Vinegar Poultice Directions

The Hippocratic oath that modern doctors take, to do no harm, originates with the founder of medicine, Hippocrates, who used vinegar treatments as early as 400 B.C. Homeopaths value vinegar for its antiseptic and astringent qualities, which make it an effective treatment for bruises and mild burns. As a mild acid, it disinfects and tightens the skin, drawing bruises to the skin surface. Learn how to use vinegar in a poultice, or compress, and take advantage of this ancient remedy.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy brown paper or cardboard
• Vinegar

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Place several sheets of heavy brown paper or cardboard in a saute pan, then pour enough vinegar over the sheets to cover them.

• 2

  Cover the pan and heat it on low until it begins to steam. You want the paper to absorb the vinegar.

• 3

  Take the paper out of the frying pan and let it cool until it is barely tolerable against the skin.

• 4

  Wrap the paper around the site of the affliction. If on the chest or head, just cover the wound.

• 5

  Secure the poultice with wraps of plastic wrap.

• 6

  Leave the vinegar poultice on the afflicted area for four hours. Repeat the process until swelling or bruising is alleviated.