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. It was once part of conventional medical treatment, and available in prepared versions in pharmacies. It fell from favor in the 20th century and is now used only as a home remedy.
Uses
Mustard plasters were used for aches and pains, including rheumatism, arthritis, and sore muscles. It was also used for chest congestion.
Side effects
If left in place for too long, it can produce first-degree burns to the skin. Vapors might cause nausea.
See also
- Mustard bath
- Fanny Crosby, possibly blinded as an infant by mustard plasters
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.
- ^ Small, Ernest (2009). Top 100 Food Plants. NRC Research Press. pp. 347. ISBN 9780660198583.
Further reading
- "Black mustard". PDRHealth. Thomson Healthcare. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007. Retrieved 16 July 2007.
- Roger M. Grace (17 February 2005). "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mustard Plasters". Metropolitan News-Enterprise. Retrieved 16 July 2007.