Cataplasm

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The cataplasm (Latin cataplasma , Greek katáplasma "spread; ointment", from the Greek plassō "spread") is a poultice with a soft paste made from plants and / or other medicinal substances.

A cataplasm is a poultice ( wrap ) that is placed externally on the skin. In addition to pain relief and inflammation therapy, joint problems, skin diseases and itching are also used. The ointment often consists of a mashed potatoes or flaxseed, but can also contain other crushed vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants. In addition to the active plant ingredients, the physical property of storing heat or cold for a long time comes into play. Recipes for cataplasms have been used for centuries and are traditional natural remedies in many cultures.

Corresponding pharmaceutical formulations are defined in the European pharmacopoeia under the name “envelope paste”: It is a hydrophilic, heat-storing base in which the active ingredients are dispersed. Envelope pastes are usually spread on a cloth in a thick layer and warmed up before being applied to the skin.

See also

literature

  • Erich Ebstein: On the history of the cataplasms. In: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 4, 1926, Issue 2, p. 12 f.

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Individual evidence

  1. European Arzeibuch, Ph.Eur. 8th edition, basic work 2014, official German edition, p. 1191.