SlNAPIS. . 201 



neglect. Applied to the whole or a large part of the surface 

 of the skin in the form of a bath, mustard dilates the cutaneous 

 vessels, and thus relieves the hlood pressure in the viscera. 



In the form of poultice or paper, mustard is extensively 

 used as a readily available, convenient, and rapid means of 

 relieving local pain, stimulating the internal organs, and pro- 

 ducing counter-irritation, with evanescent and mild alter- 

 effects. It is applied to relieve the pains of muscular rheu- 

 matism (lumbago, etc.) ; neuralgia in any part of the body ; the 

 indefinite pains in the chest in chronic disease of the lungs or 

 heart ; and colic, gastralgia, and other forms of distress in the 

 abdomen. As a car dio- vascular and respiratory stimulant, 

 a large sinapism may be applied to the calves or soles in 

 syncope, coma, or asphyxia, whether from disease or from 

 poisoning. The counter-irritant effect of mustard is chiefly 

 used in inflammation of the throat, larynx, bronchi, lungs, 

 pleura, and pericardium ; sometimes in abdominal diseases ; 

 frequently, and with success, in morbid conditions of the 

 stomach, and persistent vomiting from any cause. Diffused 

 through a warm bath it is a popular " derivative " in cerebral 

 congestions, headache, and at the onset of colds and febrile 

 diseases in children. A mustard sitz bath may stimulate 

 menstruation if taken at the period. 



Internally. Mustard produces a familiar pungent impres- 

 sion on the tongue and olfactory organs, a sense of warmth in 

 the stomach, and an increase of relish and appetite. The cir- 

 culation in the gastric wall is also stimulated, but it is remark- 

 able that the effect of mustard on the circulation in the stomach 

 is much less powerful than that on the skin. In full doses it is 

 emetic, with a rapid stimulant action, and little subsequent 

 depression. 



Mustard is used internally chiefly as a condiment. As an 

 emetic, from one to four teaspoonfuls may be given stirred up 

 with a tumblerful of warm water in cases where other emetics 

 are not available, or have failed, especially in poisoning by 

 narcotics such as opium. 



2. ACTION ON THE BLOOD, SPECIFIC, AND REMOTE LOCAL ACTION. 



The odour of oil of mustard can be detected in the blood. 

 Its specific action is obscure, and never taken advantage of 

 medicinally. Part, at least, of oil of mustard is excreted by 

 the lungs. 



Armoracire Radix HORSERADISH ROOT. The 

 fresh root of Cochlearia Armoracia. Cultivated in 

 Britain. 



