Mustard Plaster

A mustard plaster 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 only used as a home remedy.

Recipe

via ZayanteGirl:

This process may seem elaborate or complicated, but after doing it once or twice it will be simple. The relief your child, or loved one with receive will make it all worthwhile.

Supplies needed:

• 1/4 cup dried mustard powder
• 2 cotton kitchen towels
• Large bath towel
• Hot tap water
• Large bowl
• Warm, wet washcloth
• Salve or petroleum jelly

Instructions:

1. Lay out one kitchen towel on a flat surface. Spread the mustard powder onto the towel the towel, leaving a 1 inch border around the edge uncovered. Next, fold the bottom border upward over the edge of the powder to keep the powder from falling out. Place the second towel over the first one, and starting from each of the short edges, roll the edges to the center, forming a scroll.
2. Place the scroll in the bowl and cover it with very hot water. Bring the bowl and all the other supplies into your room child's room. Be certain there are no drafts in the room.
3. Place the large bath towel open on a pillow, take off the child's shirt and liberally spread the salve, or petroleum jelly onto the nipples to protect them from getting blistered or burned.
4. Thoroughly wring the water out of the mustard-filled towel when it is cool, enough to be handled. Unroll the mustard bandage to the folded edge. With the folded edge at the bottom, place against the child's chest as far around the back as it will reach. The child should quicklylie back on the bath towel, which you then wrap over the plaster. Cover the child with blankets.
5. To prevent burns, remove the plaster immediately when the child says it feels hot or is stinging.This may be only after a few minutes. After removing the plaster, wash the the area with the damp washcloth and cover the child with blankets to prevent chill. Never leave the plaster on a child under the age of 8 for more than 5 minutes. Adults can tolerate it for a maximum of 20-30 minutes. Do not repeat more than twice a day for two days, and discontinue if the area becomes red. Never leave the child unattended while the plaster is on.

N.b. If the mustard powder is old, it may require more time.