How to Make Herbal Poultices

Herbal poultices are old folk remedies that work as well today as they did in yesteryear. A poultice can remove the poison and toxins from the area of the body that to which it is applied, or it can soothe and comfort an area. The herbs used in the poultice are chosen for their specific actions. A drawing herb like plantain--a common garden weed--can be used to draw out the venom from spider and snake bites. A poultice can heal tissue that has been infected for some time as well.

Things You'll Need

• Healing herbs 1/2 cup distilled water 1 to 2 tsp. all-purpose flour Food processor

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Instructions

• 1

  Decide which herbs to use for your poultice. For beginners, try using your herbs of choice singly at first; after you find out how they affect you individually, you can combine herbs. Try mullein for a poultice that can treat chest congestion. For skin problems, consider using chickweed or calendula. For stiffness and joint pain associated with arthritis, try using St. John's Wort.

• 2

  Place 1 or 2 cups of the desired herb into a food processor. More herbal material can be added if you discover this is not enough. Add 1 to 2 tsp. of distilled water at a time while pulsing the herbs and water to make it into a paste. If the herbal material is not sticking together very well, you can also add 1 to 2 tsp. of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency to apply to the skin.

• 3

  Cleanse the affected area prior to applying the poultice. You may use soap and water or hydrogen peroxide.

• 4

  Apply the poultice directly to the skin and leave it in place until it dries, which may take as little as 1 hour or as much as a day. The poultice can be held in place with a piece of gauze or cheesecloth. When material is used to hold a poultice in place, it is called a compress.

• 5

  Reapply fresh poultices to the affected area until you get the desired outcome. You may experience a heightened sense of pain in the area of use, because the skin is absorbing the healing properties of the poultice herbs. If the pain becomes unbearable, discontinue use and seek medical attention.