MUSTARD. — Mustard, as employed 'n medicine. is the flour of the mixed nf white mustard (Sinapis alba) and black mustard (Sinapis nigra). Their property mainly depends upon a volatile oil which is developed when, after the two varieties are mixed, the flour is moistened with water at ordinary temperature.
Therapeuties.—As an emetic, umstard, a tablespoonful in a glass of water, is often used when, as in cases of poison : ing, rapid emesis is required.
As a rubefacient and counter-irritant, mustard is probably -used more than any other agent. It should not be employed pure, as found in households, but mixed . with flour or some other inert substance to limit its irritating action—which be • comes destructive if the pure mustard is left on the skin too long. One part of mustard (English) to 4 of flour for adults, and 1 to 6 for children and women with delicate skins generally prove sufficiently irritating. The mixture should be spread evenly between two layers of muslin.
AIustard-paper (LT. S. P.) is a convenient substitute, but it is too strong for chil dren. _Mustard burns or irritation are slow to heal. Lime-water and olive-oil, equal parts, hasten resolution.
_Mustard may be used as a styptic for almost any disorder in which pain is a prominent factor. In headaches of all kinds a mustard poultice applied to the nape of the neck is very efficacious. In ' gastric disorders, when applied over the organ, just below the end of the sternum, it is very helpful. In nausea it is prompt and effective.
Mustard foot-baths are very useful in the incipient stages of almost all dis orders, while mustard sitz-baths are help ful in delayed menstruation. The latter, however, should not be made strong, the delicate mucons membrane of the vulva bein,?- easily irritated.