This article explains how to make a home made poultice...

clean cotton cloth, gauze, or cheesecloth

spare wool or flannel fabric

dried herbs of choice (see Top 10 list for suggestions)

cellophane

gauze wrap/tape

heating unit (stove or microwave)

freezer bag

heat source (microwave rice bag, electric heat pad, hot water bottle)

Step 1: Clean the effected area

Step 2: Cut a piece of gauze or cheesecloth that will cover the area to be treated

Step 3: Heat *dried herbs in water either on the stove, in saucepan or in a microwavable bowl of water

Step 4: Squeeze the moisture out of the herbs and place on the material

Step 5: If the herbs can be applied directly to skin, apply the poultice on the area, herb side down and proceed to step 7. If you cannot apply the herbs directly to skin (see: contraindications), wrap the material up using gauze tape into a pouch, creating a flat surface to place over the area.

Step 6: Apply to the affected area

Step 7: Wrap the poultice in cellophane

Step 8: Cover with flannel or wool material (this keeps in the warmth)

Step 9: Cover wrap with heat source (optional)

Step 10: Leave on for up to 1- 24 hours (see: contraindications)

After use, dispose of the poultice if used on infectious injuries. If used for muscle soreness or inflammation without infection, dry the herbs thoroughly and store in a plastic bag for future use.

*If using powdered herbs, place herbs in gauze or cheesecloth before heating. Wrap into a ball and tie the ends together with a rubber band. Place the whole pouch into hot water until it is warm and then squeeze the ball until most of the water is out. Continue at step 6.

*If making cold poultice (see: cool poultice recipes), allow herbs to cool in the pouch before applying to skin. Proceed to step 6. After use, wrap the poultice in a freezer bag and keep in the freezer.

By Lana Cummings