Poultice therapy is an ancient healing modality that combines herbs to support wound healing by reducing inflammation, pain and rashes, among other benefits. We've compiled some expert insights about poultices’ healing properties, the best herbs to use and spas’ favorite poultice therapies.
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Poultice therapy is an ancient healing modality that combines herbs to support wound healing by reducing inflammation, pain and rashes, among other benefits. We've compiled some expert insights about poultices’ healing properties, the best herbs to use and spas’ favorite poultice therapies.
What client concerns can poultice treatments address?
Kimberlee Geng, director of education and training, Pure Fiji USA: Since the dawn of time, people have been grinding plants and herbs into poultices to treat ailments such as inflammation, itchiness, pain, sore muscles, arthritis, bruises, burns, rashes, insect bites, coughs, congestion, poor circulation and more.
Jeff St. Peters, LMT, senior product development and merchandising manager, Universal Companies: The use of heated poultices along with massage are centuries-old, traditional techniques to heal the mind and body. Herbal poultices were first used in 14th century Thailand to heal wounded warriors coming back from battle. A hot pack filled with therapeutic herbs was steamed and applied to the body to help soothe aches and pains.
The heat and rhythmic nature of the massage help promote circulation, lymphatic flow and relieve muscular aches, pain and tension. Traditional Thai techniques incorporate the use of stretching, acupressure and energy work along meridians, as well.
Alison Heinrich, CEO, Aktiv Skincare: The main reason to use poultices in the spa is to treat the skin when it is in a wound healing phase, reducing inflammation and promoting an increased wound healing rate. You can do this through fresh herbs, essential oils and extracts.
What are your top herbs and healing ingredients for poultice therapy?
Talha Maniar, sales manager, ZAQ Skincare: Some of my top healing poultice herbs and ingredients include comfrey and plantain to reduce inflammation and promote healing; turmeric and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties; and calendula to soothe skin irritations.
Geng: A few of my favorite healing ingredients include rosemary, ginger, turmeric, dilo leaf, centella asiatica, noni, tavola leaf (beach almond) and frankincense.
St. Peters: Ginger, lemongrass, camphor and turmeric are the most common ingredients used in a poultice, but I also recommend kaffir lime, eucalyptus and tamarind. The herbal mix creates a synergistic blend that promotes circulation, helps to detoxify and reduces inflammation.
Describe your favorite healing treatment involving poultices.
Heinrich: We love using Aktiv Aloe + Lavender Mask as a base. The aloe base creates an immediate calming effect on the skin and can be used when a client comes in with a sunburn.
To enhance the poultice, you want to create a custom blended treatment infused into muslin cloth. Essential vitamins for the skin are important when creating your blend, as you want to ensure your poultice nourishes, protects and balances the skin, accelerating the healing process.
I personally love a combination of beta carotene to fight topical free radical damage responsible for accelerated aging; carnosic acid to reduce infection while tightening skin; and hyaluronic acid to promote wound healing by providing enough hydration for the lipid barrier to function properly.
St. Peters: One of my favorite treatments to deliver and receive is Thai massage. In order to fully immerse yourself into the beauty of this traditional service, it should include a Thai poultice that is initially soaked in warm water and then cools as it is applied. This creates a truly memorable and relaxing experience. Traditional Thai massage encompasses acupressure, stretching and energy work along meridian pathways, and these techniques focus on mind, body and energy to ensure true healing.
Maniar: One of my favorite healing treatments is a turmeric and ginger poultice. To make this poultice, I mix together equal parts turmeric and ginger powder with enough water to form a paste. I then apply this paste to a clean piece of cloth and place it on the affected area. The poultice can be left on for 20 to 30 minutes, and can be applied two to three times a day. This treatment is particularly effective for reducing inflammation and pain in joints, such as knee or elbow.
Geng: My favorite poultice treatment is Pure Fiji’s Herbal Fusion Detox Wrap. The entire body is massaged with a warm Fijian herbal poultice, which is also steeped to make a body tea for the ginger detox exfoliation and body mask portion. Guests have the option of either a mini-marma facial or Fijian scalp treatment, and the treatment concludes with a 30-minute lymphatic drainage massage.
