A marble mortar and pestle provides the best surface for grinding herbs.
People who prefer natural medicines often turn to herbs for relief from common ailments. Today, many herbs are available year-round, but many people like the convenience of having dried herbs on hand. Use dried herbs from the pantry to make a warm compress for treating inflamed tissues or pulling toxins from an infection. Familiarize yourself with herbs and herb properties before attempting to treat yourself with a topical medicine.
Instructions
1. Place the dried herbs in a mortar and pestle. Grind the herbs into a powder. You may have to do this a little at a time.
2. Transfer the ground herbs to a glass or plastic bowl. Dip an eye dropper into a glass of distilled water, pulling water into the dropper.
3. Add drops of water to the herbs to make a paste with the herbs. Use a spoon to mix the two ingredients together. Do not add too much water or the poultice will become soupy.
4. Apply the poultice to a strip of sterilized gauze using your clean or gloved fingers.
5. Clean the area of the skin that needs a poultice with hydrogen peroxide. Lay the paste side of the gauze on the skin. Cover the area with the gauze then layer it with a towel or clean fabric to prevent the poultice from staining clothes or bedding.
6. Secure the towel in place with a pin or fastener. Lay a warm hot water bottle over the poultice to add heat to the medicine.
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