Making Herbal Poultices: Your Complete Beginner’s Guide

Apply fresh herbs directly for immediate relief. Learn poultice preparation for wounds, stings, inflammation, and pain. Poultices deliver herbs directly to affected area (skin/muscle/joint), use fresh herbs (maximum potency), simple/immediate (no waiting for infusions), traditional emergency remedy. Essentially FREE (fresh herbs).

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What This Guide Will Teach You

Poultices represent one of the most immediate and direct forms of herbal medicine—applying the plant itself, fresh or reconstituted, directly to the site where healing is needed. This ancient first-aid technique requires no special equipment, works within minutes, and can address conditions that other preparations cannot reach as effectively.

This guide will teach you how to make and apply poultices for wounds, bites, stings, infections, inflammation, and pain. You’ll learn which herbs work best as poultices, how the drawing and soothing actions work, and when poultices are the right choice versus other topical preparations. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to reach for fresh plantain leaves when a bee stings, or prepare a comfrey poultice for a sprain.

What Exactly Is a Poultice?

A poultice is a soft, moist mass of fresh or dried plant material applied directly to the skin, usually held in place with a cloth bandage. Unlike oils or balms that extract compounds into a carrier medium, poultices use the whole plant—releasing compounds directly onto the skin while providing physical effects through moisture, temperature, and pressure.

Think of it as: The plant equivalent of a wet compress, but with the added therapeutic power of the herbs themselves.

Why Poultices Work Differently

Direct delivery: Compounds release from plant cells directly onto skin—no extraction step needed, no dilution.

Physical effects: The moisture, warmth (or cooling), and mass of the poultice provide therapeutic benefits beyond just the phytochemicals.

Drawing action: Many poultice herbs pull fluids, toxins, and foreign material from tissues through osmotic and hygroscopic mechanisms.

Immediate availability: Fresh plant poultices can be made in emergency situations without any preparation—just grab the plant, mash it, apply it.

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The Science Behind How Poultices Work

Understanding the mechanisms helps you choose the right herbs and application methods.

Multiple Therapeutic Mechanisms

Hygroscopic action (drawing):

Certain herbs contain compounds that attract and bind water. When applied to skin, they create an osmotic gradient that draws fluid from deeper tissues toward the surface.

How it works: Mucilaginous herbs (slippery elm, marshmallow) and herbs with drawing reputations (plantain, comfrey) absorb fluid from the tissue, pulling out inflammatory exudate, pus, or venom.

Result: Reduced swelling, drainage of infections, removal of foreign material (splinters, stingers).

Localised vasodilation (increased blood flow):

• Warmth and moisture from a poultice increase local blood flow:
• Brings more immune cells to fight infection
• Delivers more oxygen and nutrients for healing
• Removes metabolic waste products that contribute to pain and inflammation

Direct transdermal absorption:

• Plant compounds absorb through skin:
• Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce local inflammation
• Antimicrobial compounds fight surface infections
• Analgesic compounds reduce pain sensation
• Vulnerary (wound-healing) compounds support tissue repair

Physical cooling or warming:

Temperature affects healing:

• Cool poultices: Reduce inflammation, numb pain, slow metabolic
  processes (useful for acute injuries)
• Warm poultices: Increase circulation, speed healing, relax
  muscles (useful for chronic conditions, infections)

What Makes a Good Poultice Herb?

• Fresh availability: Many excellent poultice herbs grow as weeds (plantain, dandelion, chickweed)
• Mucilage content: Soothing, drawing polysaccharides
• Anti-inflammatory compounds: Reduce swelling and pain
• Antimicrobial properties: Prevent or address infection
• Vulnerary effects: Support wound healing and tissue repair

Making Fresh Herb Poultices: The Basic Method

Fresh herbs make the most powerful poultices—plant cells are intact and active.

What You Need

Ingredients:

• Fresh herbs (plantain, comfrey, yarrow, chickweed, etc.)
• Clean water (optional, for moisture if plant isn’t juicy enough)

Equipment:

• Mortar and pestle, or clean hands for crushing
• Clean cloth or gauze for covering
• Bandage or medical tape to secure

No special equipment required—in an emergency, you can make a poultice with just the plant and your hands.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Harvest and clean

Pick fresh plant material. Amount needed depends on area to cover—generally a good handful (20-30g).

Rinse quickly to remove dirt and debris. Pat dry (don’t need bone-dry, just surface clean).

Step 2: Crush or macerate

Goal: Break cell walls to release juices and compounds.

Methods:

• Mortar and pestle: Traditional, effective, crushes thoroughly
• Clean hands: Roll, squeeze, and twist plant between palms until
  juicy
• Chew method (traditional for emergency use): Chewing breaks
  cells effectively, saliva adds moisture—but only appropriate for very clean plants and situations where you can’t wash your hands

What you’re looking for: Broken, bruised, juicy plant material that looks like a rough paste.

Step 3: Apply to skin

Place the mashed herb directly onto the affected area. The layer should be thick enough to stay moist—typically 0.5-1cm thick.

Coverage: Extend slightly beyond the affected area (1-2cm) to ensure full therapeutic contact.

Step 4: Cover and secure

Place a piece of clean cloth (muslin, cotton, gauze) over the poultice to hold it in place and prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Secure with bandage wrap, medical tape, or even clean strips of fabric tied gently.

Don’t wrap too tightly: Poultices need some air circulation and shouldn’t constrict blood flow.

Step 5: Leave in place

Duration depends on purpose:

• Acute injuries/bites/stings: 30-60 minutes initially, can
  reapply every few hours
• Drawing infections: 2-4 hours, replace when poultice dries out
• Wounds: 1-2 hours, 2-3 times daily

Step 6: Remove and assess

Gently remove poultice. Clean area with warm water.

Assess: Look for signs of improvement (reduced swelling, redness, pain) or worsening (increased redness, warmth, spreading—requires medical attention).

Step 7: Reapply or switch methods

Fresh poultices can be applied multiple times daily until condition improves. After 2-3 days, consider switching to a balm or oil for continued treatment.

Making Dried Herb Poultices

When fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be reconstituted.

Basic Method

What you need:

• Dried herbs (powdered works best, but crushed also fine)
• Hot water or other liquid (discussed below)
• Bowl for mixing
• Cloth and bandage for application

Step 1: Measure herb

Use 2-4 tablespoons of dried herb powder (or 4-6 tablespoons of crushed dried herb) for a standard poultice.

Step 2: Add liquid gradually

Hot water (just below boiling): Start with 2-3 tablespoons, stir, add more as needed.

Goal: Create a thick paste consistency—like peanut butter or thick porridge. Should hold together but still be spreadable.

Too thin: Add more powdered herb

Too thick: Add more hot water, one teaspoon at a time

Alternative liquids:

• Apple cider vinegar: For fungal issues, astringent effects
• Herbal tea: Adds additional herbal properties (e.g., chamomile
  tea for anti-inflammatory effect)
• Herbal tincture: Adds concentrated herbal compounds

Step 3: Let stand briefly

Allow paste to sit for 1-2 minutes. Dried herbs absorb water and swell, thickening the mixture.

Step 4: Apply

Spread paste directly onto affected area, cover with cloth, secure with bandage.

Duration: Same as fresh poultices—30 minutes to 4 hours depending on condition.

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Your First Poultice: Plantain for Bee Sting

Let’s walk through an actual first-aid scenario.

Why Plantain?

Plantain (Plantago major or P. lanceolata) is one of the most effective and available first-aid herbs:

Compounds:

• Aucubin: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial iridoid glycoside
• Allantoin: Stimulates cell proliferation and healing
• Tannins: Astringent, reduce inflammation and bleeding
• Mucilage: Soothing, draws out venom and inflammatory exudate

Traditional uses:

• Bee and wasp stings
• Spider bites
• Nettle stings
• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Splinters (helps draw them out)

Availability: Grows as a “weed” in lawns, gardens, parks, and roadsides throughout New Zealand.

Emergency Application

Scenario: You’ve been stung by a bee while gardening.

Step 1: Remove stinger if visible (scrape sideways with fingernail or card edge—don’t squeeze).

Step 2: Look around for plantain. Identify by:

Rosette of oval leaves with parallel veins

Growing flat to ground in lawns

Tough, stringy vein running length of leaf

Step 3: Pick 2-3 leaves. Give them a quick wipe if visibly dirty.

Step 4: Chew the leaves (if you can—creates the finest maceration) OR crush vigorously between your palms until juicy and broken.

Step 5: Apply the green mash directly to the sting site. Press gently to ensure good contact.

Step 6: Hold in place or secure with any clean cloth. Leave for 15-30 minutes.

Expected result: Significant reduction in pain and swelling within 10-20 minutes. The sting site may still be slightly tender, but the intense burning should diminish dramatically.

Cost: Free! Plantain grows everywhere.

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Where to Source Your Materials in New Zealand

Fresh Herbs

Wild foraging (with proper identification):

• Plantain: Lawns, parks, gardens, roadsides everywhere
• Chickweed: Gardens, waste areas, anywhere moist
• Dandelion: Lawns, parks (use leaves for poultices)
• Purslane: Gardens in summer

Your garden:

• Comfrey: Easy to grow, highly productive perennial
• Calendula: Annual flower, easy from seed
• Nasturtium: Annual, self-seeds readily
• Yarrow: Perennial, drought-tolerant once established

Farmers markets: Some herb vendors sell fresh bunches

Dried Herbs for Poultices

Bulk herb suppliers:

• Bin Inn: $8-20/50g depending on herb
• Health food stores: Similar pricing, smaller selection
• Online NZ suppliers: Good for harder-to-find herbs

Powdered herbs work best for dried poultices:

• Comfrey root powder: Excellent for sprains, bruises
• Slippery elm powder: Drawing, soothing
• Activated charcoal: For poisonous bites/stings (use with herbs)

Supplies

Cloth for covering:

• Clean cotton fabric (old t-shirts work)
• Muslin: $5-10/metre at fabric stores
• Gauze pads: $5-10 for pack at pharmacy
• Paper towels in a pinch (not ideal but functional)

Bandages:

• Conforming bandage rolls: $3-8 at pharmacy
• Medical tape: $3-5
• Reusable cloth strips (zero waste option)

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Specific Poultice Herbs and Their Uses

For Wounds and Skin Conditions

Plantain (Plantago major/lanceolata):

• Cuts, scrapes, and abrasions
• Drawing action for splinters
• Insect bites and stings
• Minor burns
• Safe for all ages

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale):

• Closed wounds (bruises, sprains)
• Bone and connective tissue injuries
• Muscle strains

Calendula (Calendula officinalis):

• Cuts and scrapes
• Inflamed skin
• Minor infections
• Very gentle, safe for children
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

Chickweed (Stellaria media):

• Itchy skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Rashes and irritation
• Hot, inflamed skin
• Cooling and soothing
• Very mild and safe

For Bites, Stings, and Venom

Plantain (as above): First choice for most bites/stings

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

• Bleeding wounds (astringent, stops blood flow)
• Insect bites
• Minor lacerations
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
• Very common weed in NZ

Activated charcoal (with herbs):

• Poisonous spider bites (with medical attention)
• Wasp/bee stings (severe reactions)
• Mix powdered charcoal with plantain or comfrey paste
• Adsorbs toxins

For Infections and Boils

Drawing poultices for bringing infections to a head:

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) powder:

• Mixed with hot water to paste
• Draws out pus and debris
• Soothing to inflamed tissue
• Very safe

Flaxseed (linseed) meal:

• Traditional drawing poultice
• Cheap and readily available
• Mix with hot water to thick paste
• Apply warm (not hot) to boils, abscesses

Cabbage leaves (yes, kitchen cabbage):

• Traditional for mastitis, joint inflammation
• Slight crushing to release compounds
• Apply leaf directly, hold with cloth
• Replace when wilted

Onion or garlic (roasted):

• Antimicrobial for infected wounds
• Roast onion/garlic until soft
• Wrap in cloth (too hot to apply directly)
• Apply warm for chest congestion or localised infections

For Muscle and Joint Pain

Comfrey: As above, excellent for sprains and strains

Ginger (fresh, grated):

• Warming for arthritis
• Increases circulation
• Mix grated fresh ginger with hot water to make paste

Cayenne pepper (small amount with carrier):

• Powerful warming for chronic muscle pain
• Mix tiny amount (1/4 teaspoon) with slippery elm or flaxseed paste
• Test on small area first—can cause burning sensation

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Advanced Poultice Techniques

The Compress Method

A compress is essentially a poultice where herbs are steeped in water and the cloth is soaked in that liquid rather than applying mashed herbs directly.

When to use: For delicate areas (face, around eyes), or when you want less mess.

Method:

1. Make strong herbal tea (use 4-6 tablespoons herb per cup water)
2. Steep 15-20 minutes
3. Soak clean cloth in hot tea
4. Wring out slightly (should be very damp but not dripping)
5. Apply to affected area
6. Leave until cloth cools to body temperature
7. Re-soak and reapply 2-3 times

Good herbs for compresses: Chamomile, calendula, green or black tea (tannins), witch hazel.

Alternating Hot and Cold

For sprains, strains, and chronic inflammation:

Method:

1. Apply hot poultice for 3-5 minutes (increases circulation)
2. Remove, immediately apply cold poultice for 1-2 minutes (reduces inflammation)
3. Repeat cycle 3-5 times, ending with cold
4. Do this 2-3 times daily

Herbal choices: Comfrey or ginger for both hot and cold applications.

Poultice with Carriers

For very dry herbs or when you need texture:

Carriers:

• Bentonite clay: Drawing properties, makes thick paste
• Ground flaxseed: Soothing, adds bulk
• Slippery elm powder: Extremely soothing, ideal carrier

Method: Mix 2 parts powdered herb with 1 part carrier, add hot water to paste consistency.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Poultice dries out too quickly

Cause: Not enough moisture, or area isn’t covered well.

Solution: Add more liquid to initial mixture, cover completely with plastic wrap (with a cloth layer between plastic and skin) to retain moisture longer, or reapply more frequently.

Problem: Skin becomes irritated or develops rash

Cause: Allergic reaction or sensitivity to herb, or too much of an irritating herb (like ginger or cayenne).

Solution: Remove immediately, wash area with cool water. Apply soothing oil or aloe if available. Don’t use that herb again. Patch test new herbs before full application.

Problem: Condition worsens or spreads

Cause: Infection is more serious than initially thought, or poultice isn’t appropriate for condition.

Solution: Stop using poultices, seek medical attention immediately. Some infections require antibiotics, not herbal treatment.

Problem: Poultice won’t stay in place

Cause: Location is difficult (joint, moving area), or bandage isn’t secure enough.

Solution: Use cohesive bandages that stick to themselves (not skin), apply to joint in slightly flexed position, or use medical tape to secure edges. For very difficult areas, consider switching to a balm or oil instead.

Problem: Don’t have the right herb

Cause: Not prepared, or herb isn’t growing locally.

Solution: Learn to identify 2-3 common poultice herbs in your area. Plantain and chickweed grow almost everywhere in NZ and cover most needs. Keep slippery elm powder and activated charcoal in first-aid kit for emergencies.

Budget-Friendly Poultices

Completely free poultices:

• Fresh plantain leaves: FREE (from lawn)
• Fresh comfrey leaves: FREE (if growing)
• Fresh cabbage leaves: $2-3/head (makes multiple poultices)
• Clean cloth for wrapping: Repurpose old t-shirt/pillowcase = FREE
  Total: $0-3

Free NZ herbs for poultices: Plantain (drawing/soothing), comfrey (tissue repair), calendula (wound healing), nasturtium (antimicrobial), dandelion (anti-inflammatory).

This makes immediate herbal first aid accessible to everyone.

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Safety Considerations

When Poultices Are Appropriate

Ideal uses:

• Minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, abrasions)
• Insect bites and stings
• Sprains, strains, bruises (closed tissue injuries)
• Localised infections (boils that have come to a head)
• Skin conditions (rashes, eczema, dermatitis)

Absolute Contraindications

Never use poultices on:

• Deep wounds or puncture wounds: Risk of healing surface before deeper tissue heals, trapping infection deep inside.
• Unknown abscesses or deep infections: Can spread infection deeper or delay necessary medical treatment.
• Arterial insufficiency: Areas with poor blood flow (diabetic ulcers, severe vascular disease) don’t respond to poultices and may worsen.
• Suspicious skin lesions: Anything that could be skin cancer requires medical evaluation, not herbal treatment.
• Severe burns: Second-degree or worse burns require medical care—poultices risk infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Hygiene Essentials

Prevent infection:

• Wash hands before making and applying poultices
• Use only clean plants (rinse if foraged from ground/roadsides)
• Use clean cloths and bandages
• Wash affected area before and after poultice application
• Don’t reuse poultices—make fresh each time

Allergy and Sensitivity

Patch test new herbs:

• Apply small amount of crushed herb to inner forearm
• Cover and wait 15-30 minutes
• If redness, itching, or rash develops, don’t use that herb

Common allergens:

• Asteraceae family (calendula, chamomile, yarrow, dandelion)—cross-reactivity with ragweed allergies
• Fresh garlic and onion—can burn sensitive skin

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Building Your Poultice Practice

Start with the simplest application: learn to identify plantain in your area. Next time you get a bee sting or minor cut, try a fresh plantain poultice. Notice how quickly it reduces pain and swelling.

As you gain confidence, expand your herb knowledge. Learn comfrey for sprains, chickweed for itchy skin, yarrow for cuts. Keep dried herbs like slippery elm powder in your first-aid kit.

Poultices represent immediate, hands-on herbalism. They connect you directly to the plants, require minimal equipment, and work remarkably well for conditions they’re suited to. They’re empowering—knowing you can treat common injuries and discomforts with plants growing around you.

This is practical, accessible herbalism at its finest.

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Sources & Further Reading

Books:

Green, J. (2000). The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual. Crossing Press.

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing.

Tilgner, S. (2009). Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth. Wise Acres Press.

New Zealand Resources:

Brooker, S. G., Cambie, R. C., & Cooper, R. C. (1987). New Zealand Medicinal Plants. Heinemann.

Local plant identification guides for foraging safely

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Disclaimer: Does not represent rongoā Māori methods. For rongoā knowledge, consult Te Paepae Motuhake.

Medical: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Poultices are appropriate for minor, self-limiting conditions. Always properly identify plants before use. If you have diabetes, vascular disease, compromised immune system, or serious wounds, seek professional medical care. Poultices should never delay appropriate medical treatment for serious conditions. The information about plant constituents and traditional uses is educational in nature.

Note on Pricing: All prices mentioned in this guide are approximate and based on New Zealand suppliers as of December 2025. Prices vary by supplier, season, and market conditions. We recommend checking current prices with your local suppliers.