Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

‍EQUIPMENT

‍1. Pan or mixing bowl

2. Tablespoon

3. Tepid water

4. Flour

5. Mustard

6. Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)

7. Newspaper

8. Piece of muslin

9. Knife or spatula

10. Hot water bottle (filled to temperature of 107 degrees)

11. Olive oil

12. Binder and safety pins

‍PROPORTIONS

‍Adult: 1 part mustard to 3 or 4 parts flour

Child: 1 part mustard to 8 or 10 parts flour

Infant: 1 part mustard to 12 or 14 parts flour

‍

‍PROCEDURE

Method and Key Points

• Crush lumps of mustard, flour, and baking soda
  • Mix thoroughly. Mustard may burn patient
• Mix into a paste with tepid water
  • Make thin enough to spread but not too runny

• Have the muslin ready: crease half and about 1 or 2 inches on the three sides
  
  • Twice the size of the area to be covered

• Place muslin on newspaper and spread the paste over one half the muslin. Fold the other half over the paste with edges of both sides folded in
  • Make all edges even, holding paste securely

• Take to bedside on a warm water bottle
  
  • To take the chill off

• Use binder to hold in place, if needed

• Observe closely. Remove when skin reddens and apply olive oil.
  
  • Lift up corner of poultice to check for redness and apply olive oil.