Have you ever stumbled across a health remedy that felt like a forgotten treasure? That’s how I felt when I first heard Barbara O’Neill speak about poultices during one of her many YouTube health talks. I found Barbara’s work during the heart of the COVID pandemic while researching ways to heal naturally after experiencing complications from long COVID. Her voice was like a soothing balm, packed with generations of knowledge on nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and age-old natural remedies.
One remedy she discusses often is the poultice. I had vaguely heard of them before… something about mashed herbs wrapped in cloth? But Barbara made it simple, practical, and powerful. Since then, I’ve used poultices for everything from sore joints and swollen lymph nodes to chest congestion and minor infections.
If you’ve never tried a poultice, this post is your beginner’s guide. We’ll cover what a poultice is, how it works, its fascinating history, common types (including garlic, ginger, and onion), benefits, risks, and how to make one at home.
What Is a Poultice?
A poultice is a soft, moist preparation of natural substances (like herbs, clays, or even vegetables) applied to the skin to draw out infection, reduce inflammation, soothe pain, or promote healing. Typically, the mixture is wrapped in a thin cloth or applied directly to the skin and covered with fabric to keep it in place. You can think of it as a natural compress or pack.
Barbara O’Neill explains that a poultice works like a sponge, it draws things out (toxins, infection, swelling) and, depending on what you use, it can also put healing nutrients into the skin. Some are warming, some are cooling. Some draw out pus and infection, while others reduce swelling or nourish tissues. It’s all about what the body needs.
A Brief History of Poultices
Poultices have been used for thousands of years. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans wrote about them. Indigenous cultures across every continent created their own poultices from local plants, clays, and roots. And our grandmothers likely knew a thing or two about them as well.
In the early 1900s, poultices were a staple in home nursing care. Nurses were taught to make mustard plasters for chest congestion and slippery elm poultices for wounds. However, with the rise of pharmaceuticals, these simple remedies were largely overshadowed.
Barbara O’Neill is one of many voices helping to revive the knowledge. She often reminds her audience: “Your kitchen is your pharmacy.” And with a poultice, it really is.
How Do Poultices Work?
The power of a poultice lies in two mechanisms:
- Topical Absorption – The skin is semi-permeable, and many healing compounds from herbs or natural substances can be absorbed to offer localized relief.
- Drawing Action – Many poultices act like magnets, drawing toxins, pus, or inflammation toward the surface to aid the body’s elimination and healing process.
Poultices are also soothing to the nervous system. The warm compress effect stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow, which supports healing. This is especially helpful in post-viral fatigue, sore muscles, swollen lymph nodes, and joint inflammation.
Common Types of Poultices
There are many types of poultices. Below are some of the most powerful and widely used ones, many of which Barbara O’Neill recommends for everyday healing at home.
This post is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Read our privacy policy and disclaimer here. Always consult your doctor before using this or any other home treatment.
1. Charcoal Poultice
Uses: Infections, insect bites, inflammation, poison ivy, spider bites, abscesses.
Why it works: Activated charcoal draws out toxins and reduces inflammation.
Recipe: Mix equal parts activated charcoal and ground flaxseed with hot water to form a paste. Spread the mixture on a cloth and apply it to the skin for several hours or overnight.
2. Potato Poultice
Uses: Swelling, eye irritation, mastitis, fever (especially in children).
Why it works: Raw potato cools, draws heat and inflammation, and contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
Recipe: Grate raw potatoes, squeeze them lightly to remove excess liquid, and place the grated potatoes in a cloth. Apply to the affected area.
3. Castor Oil Poultice
Uses: Liver detox, fibroids, cysts, inflammation, lymphatic drainage.
Why it works: Castor oil penetrates deeply, stimulates the lymphatic system, and reduces inflammation.
Recipe: Soak flannel or muslin in castor oil, apply to the area, cover with plastic wrap and a hot pack, and relax for 30–60 minutes. (I love doing this on my abdomen before bed—it’s calming and great for digestion too.)
4. Bread and Milk Poultice
Uses: Boils, abscesses, splinters.
Why it works: The warmth and softness draw out pus and infection.
Recipe: Soak bread in hot milk until soft, then mash it into a paste and apply as a poultice for 1–2 hours.
5. Onion Poultice
Uses: Chest congestion, bronchitis, colds, earaches.
Why it works: Onion has natural antibiotic and expectorant properties. It helps break up mucus, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Onions also have natural quercetin and if you know me, you know I LOVE to take quercetin (oral supplement) at the onset of a cold!
Recipe: Chop and lightly sauté onion in a small amount of (optional) coconut oil, just until soft. Place the mixture in a thin cloth (such as muslin or cheesecloth), allow it to cool slightly, then apply it warm (not hot) to the chest or back. Cover with a towel and leave on for 20–30 minutes. For earaches, place the warm cloth near the ear, not inside it. Often I just slice an onion and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds and it works great!
6. Ginger Poultice
Uses: Joint pain, sore muscles, menstrual cramps, poor circulation.
Why it works: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and warming herb that improves blood flow and eases pain.
Recipe: Grate fresh ginger and mix with a little hot water to form a paste. Wrap the cloth around the affected area and apply it gently. You can also steep the grated ginger in hot water for 10 minutes, dip a cloth in the infused water, and apply it as a compress.
Tip: Ginger can be irritating to some skin types. Test a small area first, or dilute with other ingredients like mashed potato or clay.
7. Garlic Poultice
Uses: Cough, chest infections, immune support, skin infections.
Why it works: Garlic is one of the most potent natural antimicrobials. It fights viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Recipe: Crush 2–3 garlic cloves and mix with olive oil to mellow the intensity. Let sit for 10 minutes, then apply the mixture to a cloth (not directly to skin since garlic can burn!). Place on the chest, back, or soles of the feet. Leave for 15–20 minutes, then remove and wash the area. Use caution as garlic can irritate or blister skin if left on too long or applied directly.
Benefits of Using Poultices
- ✅ Drug-free relief from pain and inflammation
- ✅ Stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage
- ✅ Helps draw out infection or toxins
- ✅ Easy to make at home using simple ingredients
- ✅ Often safe for children and sensitive individuals
- ✅ Encourages rest and self-care (which are healing in themselves)
Many people have used poultices during times when conventional care wasn’t available or when they wanted a gentler alternative. I personally found them supportive during my long COVID recovery, especially for supporting my immune system, encouraging lymphatic drainage and breaking up mucous in the lungs and sinuses.
Risks and Contraindications
Even though poultices are natural, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Skin Sensitivities: Certain ingredients (such as mustard, ginger, garlic, and onions) can be irritating. Always test on a small area first.
- Heat Burns: Make sure your poultice isn’t too hot. Warm is therapeutic, hot can harm.
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to a food or plant, don’t use it on your skin either.
- Pregnancy & Nursing: Certain ingredients (like castor oil) are not recommended on the abdomen during pregnancy. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner.
- Open Wounds: Only use poultices on unbroken skin unless you’re trained or under supervision.
Always listen to your body. Discontinue use if a rash, burning, or unusual reaction occurs.
How to Make a Basic Poultice
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating your own herbal poultice:
✴️ Supplies:
- Fresh or dried herb (or other natural substance)
- Hot water
- Clean cloth or gauze (muslin, flannel, or even paper towel in a pinch)
- Plastic wrap or a towel to cover
- Optional: bandage or wrap to secure
✴️ Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture:
If using herbs, mash or mix them with enough hot water to create a paste. Some recipes add flaxseed to improve consistency. - Apply to Cloth:
Spread the mixture evenly over your cloth, then fold or cover with another layer so the plant matter doesn’t stick to your skin. - Place on the Skin:
Apply to the affected area. Cover with plastic or a warm towel to keep in place and retain moisture/heat. - Leave for 30 minutes to several hours:
Some poultices (like charcoal) can be left on overnight. Others (like garlic) should be removed sooner to avoid irritation. - Clean the Area:
Gently wipe with a damp cloth. Moisturize if needed.
Kelly’s Thoughts: Bringing Back the Wisdom
Poultices might feel like a relic of the past, but they’re a gentle, effective tool that we can reclaim today. Whether you’re recovering from a virus, managing chronic inflammation, or just want to stock your natural medicine cabinet, learning how to make a poultice is empowering.
Barbara O’Neill says, “The body is designed to heal, it just needs the right conditions.” Poultices help create those conditions. And once you start using them, you might be surprised at how often you reach for this simple remedy before anything else.
So go ahead… grate that potato, stir that charcoal, crush that garlic. Your body will thank you.
🌿 Have you ever used a poultice?
Tell me in the comments or share your experience with a tag on Facebook or Pinterest! You can also subscribe to my newsletter for more practical natural remedies, lifestyle tips, and self-help tools that actually work.
Want to Try a Poultice?
Here are a few starter supplies I use and love:
- Organic castor oil: Queen of Thrones
- Activated charcoal powder: Schizandu
- Reusable muslin cloths: Organic Muslin Cloths
- Heating pad for castor oil therapy: Microwavable Heating Pad
- 6 Pcs Castor Oil Wrap Compress: 6 Reusable Pads
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I love this post! I’ve used poultices many times, but a few of these I haven’t heard about. I do use the charcoal, onions, and I’ve used potato too. Growing up my grandma would apply a hot schmaltz pack when we had a sore throat or bad coughing cramps that wouldn’t stop. (That’s hot goose grease). I’ve also used yarrow for wounds or plantain packs for drawing things in the past. I used to listen to several Barbara O’Neill lectures, but not lately, I should go and do that some more. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you, Heidi! I love that your grandma used “hot goose grease” for treating cold symptoms… who knew!? I love yarrow too and have tons in my garden. You got me thinking… I’ll have to write a blog about it. : )