• Verify the Root Use Soul Ascentials Black Cohosh Root (Actaea racemosa), or root whose label names the botanical. Don’t substitute Asian Actaea species sold under the same common name — a documented adulterant.Genuine black cohosh root is dark brown to nearly black, knotty and fibrous when whole, or a fine grayish-brown when powdered. It should smell earthy and faintly medicinal — never musty, moldy, or scentless (a flavorless powder often signals dilution or a substitute plant). Black cohosh carries one of the highest documented adulteration rates of any botanical, most often with cheaper Asian Actaea/Cimicifuga species sold under the same common name; buy from a supplier who tests for species identity, and store your own stock airtight, away from light and moisture.
• Measure the Root Measure a small handful of dried (or fresh) Black Cohosh Root — enough to cover the area you’re treating.There’s no fixed amount here — a poultice is sized to the body part it’s covering, from a fingertip’s worth for a small joint to a small palmful for a wider area like a shoulder.
• Soften the Root Grind the root with a mortar and pestle, then stir in warm spring water until it turns to a thick mash.Grinding first breaks the tough dried root down so it can actually absorb water instead of staying hard and gritty; add the water a little at a time so you don’t end up with a thin, runny mix.
• Mash to a Paste Blend the softened root with a spoonful of coconut oil, bentonite clay, and activated charcoal into a smooth paste.The clay and charcoal thicken the mash into something that holds its shape on skin instead of running off, and the coconut oil keeps it from drying out and cracking while it’s applied.
• Spread on the Cloth Spread the paste evenly over a folded piece of muslin, about ¼ inch thick.Spreading it onto the cloth rather than straight onto skin keeps the paste from smearing and makes it easy to lift off cleanly when you’re done.
• Apply and Wrap Apply the paste to the sore area, external use only, and wrap with cloth to hold it in place. Patch test 24 hours first.Keep it in place for a comfortable soak, checking the skin periodically, and remove right away if you notice stinging, itching, or redness — black cohosh has been linked to occasional topical rash, which is exactly what the patch test on the card is meant to catch beforehand.
• Remove and Rinse Remove the poultice, rinse the skin with warm water, and pat dry; discard the used paste.This paste isn’t reused once it’s been on skin — clay and charcoal poultices lose their drawing effect quickly and can pick up bacteria, so make a fresh batch each time rather than saving leftovers.

Fresh Herbs

• Chop Fresh (scissors) and crush the herbs using Pestle and Mortor.
• Add a little water to create a pulp or paste
• Can add Oil / Clay / Charcoal to thicken Paste (optional)
• Blend Dry herbs/roots in blender (can also use fresh herbs)

Dry Herbs

• Put dry herbs and roots in blender
• Blend on high and add a freshly boiled water to create a paste
• May also add coconut oil / clay / Activated Charcoal
• Spread the herb paste onto a layer of muslin that is twice the size of the area of skin to be treated. Like a sandwich, fold the muslin over the herb.

Application

• Apply the muslin with the herb paste directly to the affected area, tie with muslin strips, leave on for 30 minutes or more. Change and repeat if needed.
• You can reuse these poultices fresh or store them in your freezer.
• Place a piece of wax paper between each poultice when freezing to make it easier to separate them later. Put your poultices in a plastic gallon freezer bag to keep them safe.