Directions for Making Herbal Hot Packs

Dried herbs should be ground before use.

Many people prefer to use herbal remedies for various types of injuries or ailments. An herbal hot pack, also known as a poultice or compress, is one way that herbal treatments are applied. Once the specific herb to be used has been determined, the preparation of an herbal compress is very simple. The poultice or compress will be applied externally. With this form of treatment, nothing is ingested.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Muslin, cotton or other clean, non-dyed cloth
• Ground herbs, tinctures or oils
• Plastic cling wrap
• Hot water

1. Fill a container with enough hot water to cover the cloth. Herbal tinctures or oils can be added to the hot water.

2. Soak the cloth in hot water and wring out, leaving some liquid in the cloth.

3. Fold the cloth and place on plastic cling wrap. The wrap will keep the liquid from making a mess and will hold the heat in longer.

4. If dried, ground herbs are used, rub them onto the cloth generously.

5. Place the hot wet cloth containing the herbal treatments on the skin, herbal side down, with the plastic wrap on the outside. Leave in place until it cools. Be sure to leave the compress on until it is completely cool, so the herbs have a chance to take effect. This procedure can be repeated if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• It's fine to leave the compress on overnight. But if you do, don't repeat the procedure.

• Care should be taken to ensure that the hot cloth is not hot enough to burn the skin.

• Anything new can trigger an allergy. If the patient shows signs of allergic reaction, discontinue application immediately and call your doctor.

References

• Medicinal Herb Info: Herbal Preparations
• Herbal Remedies Info: Herbal Compresses From Your Garden