How to Make a Charcoal Poultice

Charcoal Poultice with Psyllium Powder

The proportion of psyllium powder to charcoal to is 1 to 3. Put newspaper on counter and get a good-sized bowl to mix them in. Measure: 1/4 cup psyllium powder (powder works better than the husk form) 3/4 cup charcoal powder into the bowl very carefully so it will not fluff over everything.

Mix well with a good-sized spoon until all the psyllium is mixed in the charcoal. Add to this mixture: 1 3/4 cups water (cool water absorbs less quickly-gives you more time) Mix gently and carefully until the water is all absorbed into the mixture and it is about the consistancy of pie dough.

Take Saran wrap and put 16 inches of it on a dampened surface. (if wiped with a damp sponge, it will not slip around as much.) Place about 1/2 cup of charcoal/psyllium "dough" on the center of the Saran wrap. Place another 16 inch piece of Saran wrap above the "dough" and press down. Roll the "dough" with a rolling pin between the 2 pieces of Saran wrap until about 1/8th inch thick. Fold or roll up and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. (May even be frozen, if not used in a week or two.)

When putting on a painful area or inflammation, cut the poultice to size of the area you want to cover, cutting off the extra Saran wrap on the edges. Peel off one side of the Saran wrap "sandwich" and place that face down against the skin. Use adhesive tape (1" best) to adhere the edges to the skin so the poultice will stay in place and the charcoal will not be squeezed out and mess things up! I prefer the Durapore surgical tape which is a "paper" tape that is easier to remove and is more gentle to the skin. (Most drug stores carry it.)

Leave on for about 8 hours or overnight.