How Do You Spell OPIUM PLASTER?

1. Opium plaster refers to a medicinal patch or adhesive plaster applied to the skin, containing opium as its active ingredient. Opium is a natural substance derived from the opium poppy plant, known for its sedative and pain-relieving effects.

   Opium plasters have been used historically to treat various ailments, such as localized pain, muscle or joint discomfort, and certain skin conditions. The plaster is typically made by combining opium with other ingredients like wax, resin, or rubber, which helps bind the opium and create a malleable patch that adheres to the skin.

   Upon application, opium plaster slowly releases the active compounds of opium, mainly its alkaloids like morphine and codeine, into the skin and nearby tissues. These alkaloids can then be absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in systemic effects that alleviate pain, induce a sense of relaxation, or act as a mild sedative.

   Opium plasters are typically applied to the affected area, such as the site of pain or inflammation, and left in place for a specific duration. The duration of usage and the strength of the opium plaster may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the recommendation of a healthcare professional.

   Due to the potent nature of opium and the potential for addiction and side effects, the use of opium plasters is now less common than it was in previous centuries. Nowadays, safer and more controlled alternatives are often preferred for pain management and palliative care.

2. Emplastrum opii.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPIUM PLASTER

The word "opium" is derived from the Latin word "opium" which in turn comes from the Greek word "opion". The term "opion" refers specifically to the juice of the poppy plant, which was used as a sedative and pain reliever.

The word "plaster" has its origins in the Latin word "emplastrum", which means "a poultice". It refers to a medicinal substance spread on a cloth and applied to the skin for therapeutic purposes.

Hence, the term "opium plaster" combines the word "opium" to describe the active ingredient, with "plaster" to indicate the mode of delivery, referring to a pain-relieving substance containing opium applied directly to the skin.