Mustard plaster

Medicinal poultice

Alternative medicine
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A mustard plaster, also known as a blister, is a poultice of mustard seed powder spread inside a protective dressing and applied to the body to stimulate healing. It can be used to warm muscle tissues and for chronic aches and pains.^[1] It was once part of conventional medical treatment,^[2] and available in prepared versions in pharmacies. It fell from favor in the 20th century and is now used only as a home remedy.^[3]

Uses

Mustard plasters were used for aches and pains, including rheumatism, arthritis, and sore muscles.^[4] It was also used for chest congestion.^[4]

Side effects

If left in place for too long, it can produce first-degree burns to the skin.^[4] Vapors might cause nausea.

References

^ Sinclair, Marybetts (2007). Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 101. ISBN 9780781792097.
^ Hewett, Prescott G. (14 November 1863). "Reports of Societies: Western Medical and Surgical Society". British Medical Journal: 534. With stimuli and sinapisms, he soon recovered.
^ Scheindlin, S (December 2004). "Transdermal drug delivery: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE". Molecular Interventions. 4 (6): 308–12. doi:10.1124/mi.4.6.1. PMID 15616157.
^ ^a ^b ^c Small, Ernest (2009). Top 100 Food Plants. NRC Research Press. pp. 347. ISBN 9780660198583.