How to Make a Poultice

A poultice is usually made of herbs and placed on the skin to treat a variety of conditions. Either fresh or dried herbs may be used for the poultice; however, you must research the particular herb to make sure it isn't an irritant. Before you make your poultice, find a list of commonly used herbs and their uses.

Instructions

Make a Dried Herb Poultice

• 1

  Grind dried herbs into a powder with a mortar and pestle.

• 2

  Add enough warm water to make a paste. The paste should be thick enough to be applied to the affected area, but it shouldn't be stiff.

• 3

  Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area.

• 4

  Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it.

• 5

  Wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place.

• 6

  Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.

Make a Fresh Herb Poultice

• 7

  Chop up about 1/2 cup of the fresh herb and mix with 1 cup of water in a saucepan.

• 8

  Simmer herbs and water for about 2 minutes.

• 9

  Squeeze out excess moisture, but don't drain.

• 10

  Spread the herbal mixture over a piece of gauze, cotton or muslin that is large enough for the affected area.

• 11

  Clean the affected area before placing the poultice on it.

• 12

  Wrap the poultice with a towel or plastic wrap and secure it into place.

• 13

  Keep the poultice on for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours depending applying a fresh poultice as needed.