Poultices are made with dried or powdered herbs---or herbs that are freshly chopped---mixed with water to make a paste. They are placed upon the affected area to help treat and heal wounds or placed on the chest to relieve colds and congestion. A variety of herbs are used in poultices and each can bring a different healing property.
Plaintain
Plantain grows in many lawns and can be found all around the world. It may look like a weed and grow like one, but its leaves are valuable to herbalists. It has a compact base with green leaves that form a rosette growing upwards, which is 4 to 10 inches long. Some varieties have narrow blades while others are about 2 to 4 inches wide. Stalks grow straight up, towering several inches above the base. Plantain contains properties that can help speed wound healing as well as treating minor insect bites and stings. The leaves can be chopped and applied directly on the wound, or, if you seek immediate relief, just chew a leaf and then apply directly to the affected area, according to herbalist Susan Weed.
Calendula
Calendula offinalis is a beautiful hardy annual with bright yellow to orange flowers and a dark center. This sun-loving plant grows to about 1 to 3 feet tall and is commonly called a marigold. A poultice made from its flowering bud is used by many herbalists to treat burns, bruises, dermatitis and insect bites and stings. Calendula contains properties that can sooth irritated skin as well as offer protection. Because allergic reaction may occur it is not recommended to be used on broken skin. If a reaction occurs, discontinue use and contact your physician.
Comfrey
The root and leaves of compfrey are prized by herbalists for their abilities to expedite wound healing. It is a perennial with a stem that is thick and hairy. It grows from 2 to 5 feet tall and and has dense flower clusters that range in color from white to purple. Upon application, compfrey will cause the wound to contract and thus help prevent the occurrence of an infection. Research published by Merck Pharmaceuticals in 2007 shows its effectiveness on relieving osteoarthritis of the knee. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the FDA has stated that compfrey has been shown to cause liver damage when ingested or used in large doses, therefore its use should be for topical purposes only. Always consult your physician before using products containing compfrey.
Cayenne Powder
Cayenne powder comes from the meat and seeds of the cayenne pepper, which is thin and red with an appearance similar to a ripe jalapeno. It is used in cuisine to add a spicy flavor. According to herbalist Micheal Tierra and the University of Maryland Medical center, it can make an effective poultice to treat joints and skin conditions that require heat to ease pain. Do not use on burns or broken skin. Cayenne may cause a temporary burning sensation, but it will not damage the skin. Avoid your nasal membranes and eyes when handling cayenne.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant native to Africa whose leaf gels have been used for thousands of years to treat burns and skin irritations. You can simply scrape the gel out and place directly on the wound. Most commonly, you will find aloe in products that are to treat sunburns. It has an immediate cooling and soothing effect on the skin. If a reaction occurs, discontinue use and contact your physician.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dermatitus
- PubMed: Efficacy of a Comfrey Root (Symphyti Offic. Radix) Extract Ointment in the Treatment of Patients with Painful Osteoarthritis of the Knee
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Aloe
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra; 1998
- Susan Weed: Ease Those Bug Bites With Easy Herbs
