How To Make A Poultice

A poultice was traditionally made by placing fresh plants or natural substances directly on the affected area. As always you have to match the appropriate plant or substance to the particular condition.

Disclaimer: Please remember that these are general remedies. For acute or serious chronic cases, you may need to work with a practitioner.

There is another preparation method: gather an herb or natural substance, mix it with water and make a paste to put on the affected area. You will hold this paste in place with a cloth. There are multiple benefits from this type of poultice.

Most of us already have the ingredients for a basic poultice, yet may not know how to make one, or what some of the benefits are.

In general, follow these basic steps. Remember: assess the condition and if you need to seek medical attention for something serious, do not hesitate to do so.

Instructions

  1. Gather a quarter cup of herbs or a natural substance to make a paste (i.e.: baking soda). If you are dealing with a smaller area you can cut this recipe in half.
  2. Mix ½ – ⅓ cup of hot water with the herbs or powder.
  3. Split the spine of an aloe leaf and open it, placing the gel side face down on the preparation area for the affected place on the body
  4. Mix together until in a thick paste
  5. Place the mixture on a cotton cloth about half the size of a normal washcloth.
  6. Lightly pat the mixture down.
  7. Turn the cloth over and place it on the affected area.
  8. Secure it with a tie or rubber band.
  9. Let the mixture soak into the skin for twenty minutes.
  10. Remove the cloth.
  11. Pat the area dry, gently.
  12. Reapply as needed depending on the condition.

Ingredients to Put Together

  • Dried or Fresh Yarrow buds and leaves
  • The inner gel portion of a fresh aloe leaf

Aloe offers cool relief to sunburned or blistered skin. Aloe soothes, Is anti-inflammatory, dries quickly, and makes its own ‘band aid’ when the gel dries and forms a protective layer. The gel repairs damaged cells. Its astringent quality tightens and tones the skin. Reapply as often as needed until the burn goes away. The yarrow assists in the healing process and decreases time of healing if properly applied.