Poultice

Mashed or moistened plant material placed directly on the skin.

18 herbs

How each herb is prepared this way. Open an herb for its sources and safety information.

AngelicaAngelica archangelica
A compress made with the leaves is applied to the chest.
BasilOcimum basilicum
Fresh leaves are applied to insect bites and stings.
Bee BalmMonarda didyma
The plant has been used as a poultice (a moist paste put on the skin) for colds and headaches.
Bellaco-CaspiHimatanthus sucuuba
The fresh latex is applied directly to skin sores. Warm poultices of the bark or leaves are put on swellings.
Big SagebrushArtemisia tridentata
Hot or mashed leaves and branches put on aches, swellings and sores.
BurdockArctium lappa
Herbalists apply it externally as a poultice for skin conditions.
Calamus RootAcorus calamus
A paste of the root is applied to rheumatic and inflamed joints.
ChamisoAtriplex canescens
Crushed leaves or flowers put on ant bites.
ChickweedStellaria media
An infused oil or a poultice is applied to rashes and other skin conditions.
FlaxseedLinum usitatissimum
North American settlers used flaxseed in poultices (a paste put on the skin).
Indian Trumpet TreeOroxylum indicum
A paste of the bark is put on skin diseases.
Marshmallow RootAlthaea officinalis
The root or leaf is applied as a poultice for skin irritation.
MulleinVerbascum thapsus
A warm leaf wrap is applied to the skin, wrapped in muslin or cheesecloth if the skin is sensitive.
Scarlet GlobemallowSphaeralcea coccinea
Chewed roots or plant put on sores and wounds.
Slippery ElmUlmus rubra
The dried bark is mixed with a little boiling water into a paste and applied to wounds, sores and minor burns.
Sphagnum MossSphagnum spp.
It has been boiled with beer and applied as a poultice to swollen feet.
YarrowAchillea millefolium
The fresh or dried herb is applied to wounds to help stop bleeding.
Yerba SantaEriodictyon californicum
The Miwok put a poultice of the leaves on aching or sore spots.