The kinds in ordinary use are:
1. Mustard poultice, used as a counter irritant.
2. Linseed, bread, or potato poultice, used to soothe.
Directions for a mustard poultice:
1. For a very strong poultice, mix pure mustard to a paste with warm water; spread on a piece of cheesecloth or muslin, leaving a margin of an inch; fold over the margin, and cover with thicker cotton or paper.
2. For milder poultices use flour to reduce the mustard as follows:
(1) 1 part flour to 1 part mustard
(2) 2 parts flour to 1 part mustard
(3) 3 parts flour to 1 part mustard.
Directions for linseed, bread, or potato poultices:
Use boiling water to mix the above to the consistency of thick porridge, and spread as in the mustard poultice, excepting that the layer of poultice is made much thicker, in order to retain the moisture and heat.
FOMENTATIONS
These are much the same in their effects as poultices, but are sometimes more convenient.
Directions for fomentations:
Spread a towel over a large basin, place a flannel in the towel and pour boiling hot water over it. Fold the towel over the flannel, gather the dry ends of the towel in either hand, and wring. Carry to the patient, shake out the flannel, and apply.