Poultices has been used for centuries to relieve pain for complaints such as ear aches, boils and sprains, to name a few. A poultice is comprised of whole herbs and is applied much the same as a compress, and often involve yeast products or mashed potatoes as a conductor for herbal infusions or oils.
What is a Poultice
An herb powder when mixed with hot water will form a paste that can be smeared onto a soft cloth or gauze and applied directly to the affected area. When applied directly to the skin, a light coating of vegetable or olive oil will prevent the poultice from sticking .
Preparation
Based on the size of the affected area, a sufficient amount of herb should be simmered for two minutes after which the herb should be squeezed to eliminate any excess liquid. Place the herb as hot as can be tolerated onto the affected area. Wrap the poultice in gauze or soft cloth strips and leave on for a maximum of three hours. A cold poultice can be prepared using the same method, but leave in the excess liquid and soak bread or mashed potato in the herbal infusion. When cool, spread on gauze or soft cloth and wrap affected area.
Common Poultices
Sage and Vinegar Poultice: A treatment for sprains and bruising. Flatten leaves but do not break them, and cover with vinegar in a sauce pan. Simmer slightly for five minutes then remove and place leaves on a soft cloth. Work quickly, folding the cloth to form an envelope large enough to cover the affected area. Poultice should be applied as hot as is tolerable, and covered with cloth to retain heat. Swelling should subside in one hour.
Onion Poultice: A treatment for bronchitis and lung congestion. Slice three large fresh onions thinly and saute half in small amount of water until the onions are transparent. Fold into a cloth, making an envelope-shaped packet, and lay the poultice across the chest, covering to retain heat. Prepare the remaining onions and repeat the process when the first poultice is cooled.
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