Mustard plaster is a home therapy that can be used for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago (low back pain) and sciatica (sciatic nerve pain).
Mustard plaster induces a warm sensation, increases blood circulation and dries up excessive moisture within the affected area of the body. That is why it can help relieve and improve the symptoms of rheumatism, joint pain, low back pain and sciatic nerve pain.
How to use a mustard plaster
1. Mix 1/2 tablespoons of mustard powder and 2 tablespoons of flour with warm water, stir well and make it into a paste.
2. Prepare two thick cotton towels (cotton cloth, used T-shirt), put a paper towel on one thick cotton towel, and spread the mixture on it, cover it with another cotton towel.
3. Use a long strip of clean cloth as a dressing to keep the mustard plaster in place.
4. You can keep the plaster on your body from 20 minutes to hours or for an entire day. It depends how strong the mustard plaster is and how sensitive your skin is. You can adjust the mustard/flour ratio depending on your skin sensitivity and the length of time the plaster will be left on. If you add more flour and make it very mild, you can safely leave it on for an entire day. Normally, you will feel a mild itching or burning sensation. But if the discomfort becomes too strong, you should take it off, and add more flour and water into it.
5. When the plaster dries up after a few hours, you can add a little water into it to keep it moist.
Please note, to prevent skin irritation, a mustard plaster should not be directly applied to the skin, nor used on broken and sensitive skin.
