13/06/2020
DIY Herbalism :: Rosemary + Thyme + Turmeric Poultice
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We often think of taking herbs internally, but the external application of herbs is a long standing folk tradition. Poultices have been used for centuries and its time to bring them back!
A poultice is simply fresh herbs applied directly to the skin. Cooling herbs are applied to βhotβ conditions (rashes or bites), while warming herbs are applied to βcoldβ or βstuckβ conditions (muscular aches or spasms)
This recipe is for a warming poultice (because, winter) that is great for sore muscles - but feel free to use cooling herbs (chickweed, plantain, purslane) if thatβs what you need!
We love to use fresh herbs in our poultices because the vitality of the plant is at its highest!
Hereβs what to do:
1. Gather your fresh herbs
2. Thoroughly wash them with clean water
3. Chop them finely - the herbs juices will be released once you chop them, so their medicine becomes available
4. Place your chopped herbs in a mortar and pestle and crush them into a pulp
5. If you want to make a bit more of a paste, add a little warm water
6. Apply the herbs directly onto where you are experiencing some pain or tension, and wrap with a clean muslin cloth. You can use several layers to keep it contained.
7. If you want to apply the herbs to a large muscle (your thigh, for example), you can bundle the herbs up in the muslin and hold the poultice on the area for as long as you feel necessary
There you go! Have you ever made a herbal poultice?
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