MUSTARD 493 



of turpentine to horses, and the primary irritation is followed 

 by partial anaesthesia. It is one of the most useful counter- 

 irritants, and by this action contracts vessels in the under- 

 lying parts, relieves pain and congestion. 



In rapidly stimulating the skin, mustard reflexly excites 

 the nervous system, respiratory functions and heart. Mus- 

 tard is therefore a rubefacient, vesicant, and counter-iridtant 

 externally. 



Action Internal. — Mustard stimulates gastric vascularity, 

 secretion and motion, and promotes the appetite in small 

 doses. Large doses occasion vomiting in animals capable of 

 the act. Intestinal peristalsis and secretion are probably 

 likewise augmented by mustard. It is thus a stomachic, 

 carminative and emetic internally, but is rarely administered 

 save as an emetic because of its pungency and the difficulty 

 attending its exhibition. Mustard is absorbed to some 

 extent, but we are ignorant concerning its ultimate fate or 

 remote action. It is said to be a diuretic. 



Uses External. — Mustard is an extremely valuable 

 counter-irritant for relieving pain or congestion in almost 

 any internal part. It is more -commonly employed in the 

 acute respiratory disorders of the domestic animals, as in 

 laryngitis, bronchitis, congestion of the lungs, pleurisy, 

 pneumonia, to stop incessant cough, and after exposure to 

 severe cold ; and the flour of mustard is used in a very thin 

 paste made with warm water and applied with friction to the 

 skin. Boiling water should not be mixed with mustard, nor 

 vinegar, nor alcohol, as they interfere with its action. The 

 volatile oil of mustard is a cleanly and convenient substitute 

 for the crude drug. A small quantity, diluted with olive oil, 

 or cottonseed oil (1-15), may be rubbed into either side of 

 the chest in bronchitis, pleurisy, and other chest disorders, 

 as a counter-irritant. 



After the application of mustard, the part may be 

 bandaged, or hot blankets may be placed over the body 

 and the treatment reinforced by the use of mustard on the 

 limbs and bandaging. If mustard is employed continuously 



