How To Make A Poultice

A poultice is a handy thing to know how to make especially for those interested in natural medicine.  A poultice is a herb concoction (usually) that is applied to the skin to treat a variety of maladies including everything from headaches, warts, sores and breathing problems with the potions changing depending on the problem.  These are administered usually in a gauze or cheesecloth 'poultice'.

 In earlier times much store was set in understanding the healing properties of herbs and the wise women, medicine men and shamans that knew the potentials of different herbs etc were highly regarded and important people in these communities.  (note that many of these wise women were periodically persecuted and called witches with some suffering cruel tortures and terrible deaths during periods such as the Spanish inquisition.  The poultices and other home remedies they made were deemed black magic.) Today there is a real shift in consciousness with many people again wanting to try natural medicines and healing alternatives.  For any serious medical issue we recommend that you do see a medical professional or your local GP.

How to make: A poultice.
Firstly research your problem and the necessary herbs needed and gather your supplies.  2 websites I can recommend for researching your poultice needs and options are - http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/  and http://www.mullumherbals.com/ they both have some comprehensive hints and recipes.
Once you have your recipe grind up the herbs or whatever the recipe calls for in a mortar and pestle.  You will most likely have to add some water or oil to make a paste.  You don't want the paste to be runny or it won't stick.  Once it has a good paste consistency spread it over the gauze or cheesecloth.  Sterilise the intended, problematic area with some dettol or water and apply the cloth paste side down to the target area.  Wrap and secure the cloth.  (Cling wrap, bandage fasteners, material like a towel or some tape works well for this.)  The poultice should be changed regularly - every few hours or as the recipe states.  Hopefully the poultice will do it's 'magic' and cure the problem.  Disclaimer:  Please note I am not a Doctor and this does not constitute medical advice.  For any problem the best plan of attack will always be a visit to your Doctor and is what I recommend.

Recipe for a Sinus Headache Poultice
1/3 small onion grated
or
2 tablespoons of horseradish finely ground
1/2 teaspoon water

Grind the onion or horseradish in a mortar and pestle until fine and paste like as possible.  Pour in water and mix well.   Apply to piece of gauze.  Apply to the nape of your neck and attach.  Leave for half an hour. 

Recipe for getting rid of warts poultice
This might sound fanciful but it really works!  Use to remove warts by the root.

1 piece of banana skin from a Lady Finger Banana cut in a square slightly larger than the wart.  Use a fresh yellow banana.  (Don't forget to eat the banana it's good for you.)  This can take up to 7 days to work so you may need a few bananas.  The banana skin will have to be changed every 6 hours or so.

You don't need to grind this one.  Attach the banana skin square with the inside of the skin facing down onto the wart.  Place gauze over and attach.  Within a few days of changing the poultice every few hours you will find the wart roots and all stuck to the banana skin completely removed.

Recipe for poultice to fix dry skin

5 crushed chamomile flowers (dried or fresh, fresh is best)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup hot water

Crush the flowers in a mortar and pestle.  Add the oil in small parts-just enough to make a paste.  Soak a piece of gauze in hot water.  Apply the flower mix to the gauze and hold against dry areas of your skin.  Not recommended for your face.  1 minute on each area should be enough though it will be effective as long as it is hot.  Clean skin with cool water and dry.

Recipe for a poultice for swelling, sprains and bruises.

1 raw potato mashed in a mortar and pestle.

Sounds simple and it is.  After mashing potato and adding some water if need be to make a paste apply to the hurt area, cover with gauze and attach with tape or wrap.  Leave for an hour.

Do you know a home remedy that works?  Have you tried any of these recipes? We would love to hear your experiences.