Herbal Poultice

What is a herbal poultice and its benefits

An herbal poultice is a simple way to apply plant matter topically to the skin. This cool or warm plant poultice can help relieve inflammation and pain. Moreover, it can help prevent infection, and support your natural healing process of your perineum and other delicate areas.

Traditional midwives have used poultices to help sooth sensitive private parts after birth. It’s an age old tradition passed down from midwife to mother for centuries. Further, they are commonly applied to swollen hemorrhoids, sensitive abrasions, and even repaired lacerations. Herbal blends may vary per care provider, however the goal is the same.

Lastly, poultice application seems to shorten the duration of healing to wellness, and offers one that desired holistic feel of care. Using organic plant herbals for poultices after birth is definitely a boujee practice. It’s one of the numerous ways we offer a luxe style of perineal care. If you are looking for a more natural type of care we welcome you to call direct, or fill out our contact form here on our site.

How to prepare an herbal poultice pad

When making herbal poultice’s, plant matter is placed in a over-size mesh tea bag, or wrapped in sterile gauze squares. What’s more, healing herbs can be added to the smaller tea bag size to help with lacerations. Also, any leftover herbal bath matter can be wrapped in sterile gauze. For example, as in this illustration you see the herbal plant matter through a tight or loose mesh. Furthermore, this makes it easier to apply topically with the moist plant liquid to touch the area.

Next, you have options. A poultice can be applied warm to increase circulation, or cool to reduce swelling. Equally beneficial, poultice that are made of fresh plant matter can be frozen prior to birth. Then thawed later using them cold as a soothing compress. When a poultice is placed upon the absorbent postpartum pads, it has direct contact. They are held in place directly in the area most needed. Finally, once soiled from discharge you simply change out anew.

"A poultice can be applied warm to increase circulation, or cool to reduce swelling."

Extra’s to add for natural healing

For postpartum self care we recommend a natural approach to cleanse, rinse and heal. A trio of natural soap, peri-rinse drops, and the herbal poultice pads can all compliment one another. Let us know if we can help you!

Also, for an extra boost to your poultice pads -drops of herbal tinctures, essential oils may be added. Also, natural healing arnica can be helpful with trauma-bruising, or lavender and calendula essential oil drops. Further, essential oils, extracts and tinctures are concentrated with some stronger and more potent than others. In this case, you can add drops to the cooling herbal bath brew. Thereby diluting them in water to avoid direct contact. This is especially helpful for sensitive skin.

Lastly, aloe vera gel fresh from the plant, can be added and applied to help healing. It contains allantoin, a substance considered to be a cell proliferant, which is a epithelial stimulant.

Postpartum herbals for a do it yourself (DIY) perineal poultice blend:

For more information on how to make a poultice you can visit a site on making herbal poultice.

• Dried comfrey leaves -1 ounce
  • Dried comfrey root -1 ounce
    • Yarrow blossoms -1 ounce
      • Plantain -1 ounce
        • Dried rosemary leaf -1 ounce
          • Garlic-4 fresh pressed cloves
            • Sea salt -1/2 cup
              • Myrrh powder -1/2 ounce

DISCLAIMER: This post is not meant to treat an illness or disease. If you have concerns consult your doctor before application of any plant matter. If you have skin sensitivities it’s best to test an area before full exposure, skip the additional boost, or skip this natural modality altogether.