drew out from the skin wound unwanted things (like pus). The herbal remedy is made into a thick paste with hot or cold water. Hot water is usually used for poultices that are trying to draw out or remove an abscess while cold water is used in poultices for inflammation. Some of the earliest poultices contained clay and mud. The earth’s soil is naturally rich in minerals and it’s these minerals that are in contact with the skin and provide healing.

It’s now known that poultices help oxygenate the wound area and increase fresh blood flow and red blood cells. Sadly they have been largely forgotten about in these modern times, but it's never too late to have another tool to help aid healing!

Poultices should be made as needed and then discarded after use. If you need to reapply a poultice, make up a fresh batch.

What you need:
- A handful or more of dried botanicals or herbs, finely chopped or blitz them in a food processor
- Freshly boiled water
- Essential Oils (optional)
- Gauze or muslin cloth
- Bandage or wound dressing or plastic wrap to keep poultice in place

What you do:
- Mix the herbs with just enough water to moisten them and form a paste. Stir until well combined, then add essential oils if you are using them.
- Allow to cool slightly before applying directly to the skin OR apply between 2 pieces of cloth and apply to affected area.
- Bind the paste or the filled gauze with bandage, wound dressing or plastic wrap to keep in place.
- Leave the poultice on for 20 mins - 3 hours as required. You can add heat from a hot water bottle or blanket if heat is advisable.
- Reapply with a new batch if required.

Plant medicine has been around for thousands of years and there are so many different ways you can support your body to heal. We recommend seeking medical advice when needed.

We'd love to hear if you have ever used a poultice and what you used it for.

How to make a Poultice

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