Written by Katolen Yardley, Medical Herbalist, RH (AHG)
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http://aeblog.alchemyelixir.com/2010/10/22/preparing-an-herbal-poultice/
Where a fomentation uses the application of a flannel or cloth soaked in and strained from a decoction or infusion; a poultice involves placing the herbs themselves onto the body. Poultices have numerous applications, by supplying heat and moisture to an area:
- they provide healing and regeneration to tissues,
- stimulate circulation,
- improve organ functioning,
- can be used for eruptions, abscesses, for enlarged or inflamed glands;
- used to reduce inflammation and help pull foreign bodies or substances from an area,
- promote the resolution of boils, and hasten the healing of irritable ulcers and foul-smelling wounds.
- Hot poultices applied externally can be used for respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and congestion.
Preparation:
- Bruise, grind or crush the medicinal parts of the plant (dried or fresh) to a pulpy mass. If fresh plants are being used, chop them finely before use.
- Add just enough moisture (hot water or brewed herbal tea) to make a thick paste; the herbs can be mixed with moistened slippery elm bark, corn meal, or flaxseed for additional drawing power.
- First wash / disinfect the skin with a rinse of chamomile or calendula tea or tincture. Then cover the skin, with a thin layer of vegetable oil (almond oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil) to protect the skin and assist in easy removal of the herbs and promote the absorption of the medicinal properties through the skin.
- Apply the poultice herbs directly to the skin or wrap the paste / pulp in a wet, hot cloth (muslin or a towel), cover with saran wrap or plastic to retain heat and secure in place.
- For a poultice to be effective, it should be kept moist and warm by using a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the pack.
- Remove before poultice gets cold. A second poultice can be applied. After removing wash the area with water, herb tea or antiseptic tinctures such as chamomile or calendula. Repeat daily until the condition clears.
Note: If using irritant herbs such as mustard or onion in a poultice, ensure that the skin is protected with a thin application of oil and keep the paste between two pieces of cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin. If the temperature is too high, the skin may blister or burn from hot temperatures. If a condition continues immediately consult your herbalist or health care practitioner.
About Katolen
Katolen Yardley, MNIMH, RH (AHG) -Medical Herbalist
Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Katolen is a Medical Herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, currently in private practice. She has been employed in the Holistic Health field since 1993, with clinical experience since 1995.
Katolen has been involved in curriculum development for educational programs and teaches herbal medicine courses at Langara College, a community college in Vancouver, B.C. and offers seminars and lectures to the general public.
Since 1998, she has appeared monthly on Global Television Morning News, where she offers herbal information to the public. Katolen has been a guest on the Discovery Channel’s Healthy Home Show, has been published in the British Journal of Phytotherapy, Shared Vision Magazine and Living + Magazine, taught at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, presented at international conferences including Phytotherapy Canada, the BC Herbalist Association, Powell River Women’s Health Network and Washington State’s Northwest Herbal Fair and appeared in interviews on CKVN News, CBC National News, The Weather Network, CBC Talk Radio, CKNW’s World Today and CFML Radio.
Her personal interest in health lies with the emotional connection to wellness and dis-ease. She specializes in women’s health issues, skin dis-ease and nervous system disorders and believes in providing usable tools for healing through inspiration and education.
www.katolenyardley.com
