PLANTAIN POULTICE

Description

Sug. Use: Skin irritations, rashes.
Ingredients: Powders of Plantain, Comfrey, Slippery Elm, Myrrh, Oat Straw, Lobelia.

What Is a Poultice?

A poultice is an effective, direct way to apply herbs to the skin. Poultices or plasters may be made with dried, ground, or powdered herbs, or with fresh herbs or vegetables. For making a poultice, herbs are usually combined made into a pulp and then made into a paste that is spread directly onto the surface of the skin, up to an inch thick, and held in place with gauze or muslin wrapped around the area to keep the poultice from rubbing off. Plastic and tape may be used to keep the air out. Leave for 12 to 24 hours.  A very basic poultice can even be made with the herb held in place with an adhesive bandage!

By changing the temperature of the poultice, the healing procedures can be altered. A warm or hot poultice will help to increase circulation to the area, and a cold poultice can help soothe inflammation.

Benefits of using a poultice take account of the ability to use fresh herbs, which have the fullest amount of the herbs beneficial characteristics; the tendency of poultices to help draw out foreign material from the skin or a wound; extended contact so that the beneficial properties of the herbs can be absorbed by the skin over a longer period of time; as well as a very simple list of ingredients.