Mustard plaster

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.

See also

• Mustard bath
• Fanny Crosby, possibly blinded as an infant by mustard plasters

References

1. Sinclair, Marybetts (2007). Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 101. ISBN 9780781792097.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.