A poultice is a moist plant mass applied to skin. The oldest healing method known.
Plantain
Chew a plantain leaf (yes, in your mouth) and apply to a bite, cut, or splinter. Saliva + plantain juice = antiseptic. Works in minutes — relieves bite itch, draws out splinters. Sounds wild, works.
Cabbage Leaf
Lightly pound with a rolling pin until juice appears. Apply to inflamed joints, bruises, or breasts during lactation. Wrap with cloth. Change every 2–4 hours. Cabbage contains anti-inflammatory compounds (glucosinolates).
Onion Poultice
Slice onion, warm slightly (don't fry). Wrap in cloth, apply to abscess or boil. Onion draws out pus. Change every 3–4 hours.
Clay Poultice
Mix cosmetic clay with water to paste. Apply to bites, burns, inflammation. When dry — wash off, reapply. Clay adsorbs toxins and reduces swelling.
When to See a Doctor
Deep wounds, heavy bleeding, red streaks from wound (sepsis sign), fever. Poultices are first aid, not a replacement for medicine.