Poultices

Poultices, cataplasms (Cataplasmata), a medicinal form whose purpose is the strong warming of a particular area of the body. For this purpose, plant material is steeped with a small amount of boiling water; the moist and still hot paste is wrapped in paper fabric and secured in the designated place. For longer heat retention, mucilaginous plants (Iceland moss, carrageenan, flaxseed) are used as substances that better retain moisture. Previously, pharmacies had ready-made P. (cataplasmes instantanes) made from a decoction of Iceland moss, dried and enclosed in a shell of filter paper impregnated with the same mucilaginous decoction; to prevent spoilage, 1:1,000 salicylic acid was added to the decoction. Such cataplasms, when needed, were poured with hot water and applied after swelling. At present, P. are used very rarely. Dry P. made from flaxseed, cork dust, peat, and other poor heat conductors, heated on a griddle and wrapped in bags, are also used. This form aims only for prolonged warming of body parts without the effect of moisture.