How to Make and Use
Herbal Poultices
and Compresses

You do not have to take herbs internally to get their healing power. With poultices and compresses you can heal and soothe skin injuries and they do not take a lot of preparation time. Herbal oils, salves and ointments can do the same thing but they take more time to prepare, but you can be a little more creative with them.



Are basically just chopped up herb leaves applied to an injury. If you are out on a hike and hurt yourself and there is the herb you need you can just crush it and put against the injury. If you are at home you can make it a little different, you can use fresh, dried, or powdered herbs. The amount you make would depend on the type and size of the injury.


First you need to decide which herb you need for the injury

Basic method 1:
Put the herbs in a blender or food process
Add a little water as you mix to make a sticky paste.

Method 2:
For a warm poultice or if using dried or powdered herbs
Put the herbs in a small saucepan
Barely cover them with water
Simmer for a couple minutes
Allow to cool slightly for a warm one (so you don’t burn yourself) or cool completely if you want a cool one.

Method 3:
For plants with large, tough leaves (like comfrey)
Boil some water in a saucepan
Using tongs hold the leaves and dip them in the water to soften them
Chop up and make the paste

Poultices have to be used immediately they do not store.

Using It:
Just apply the paste to the injury (insect bites, stings, bruises, swelling, cuts, scrapes)
Wrap the area with gauze to hold it in place
If you need to leave the poultices on for awhile you may want to change it every couple hours.

Generally you will use warm ones for muscles sprains and cold ones for bruises, cuts, scrapes. It will depend on your situation and the injury.

Compresses

Compresses are very similar to poultices except you are using a liquid solution instead of a paste. They are usually used hot but can be used cold depending on the condition. You would probably use a cool one for a headache as it would help you feel better.

Basic Preparation of a Compress
Decide which herbal infusion, decoction, diluted tincture or essential oil (a few drops added to water) you want to use for the ailment and if you want it cold or hot
Pour the liquid into a bowl and soak a clean cloth (like a wash rag or piece of t-shirt) in it
Wring out the cloth and fold a few time
Lay the damp cloth on the injured or problem area
Replish the cloth when a hot one is cool or cool one is hot and reapply if desired

Compresses are useful for skin irritations like rashes, burning and tired eyes, cuts and scrapes, and sore joints and muscles.

You can get essential oils at From Nature With Love

Dried herbs and essential oils at

Mountain Rose Herbs

Dried herbs and herb blends also at More Than Alive

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