The poultice of finely-grinded plants is traditionally prepared with sesame oil and beeswax. This preparation is sometimes difficult to achieve and relatively unstable. A good modern alternative is the use of Vaseline (or any other petroleum jelly).
The amount of plants and adjuvants used depends on the area of the surface to be treated. The poultice must be fat enough to adhere to the skin and strong enough not to fall.
If you choose for the preparation with Vaseline, you can use one of two methods:
First method:
Melt a tube of Vaseline in a small saucepan and, after cutting off the heat, gently pour the grinded plants while carefully mixing the poultice, until the correct consistency is obtained. The advantage of this preparation is that it’s easy and fast to mix the plants with the Vaseline.
However, there is a risk of pouring a larger amount of plants than needed, speeding up the cooling of the Vaseline, so you’ll end up with a dry poultice. If this happens, just add enough warm Vaseline to soften the poultice.
Second method:
Empty the Vaseline tube in a small saucepan and, without heating it, start pouring the finely ground plants by mixing them gradually with the Vaseline until the desired consistency is achieved.
The disadvantage of this preparation is that the mixing process is a little more arduous than with the heated Vaseline. However, you are sure to meet the desired consistency without any surprises, as the cold Vaseline preserves its original consistency during the preparation.
In both cases, an effective poultice will be one that is rich in grinded plants and that, once applied to the area, spreads easily without breaking up.
Follow the advice of your therapist or apply 0.5 to 1 inch (1 to 2 cm) of poultice on the injured area. Cover the poultice with gauze and apply a sufficiently tight bandage to keep the poultice in place during movement and flexible and relaxed enough to allow good ventilation and blood circulation to the area.
Be careful: plants stain clothes.
To remove the poultice: first scrape the poultice with a spatula and then wash the area with soap and warm water.
Follow closely the advice of your therapist on the duration of the treatment to avoid any risk of skin reaction.