Rái Ráyán (Hind., Duk.), Rái (Beng., Punj.), Ásúr (Kash.), Kadugú (Tam.), Áválu (Tel.), Katuka (Mal.), Sásave (Can.), Moharé (Mah.), Ráyi (Guz.), Abbé (Cing.), Munniyén-zi (Burm.), Biji Sa-sarvi (Malay).
245. English Mustard imported in bottles is procurable in most of the large bazaars, or is met with as an article of domestic economy in the household of almost every European. If not at hand, however, the common country Mustard seed may be substituted, especially in the formation of poultices. For this purpose, however, they require to be thoroughly ground down into the required consistence with a little water. If previously deprived of their fixed oil by expression, their activity is increased. By long keeping they lose much of their pungency; hence fresh seeds should, when practicable, be employed.
246. With English Mustard at hand you can never be in want of a safe and efficient emetic. A full teaspoonful (piled up) in a tumblerful of warm water, generally produces free vomiting; if it does not, in five or ten minutes it may be repeated, and should this not produce the desired effect, a third dose may be given after a similar interval. Should this fail, then some other emetic may be tried. It is especially indicated in Drunkenness, Narcotic and other Poisoning, and in all cases where the stomach is overloaded with hard, indigestible food or intoxicating drinks, when it is desirable simply to unload the stomach without producing any depressing effect on the system. It is very doubtful whether country Mustard may be safely used as an internal medicine.
247. Mustard Poultices are usually made with the flour of Mustard mixed to the consistence of a poultice with water or vinegar, spread on a piece of stout brown paper or rag, and applied to the skin. A few points require notice: a. Cold water should be used in their preparation; it is a mistake to suppose that hot water or vinegar is better suited for this purpose, b. If it be desired to make the poultice act more speedily or strongly, this may be done by adding a small portion of bruised Capsicum or the scraped fresh root of the Moringa tree (239). c. For persons of delicate skins, as women and children, it is advisable to place a piece of thin muslin between the poultice and the skin; for the sake of cleanliness also this is desirable. d. As a general rule it should be removed when it produces redness of the skin, whether it causes much pain or not. e. Some skins are very susceptible to its action; in these cases the poultice should be at once removed if it causes great pain. f. If allowed to remain in contact with the skin for twenty or thirty minutes it is apt to act as a blister, which is very undesirable, as the ulcers which result are difficult to heal. g. In cases of fever and acute disease, the morning or early part of the day is preferable to the evening for applying a Mustard poultice.
248. In Apoplexy, Convulsions, Delirium, and violent Headaches occurring during Fevers or Smallpox, Mustard poultices to the feet and calves of the legs are often very useful in relieving the affection of the head. Where the patient is able to sit up for the purpose, a Mustard foot bath [an ordinary foot bath, to which is added a handful of Mustard] is even more effectual. The water should be as hot as can be well borne, and the higher the fluid reaches up the leg, the better. In Delirium Tremens it should be used every night before bedtime.
249. In some Head Affections, e.g., the early stages of Insanity, and Delirium Tremens, where there is determination of blood to the head, with sleeplessness, restlessness and anxiety, a plan which has been found effectual in some cases has been to envelop the whole of the legs and lower part of the abdomen in cloths steeped in a mixture of Mustard and hot water, a cold wet towel being at the same time applied round the head. It has a very calming effect, and is occasionally productive of sleep. The Mustard foot bath, described in the last section, is also worthy of a trial, repeated every night before the usual bedtime.
250. In Dropsy Mustard occasionally proves useful. It is best administered in the form of Whey, made by boiling half an ounce of the bruised seed in a pint of milk, and straining. This quantity may be given daily in divided doses.
251. In Cholera, Colic, and Spasms of the Bowels, when unattended by inflammation, a Mustard poultice placed over the abdomen in many cases affords considerable relief. Vomiting, especially that accompanying Fevers, and Pregnancy may often be allayed by a Mustard poultice applied to the pit of the stomach. In Cholera, when the patient is very low, the poultice may be placed over the heart, or the left side of the chest.
252. In Coughs, attended with much difficulty of breathing, Mustard poultices to the chest often afford relief. They may also be advantageously applied on the back between the shoulder-blades. They may be used for children as well as adults. Hooping Cough is occasionally much relieved by Mustard poultices along the spine.
258. Toothache, Faceache, and Neuralgic Pains of the Head and Face, are frequently relieved by the application of a Mustard poultice over the seat of pain.