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Poultice
"A poultice is simply vegetable material, whole or mashed, which is layered or spread on the skin. Its primary function is to pull poisonous or infected matter from swollen tissues, wounds, or cysts. The hot poultice increases circulation, while the cold poultice reduces inflammation. Poultices also permeate the injured area with healing substances from the plant." --Making Plant Medicine
Poultices are a simple but very effective and powerful way of healing wounds, splinters. infections, inflammation, swollen glands, skin eruptions, breaking up mucus and to pull toxins from the body. There are many ways you can prepare a poultice depending on materials and equipment available to you.
Fresh Poultice
The most basic of poultices is to simply place the fresh herb or plant over the area of concern and either hold it in place or tie with other plant material, fabric or ties of some kind.
The best way is to crush, mash or chew the plant material to release more of its healing properties. Saliva carries certain chemicals that aid in healing so if the area is small enough, like a bug bite or sting, chewing the plant material is the most effective method. Other ways to crush and mash could include, tearing with your hands, a mortal and pestle, kitchen tools or blender.
Dry Poultice
Powdered or dried herbs can be hydrated by pouring a small amount of hot water or liquid while stirring until herbs are fully saturated. Do not squeeze liquid out.
Tea Bag Poultice
An easy and convenient way to make a poultice is by simply making a cup of tea and using the tea bag as the poultice. These can be used either hot, straight from the cup or cold, letting the bag cool to room temperature.
An herbal pillow used for a bath can also be utilized as a poultice after the initial use.
Marc Poultice
After making a batch of tea or doing a steam, bath, foot soak or any other method of straining herbs after a preparation, use that herb material, called the marc, as your poultice.
Steamed or Sauteed Poultice
Fresh herbs, greens, or plant material can be steamed or sautéed for use as a poultice. Many vegetables that have been cooked or heated can also be used such as onions, garlic, squashes, tomatoes, and potatoes to name a few.
Hot Poultice
A hot poultice is used when a pulling action is needed, such as for splinters, infection, and any type of skin eruption. They help break up mucus in respiratory and sinus infections., while helping herbs to penetrate deeper into tissue. To make a hot poultice use either fresh or dried plant material, but heat it with a small amount of boiled water for a few minutes. Strain, but don't squeeze. Apply to area of concern and cover with plastic wrap to hold in the moisture and heat, then apply a thick towel or heated water bottle. Do not use an electric heating pad, this is a dry heat and will be counterproductive. Hot poultices are best applied overnight after retiring to bed, but if used during the day keep it on until the poultice cools then change it for a fresh one.
Cold Poultice
A cold poultice is used to reduce swelling and inflammation. They are soothing for puffy, irritated eyes and quite effective when treating eye infections. Prepare a cold poultice by preparing plant material as listed above but letting the material cool to room temperature or even placing in the fridge until desired temperature is reached. A fresh plant poultice is naturally cold and can still effectively pull toxins and infection from body when access to heat is not available.
Plaster
Plasters work just like a poultice, the only difference is the poultice material is placed between a thin cloth like cheesecloth, muslin or old sheets (make sure the material is 100% natural), or herbs are added to a dense material base such as slippery elm, ground flax seed, cornmeal or flour to form a paste (¼ cup powder herb per ½ cup base material).
To use, prepare a poultice in one of the ways listed above. Lay out a piece of 100% natural cloth and place the poultice in the middle. Fold up like a burrito and apply to area of concern, using one of the wrapping methods in application section.
Application
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Apply directly to area and hold in place with a bandage, cotton cloth, gauze, strips of towel, etc.
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Wrap with plastic wrap to hold in heat and prevent moisture soaking through to clothing.
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Cover with a hot water bottle or heating pad if using the hot method.
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Leave in place for several hours to overnight. Change several times a day for 2-3 days or until symptoms subside.
