How to Make a Field Poultice

A little fine-tuning can be applied by using either hot or cold water with it. A hot poultice (not hot enough to burn) helps to increase the circulation in the area where it is applied. This can help get the medicinal properties of the herbs to the cells needing it more quickly. Using cold water, on the other hand, reduces circulation, while also reducing swelling.

Poultices have been used as field bandages and dressings for countless generations. In wartime, poultices helped manage many serious traumatic wounds and prevented as well as treated infection. I have used poultices on both others and myself many times in the field. My most common go-to poultice herbs are Plantain, Yarrow, Mullein, and Usnea. I always carry dried Yarrow and Plantain with me in the winter when these plants are not readily available. These herbs are all in this book, so rest assured you’ll have no problem identifying them. You can use these as single-herb poultices or mix them together. One of my favorites is a plant growing in many back yards and probably yours as well: Plantain (Plantago spp.). Plantain has a powerful antibacterial effect. It also contains allantoin, which is a phytochemical (a chemical found in plants) that speeds up wound healing and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Plantain stops bleeding and helps relieve pain and itching. We use it for immediate relief for bites and stings. Another common poultice herb is the plant known as “The Cowboy’s Toilet Paper”: Mullein. Mullein works in two different ways to enhance the effects of the plantain already in the poultice. Mullein is an analgesic and thus lessens the pain, and it works as an astringent as well. That means it will contract your skin and, in doing so, will help close the wound. This plant has the added benefit of being used as, well, toilet paper if you ever run out. It’s very soft. Another plant you can use alone or mix into your field poultice is Yarrow. Yarrow is a very strong anti-bacterial and is also a blood coagulant and thus helps stop bleeding. Usnea Lichen is my other fantastic go-to for applying to a wound. It is very absorbent and has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It is ready to go as is! A strong herbal field poultice: 1. Gather plantain, mullein, and yarrow in equal quantities. 2. Grind the leaves together until you get a paste-like mixture. Add clean water if needed. 3. Apply it to your wound or cut. 4. Leave it on for one to two hours; then reapply as needed. 5. Keep the paste in place by using a non-toxic plant that has big leaves and high flexibility or normal bandages if you have some around.

Burdock leaves are perfect for this if you don’t have normal bandages.

Plantain Leaf

Mullein leaves Yarrow Leaves and Flowers