Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Poultice
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Poultice: A soft moist mass about the consistency of cooked porridge that is spread on cloth and applied warm to create moist local heat where applied. Poultices help by increasing blood flow, relaxes tense muscles, soothing inflamed tissues, or drawing toxins from an infected area. The word poultice derives from the Latin pulta and the Greek poltos, both meaning porridge. Also called a cataplasm.