In my last blog I mentioned Chickweed is great in poultices, what's a poultice you asked? Poultices or plasters, are used in the herbal world for healing bruises, diminishing inflammations, withdrawing pus, and toxins from the skin. They also work well on bug bites, rashes and abrasions. When my kids were little and we would be having a nature day, I would always scope out the park, or where ever we were enjoying the great outdoors, for my herb friends for those bites, bumps and scrapes. Usually you can find Plantain growing in the grass in most parks, and it happens to be a wonderful herb for healing skin from the above mentioned maladies. Just another example of how the plant world is so perfectly planned to help and aid us. As for an on the spot poultice, I would chew up a few leaves of plantain, and apply it right to the boo boo. My kids now use our friend plantain on their own when they are romping around playing outside. Chickweed would also be a good go to herb for a on the spot poultice. The refrigerant properties reduces swelling from bumps and bruises. You will find chickweed at the base of trees, especially oak. or on moist slopes in wooded areas. Chickweed will shy away from to much sun, it will dry up, so it is hard to find after the dog days of summer.
Making a proper poultice or plaster:
- pulverize a handful of herb in a mortar and pestle
- moisten with either water, infused oil or tincture
- place on afflicted area
- wrap with cheese cloth or linen
- leave it on for for several hours.
- Remove, and rinse off with water.
I have included a picture of of Plantain, Plantago major to help you locate it in your yard!
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