Your Ultimate Guide to Poultices: Unlock the Healing Power of Ginger
The word 'poultice' might sound like something straight out of a witch's brew recipe—eye of newt, toe of frog, and a dash of poultice to make that wart vanish overnight! But let's set the record straight: A poultice is actually a simple, homemade remedy that involves applying herbs, plants, or other (safe and not yucky) substances directly to the skin to treat various conditions and ailments1. Think of it as Mother Nature's Band-Aid (without the horrible ‘remove the Band-Aid quickly’ part!)
In this blog, we're revisiting the wonderfully healing world of poultices, specifically those that feature ginger – one of Mother Nature’s absolute gems when it comes to health and wellness. If you loved our previous blog on herbal poultices, you're in for a treat!
The healing power of poultices
Poultices usher in organic healing because they're made from natural ingredients. So that means no nasty chemicals. They offer targeted relief because you apply them where they’re needed.
For example, if your knee feels inflamed, rather than taking an anti-inflammatory medication that affects your whole body, simply apply the poultice to the affected knee and let your liver and kidneys take a break.
As we'll discover later in this blog, poultices offer versatility as different ingredients can be used for different issues.
Poultices have been used for centuries as natural remedies for various ailments[1].
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/poultice
Let’s take a look at some conditions that can benefit from the application of a poultice.
Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric can be used in a poultice to reduce swelling.
Joint pain
Ingredients like ginger and mustard are often used to relieve joint and muscle pain.
Skin Infections
Antiseptic herbs like tea tree or calendula can help treat minor skin infections.
Respiratory issues
Eucalyptus or garlic can be used in a poultice to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.
Bruises and sprains
Arnica and comfrey are commonly used for treating bruises and sprains.
Boils and abscesses
A poultice made from ingredients like onion can help draw out the infection.
Burns and cuts
Aloe vera or chamomile can soothe and heal minor burns and cuts.
Acne and skin blemishes
Clay or activated charcoal can treat acne and other skin blemishes.
Insect bites
Plantain leaves, tea tree, or baking soda can help relieve the itch and swelling from insect bites.
Sore throat
A poultice made from sage or marshmallow root can be applied to the neck to relieve sore throat symptoms.
Remember, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before trying new remedies.
Top ten herbs to use in poultices
When making poultices, the herbs you choose will make all the difference. Use only good-quality herbs from a reputable supplier like Mountain Rose Herbs.
*This blog contains some affiliate links. We'll earn a small commission if you purchase anything through these links, but at no cost to you.
If you have the space to grow your own herbs, what a bonus! Does starting an herb garden sound like something you’re interested in? If so, grab a copy of our book, Grow Your Own Herbal Medicine (Amazon).
Let’s take a look at the list we’ve put together with our favorite herbal ingredients that are effective for various types of poultices. A little later in this blog, we’ll have some recipes to illustrate how these herbs can be used.
Turmeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it's great for reducing swelling and pain.
Ginger
Another anti-inflammatory herb, it's also good for improving circulation and relieving joint pain.
Calendula
Excellent for skin conditions, it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tea Tree
Known for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, it's good for treating skin infections.
Garlic
A natural antibiotic, it's useful for respiratory issues and infections.
Aloe Vera
Soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritations. For more on the healing power of aloe, read our blog dedicated to this wondrous herb.
Comfrey
Known for its ability to speed up wound healing, it's used for bruises and sprains.
Eucalyptus
Often used for respiratory conditions, it helps to open up airways.
Arnica
Popular for treating bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness.
Chamomile
Known for its calming effects, it's good for skin irritations and digestive issues.
Testing for allergies
Before applying a poultice, especially one with herbal ingredients, it's very important to check for potential allergies.
The best way to do this is to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of each ingredient separately to a small area of your skin, usually the inside of your wrist or the crease of your elbow. Leave the patch test on for at least 24 hours. Look for any signs of redness, itching, or swelling. If you experience any adverse reactions, you're likely allergic to one of the ingredients and should avoid using it in a poultice. If you're unsure or have a history of allergies, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Now, grab your mortar and pestle (I bought a 2-cup mortar and pestle set from amazon that I use especially for poultices), and let’s try out some of these great recipes!
Ginger-infused poultice recipes
Ginger-Turmeric Poultice
∙ 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
∙ 1 tablespoon powdered turmeric
∙ A dash of black pepper
∙ Mix the ingredients into a paste. Add a little water if needed.
Use for inflammation, joint pain, muscle soreness, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Apply this poultice to your temples or the back of your neck to relieve headaches. Apply a warm ginger-turmeric poultice to the lower abdomen to relieve menstrual pain.
Ginger and turmeric each feature in their own blog because they offer so many health benefits. Be sure to give the blogs a read.
Ginger-Garlic Poultice
∙ 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
∙ 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
∙ Crush the garlic and ginger together to form a paste.
This poultice can be inhaled to help your body fight respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold. It can also treat skin infections, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
Pro Tip: Turmeric stains things yellow, including your skin. So, take care not to stain clothes and linen, and be prepared for a temporary golden
glow on your skin for a few days after applying a poultice that contains turmeric.
Ginger-Tea Tree Poultice
∙ 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
∙ 3 – 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil from Mountain Rose Herbs
∙ Mix to form a paste
This poultice is ideal for skin issues like acne, fungal infections, minor burns, and sunburn. It can also aid muscle and joint pain and, when inhaled, can alleviate respiratory congestion.
The information provided in this blog is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, especially before trying new remedies.
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