A poultice, also called a cataplasm, is a soft moist mass that is spread on cloth and placed over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. Poultices can be heated and medicated, and they are often used to treat wounds, such as cuts, and to relieve inflammation. Poultices can also be used to draw out infection and to promote healing. They are made of various materials, including herbs, plants, and other substances with healing properties. Poultices can be applied directly to the skin or used on horses to relieve inflammation. Poultices can also be used to remove stains from porous stone such as marble or granite. The word "poultice" comes from the Greek word "poltos" transformed in the Latin puls, pultes, meaning "porridge".