05/25/2026
A Potato Poultice
Solanum tuberosum L., commonly known as the potato, a starchy tuberous plant, has been cultivated for agriculture and cuisine for centuries and is one of the world’s important crops, with high global demand due to its importance in the human diet. The food industry, in particular, uses it to manufacture processed products such as French fries, chips, and purees.
Potatoes have many medicinal and healing properties in their raw, boiled, or mashed forms, due to their high nutritional value, including starch, protein, alkaline salts, vitamins C, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, among others.
The use of natural resources, including plants, has been studied as an alternative to synthetic drugs due to their natural composition. Growing evidence indicates that potatoes, as a rich source of bioactive compounds, exhibit health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and anticancer activities (Basilicata et al., 2019) and anti-inflammatory effects, due to compounds such as resistant starch and anthocyanin flavonoids.
In Traditional folk medicine, a potato poultice is used as an anti-inflammatory to help soothe joint stiffness and temporarily reduce swelling. The starch and moisture in the potato help dissipate heat, while the potassium relaxes muscles.
How to Use a Potato Poultice
If possible, use organic potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then finely grate them. Place the grated peel and pulp into a clean cloth or gauze, then apply the wrapped poultice over the inflamed or swollen area and leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes. Repeat with a fresh batch of potatoes when needed. It is recommended to use the poultice each morning and evening until inflammation and irritation subsides. The cycle of applying the poultice can be changed up by using it for 2 or 3 days, then resting for a few days before resuming.
Consideration
Do not apply the poultice to open wounds. While grated potatoes are great for temporary relief of sore joints and swelling, this natural remedy isn’t a substitute for medical treatment. Consult a doctor if you notice a change in symptoms or if they persist. People with a history of potato allergy, nightshade sensitivity, or pollen-food allergy cross-reaction should avoid raw potatoes. Those with blood-clotting issues or on blood thinners are advised to avoid this remedy, as potatoes contain natural compounds that may decrease blood clotting; therefore, applying the potato topically to a large area can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.
Reference:
Basilicata MG, Pepe G, Rapa SF, Merciai F, Ostacolo C, Manfra M, Di Sarno V, Autore G, De Vita D, Marzocco S, Campiglia P. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Dehydrated Potato-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Intestinal Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 3;20(23):6087. doi: 10.3390/ijms20236087. PMID: 31816826; PMCID: PMC6928682
