mustard plaster

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Definition

Mustard plaster is a noun that refers to a type of medical plaster made with powdered black mustard. It is applied to the skin to create heat and stimulate blood flow, which can help relieve pain or congestion.

Usage Instructions

1. Preparation: To make a mustard plaster, you mix powdered mustard with water to create a paste.
2. Application: Spread the paste onto a piece of cloth and then place it on the skin, usually on the chest or back, where you feel discomfort.
3. Duration: Keep the plaster on for a short time, usually about 10-20 minutes, to avoid skin irritation.
4. Caution: Always check for skin sensitivity before using, as it can cause burning or irritation.

Example Sentence

• "When he had a cold, his grandmother made him a mustard plaster to help relieve his chest congestion."

Advanced Usage

In historical contexts, mustard plasters were commonly used before the invention of modern medicine. They were often applied for conditions like bronchitis, muscle pain, or arthritis.

Word Variants

• Mustard (noun): The spice used to make the plaster.
• Plaster (noun): A substance used for sticking to the skin for medicinal purposes.

Different Meanings

• Mustard: Besides being an ingredient in a plaster, it is also a condiment used in cooking, often on sandwiches or hot dogs.
• Plaster: In general, a paste used for covering wounds or surfaces, not just for mustard.

Synonyms

• Counterirritant: A substance that causes irritation in one area to relieve pain in another.
• Rubefacient: A substance that causes redness of the skin, usually by increasing blood flow.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "mustard plaster," but in general conversation, you might hear phrases like "to apply pressure" or "to soothe the pain," which relate to its use.

Academic

Noun

1. a plaster containing powdered black mustard; applied to the skin as a counterirritant or rubefacient

Synonyms

• sinapism