cataplasm

Cataplasm refers to a soft, moist mass applied to the skin to produce a local therapeutic effect. Traditionally, cataplasms were used to treat pain, inflammation, fever, and certain digestive complaints by placing a warm, damp preparation on the torso or limbs. The term derives from the Greek kataplásmē, “a thing laid down.”

Common preparations include bread or oatmeal moistened with liquid, crushed herbs such as comfrey, chamomile, or plantago, mustard pastes, or clays. These substances are spread on fabric and applied to the skin, sometimes under a second cloth to improve heat retention. Medicinal poultices may be warmed before application and left in place until cooled.

Mechanism and uses: The warmth and moisture promote local vasodilation and tissue softening. Some cataplasms are believed to draw fluids to the surface, though modern evidence for toxin drawing is limited. They have been used for musculoskeletal pain, bronchial congestion, and minor skin conditions, often as a short-term complementary treatment rather than a primary remedy.

Safety and limitations: Cataplasms can irritate the skin or cause burns, especially when using strong irritants such as mustard. They should not be applied to broken skin, near the eyes, or on very young children without medical advice. People with sensitive skin, dermatitis, diabetes, or circulatory problems should exercise caution. They are generally considered complementary therapies and not substitutes for medical care.