DEAR DR. GOTT: I have wanted to ask this “lighter” question for a long while, so here goes: Whatever happened to mustard plasters and poultices?
DEAR READER: A mustard plaster is (or was) a home remedy used for many ailments, including the flu, coughs and colds. This old remedy is still rather common in France and Russia and is purported to stimulate the immune system, relieve pain, treat the common cold, cure gout, help bad circulation, sore muscles, rheumatism and difficulties related to the respiratory system. I find this all a little hard to believe. Through the years, as other remedies became available, poultices such as this one declined in popularity.
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