Plasters, Poultices, and Powders: What They Are and How to Use Them

Plasters, poultices, and powders are some of the less commonly used preparations in herbal medicine.  It may be because they sound like they’re a little more complicated, but nothing could be further from the truth.  They are just different ways of getting the herb to the tissue so that healing can begin. 

Powders are nothing more than the thoroughly dried herb that has been crushed or run through a good blender or food processor.  If desired, the processed herb can then be passed through a sieve or fine mesh strainer to yield a very fine powder.  Because the powders have the greatest surface area, the medicine is extracted from them rather quickly.  This powder can then be used in a myriad of ways. 

• Capsules.  The powder can be placed in a capsule and taken internally.
• Infusion.  The powder can be placed in a tea bag to make an infusion or tea.
• Poultice.  The powder can be mixed with warm water and applied to the affected area.
• Powder.  The powder itself may be sprinkled directly onto wounds to facilitate healing.  Usnea and yarrow are commonly used in this manner.

The terms plaster and poultice are often used interchangeably, but they really shouldn’t be.  It only serves to confuse the reader. 

Plasters combine the whole or crushed herb with a carrier oil that sometimes includes beeswax.  They are not generally used with open wounds.  Rather, they are usually applied to the chest or abdomen to stimulate the underlying organs, though some are also used to treat arthritis and back pain.  The plaster is spread on a thin cloth, and then covered with another cloth, like a sandwich.  The plaster is then placed on the skin for the prescribed amount of time. 

Poultices are prepared in several ways. 

Dried and powdered herbs are moistened with water to a soup-like consistency.  This mixture is then applied directly to the skin or to muslin or gauze that is then laid on top of the skin.  The poultice should be covered with more gauze or a bandage.  Change the poultice 2-3 times per day, or as otherwise directed.

Fresh herbs should be crushed or pureed and applied directly to the affected area.  Secure the herbs with gauze and tape or a bandage.  Change 2-3 times per day, or as otherwise directed.

A spit poultice is made by chewing the herb (be sure it is non-toxic) and applying it to the affected area.  Plantain leaves are an especially common herb used in spit poultices for bug bites and stings. 

Links to related posts:

The Medicinal Uses of Arrowleaf Balsamroot

The Medicinal Uses of Plantain

The Medicinal Uses of Russian Thistle

 4.19.21