How to Create a Poultice

Poultices are natural treatments used to help sooth a variety of ailments. They are placed on the skin at the site of the problem to bring relief from swelling, pain, infection or irritation. A wide variety of herbs, roots, leaves and other substances can be ground up and mixed with liquid to make a poultice. Different substances are used to treat different ailments.

Things You'll Need

• Herbs, roots or leaves
• Water, milk or natural oil
• Mortar and pestle or electric food processor
• Flour
• Muslin cloth
• Plastic wrap
• Elastic bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose whichever herb, root or leaf is appropriate for the ailment being treated. Some common ones are chamomile for sore throats, eczema and ear aches; cabbage for inflammation or menstrual cramps; and plantain for drawing purposes.

• 2

  Grind up the substance you are using with a mortar and pestle. Some substances may be easier to grind up using an electric food processor or a coffee bean grinder. Grind until the substance becomes mushy or pulpy.

• 3

  Add water, milk or natural oil to the mashed material. Add enough liquid to create a paste. You now have a poultice.

• 4

  If you want a poultice with more adhesive power, add flour to the poultice to create a plaster.

• 5

  Apply the poultice directly to the skin, Cover the poultice with plastic wrap, then wrap an elastic bandage over the plastic wrap. Leave the poultice on for several hours.