Poultices are made with fresh herbs, or dried herbs that have been softened by simmering briefly
in water until softened. A small amount of slippery elm powder can be used to make the herbs stick together in a "clump".
The herbs are mashed in a pestle and mortar, blender or coffee grinder. The idea is to turn
the herbs into a moist paste, while still retaining as much of their medicinal virtues as possible.
Warming the herbal mixture slightly can help the herbs transfer their volatile oils and healing
properties quicker and easier, unless a particular recipe requires the herbs to be cold.
When properly prepared, the herbal mixture is wrapped in a thin layer of cheesecloth or other
appropriate fabric mesh, then applied directly to the skin, on top of or as close to the affected area as possible.
If treating an internal ailment such as a bad cough, the potent herbs can be applied to the chest area so the volatile fumes
can be inhaled.
Wrap the poultice and the affected body part together with cheesecloth or bandage to keep the
medicine in place.
Poultices must be changed AT LEAST once per day to prevent the herbs from spoiling and causing
infection... or worse. If treating an open wound or an open sore, change the poultice even more frequently to allow the afflicted
area to breathe, and to prevent the healing skin from sticking to the cheesecloth.
