A mustard plaster, also known as a blister, is a
poultice
A poultice or cataplasm, also called a fomentation, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation, soothe pain, promote healing, or otherwise treat wounds or ailments. Soft materials like cer ...
of
mustard seed
Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. The seeds are usually about in diameter and may be colored from yellowish white to black. They are an important spice in many regional foods and may come from one of three diff ...
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
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorders are conditions causing chronic, often intermittent pain affecting the joints or connective tissue. Rheumatism does not designate any specific disorder, but covers at least 200 different conditions, including a ...
,
arthritis
Arthritis is a general medical term used to describe a disorder that affects joints. Symptoms generally include joint pain and stiffness. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, Joint effusion, swelling, and decreased range of motion of ...
, 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
Further reading
*
*
{{Authority control
Traditional medicine