Cataplasma Ulmi.—Elm Poultice.
Related entries: Ulmus (U. S. P.)—Elm
SYNONYMS: Elm cataplasm, Slippery-elm poultice.
Preparation.—Take of powdered elm bark (Ulmus fulva) a sufficient quantity; stir it in hot water, or milk and water, to the consistence of a cataplasm (Beach's American Practice).
Action and Medical Uses.—This cataplasm is of almost universal application, and is superior, in many respects, to every other. As an application to painful swellings, inflammations, ulcerations, and to facilitate the separation of the slough produced by caustics, and for various other purposes, it stands, and justly, too, in high repute among American physicians.
Other Cataplasms.—I. BREAD POULTICE.—Take crumbs of bread, any amount, and heat with sufficient sweet milk to form a cataplasm. A little fresh lard may be added, which prevents the skin from becoming sodden and wrinkled. It forms a good emollient poultice, but should be frequently renewed.
II. MOLASSES POULTICE.—New Orleans molasses, a sufficient quantity, add wheat flour, enough to form a soft, easily-spreading mass. This is, according to Prof. J. U. Lloyd, one of the very best applications for burns and scalds, and his standard laboratory application, where scalds are not infrequent. It should be spread upon a cloth and the burned surface bound up in it.
III. INDIAN-MEAL POULTICE.—Corn-meal, a sufficient quantity. Stir gradually into boiling water until of the desired consistence. An excellent emollient application. In the form of a mush-jacket, it is much employed in acute pulmonary and in pleural inflammations. When prepared with a hot decoction of black-willow bark (Salix nigra., it forms an excellent application to surfaces poisoned by Rhus Toxicodendron and other species of poison vine.
IV. POTATO POULTICE.—Mashed boiled potatoes spread upon inflamed surfaces are often useful, being peculiarly effective in acute arthritic rheumatism. Grated raw potato is also a useful application for inflammatory disorders, and especially valuable in inflammations of the face and eyelids. It will stain clothing black.
V. ALUM POULTICE.—This is prepared by coagulating with 1 drachm of alum, the albumen, or fluid whites, of 2 eggs. It is employed where a cooling and astringent cataplasm is required.
