A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soothing paste made of herbs, plants, and other beneficial substances. The paste is spread on a moist cloth (or directly on the skin), releasing a gentle, earthy fragrance as it’s applied to the body to relieve inflammation and promote healing.
Poultices are usually made on the spot for a specific need. You’re using whatever is readily available. That being said, normally fresh herbs are used. This means that they are at their most potent and are able to provide the maximum amount of benefits. Your ability to recognize herbs growing in the wild is crucial when it comes to field poultices. Until you’re confident in yourself, you can practice making poultices at home using herbs you can identify with certainty.
A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soothing paste made of aromatic herbs, vibrant plants, and other beneficial substances. The paste is spread on a moist cloth (or directly on the skin), releasing a gentle, earthy fragrance as it’s applied to the body to relieve inflammation and promote healing.
Making a poultice:
Since most people don’t typically carry a mortar and pestle around with them, get ready to tear up some leaves. The idea is that the potent oil from the ripped herbs seeps into the affected areas, allowing for healing. Dried herbs can be used as well, and in this case, should be soaked in water until they become soft and pliable. If the poultice isn’t damp, then it will not work, so it should feel moist and soft to the touch. It is normal to have to change a poultice a few times a day as it dries out or loses its effectiveness.
The temperature of the water does make a difference. A “hot” poultice, warm and comforting, will help to increase circulation wherever it is applied. This is the fastest way to get the medicinal properties of the herb to the affected area. In contrast, using cold water will help reduce swelling and circulation, offering a refreshing, numbing sensation. The key is knowing when to use each, depending on whether you need to stimulate or soothe the area.
Finally, protect your poultice by wrapping it in a gauze or cotton. Both of which are excellent items to start stocking up on for your own herbal first aid kit! You can also wrap your herbs in a cloth bag, then apply to wound.
CAUTIONS:
- Be sure not to make the water of your poultice too hot to avoid a burn to an already open wound
- Your certainty on plant identification is imperative and I cannot stress this enough.
A simple baking soda poultice recipe:
• A baking soda poultice requires nothing more than 2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with only enough cold water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste to minor skin irritations, such as stings, minor burns (sunburn, razor burn, etc).
Sources:
• Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. & Claude Davis, The Lost Book Of Herbal Remedies. Copyrighted by Global Brother SRL © 2019
• Santos-Longhurs, Adrienne - Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. What Is a Poultice and How Can I Use It to Relieve Inflammation?, May 17, 2019 https://www.healthline.com/health/poultice#precautions
About Me:
Hello, my name is Shannon. I joined FireKeepers International as a volunteer in 2023. In
2014, I began the Master Herbalist program at Trinity School of Natural Health and
completed the program in September of 2017. Since then, my main studies have been
Biblical truths, astronomy and the Hebrew language. I am a born and raised
“Michigander,” currently living in one of Northern Michigan’s beautiful national forests.
When I’m not keeping busy with the homestead, you can find me out in nature or
hibernating in my cabin.
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