Mustard plasters were very popular among Soviet doctors. Modern experts treat them with considerable skepticism. Mustard plasters irritate the skin, causing local fever, and stimulate the immune system. Their effectiveness has not been confirmed clinical trials, however, many doctors and patients, relying on their positive experience, continue to recommend and use this remedy.
Compound
Mustard plasters are paper bags with powdery contents. They can be whole or divided into 4 cells. The powder consists of crushed mustard seeds, to which cake can be added and Eucalyptus oil depending on the release form. The packages are placed in plastic packaging.
Mustard contains the following substances that provide medicinal properties drug:
About 10% of the seed composition remains unidentified.
Attention! Mustard powder should be used only topically and as directed! Possible serious poisoning if ingested or inhaled.
Indications for use
Mustard plasters can be used in the following cases:
Method of use
The mustard plaster is shaken off for uniform distribution powder inside the package. Before use, it is important to check the integrity of the packaging, otherwise burns may occur. The bag is immersed for a few seconds in water heated to 37°. After this, the liquid is allowed to drain and placed on the patient’s clean, dry skin.
It is advisable to wrap polyethylene and insulating material on top, at least a wool scarf. For children, the procedure time should be several minutes, for adult patients – up to 20. It is necessary that the mustard plaster be pressed tightly to the skin. The tension should only be released when a strong burning or itching sensation occurs. Keeping mustard plaster longer than the specified period can be hazardous to health.
Attention! Only correct application mustard plasters and placing them according to the instructions will save patients from possible undesirable consequences.
After the procedure, you need to avoid physical or mental stress and hypothermia. A better solution would be to go to bed or engage in quiet activities.
Overlap zones
Most often, mustard plasters are placed on the back and chest area. Indications for this are inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. On the back, they are placed under the shoulder blades to the lumbar area, without affecting the spine area. In front they are placed on the sternum and ribs. This measure is most often practiced for bronchitis. It is worth noting that it is unlikely that it will be possible to warm up the respiratory tract with the help of mustard plasters; their effect does not extend so deeply. More suitable for these purposes.
For a runny nose, mustard plasters can be used as a measure of distraction therapy. To do this, they are put on their feet. For any colds It is recommended to place mustard plasters on the calves or feet.
Important! It is better not to put mustard plasters on your face because of the risk of getting burns; for these purposes it is better to use a pepper plaster.
For radiculitis they are placed on the lower back. Experts recommend first dipping them in a solution of honey with furatsilin. This will enhance the warming effect and reduce the manifestation of inflammation.
For osteochondrosis, mustard plasters are placed on the site of the lesion, trying to place them on the muscles. For the cervical variant of the disease, they are placed on the collar area. In this case, mustard plasters do not help get rid of osteochondrosis. They are a temporary measure to reduce the severity of symptoms.
In manuals on folk medicine you can find recommendations for treating headaches, hypertension, insomnia with mustard plasters. This measure is not official and is not reflected in the instructions. To do this, mustard plasters are placed on the area of the feet or on the back of the head. In the latter case, they need to be squeezed out less: this is necessary so that through the liquid that wets the hair, active ingredients reached the scalp.
Video: why and how to install mustard plasters?
Mechanism of action
When the glycoside comes into contact with the skin, an irritation reaction occurs. The body reacts to mustard components as if it were a foreign agent. As a result, the blood vessels dilate at the site of application and immune system cells migrate there. Redness develops, burning and itching is felt.
The hormone adrenaline is released into the blood. It stimulates all body systems, including the immune system. As a result, special cells - phagocytes - are activated. They are responsible for digestion foreign elements. In case of infection, this helps fight its sources. In case of muscle pain, increased local blood circulation helps to quickly remove harmful toxins, in particular lactic acid.
Distraction therapy for hypertension and headaches is associated with the idea that when the intensity of blood circulation increases in one place, it decreases in another. That is, applying mustard plasters to the feet should cause blood to flow out of the head, which will lead to the elimination of symptoms. It must be said that this theory does not find any confirmation in theoretical medicine.
Contraindications
Mustard plasters have wide range contraindications. They can be relative or absolute. Their absolutely cannot be used in the following cases:
Other contraindications are not clear and categorical, if they are available, you should use mustard plasters after consulting with your doctor and discussing the treatment regimen:
Side effects
After taking mustard plasters, the following unpleasant consequences are possible:
Mustard plasters are an inexpensive, effective remedy for fighting colds, runny nose and cough. Mothers and grandmothers often warm up traditional way, but does everyone know the rules for using mustard plasters in children?
Errors when using paper sheets with mustard or hot powder for warming compresses often cause irritation, burns of delicate skin, and worsen the baby’s well-being. Find out how to apply mustard plasters to children and at what age they are allowed to use the home heating method.
Benefit
Mustard plasters have long been used as an adjuvant in the treatment of many respiratory diseases, including in children. of different ages. The beneficial effects of burning powder have been confirmed by numerous studies and patient reviews.
Action:
- strengthen local immunity;
- warm up problem areas;
- help treat runny nose, cough;
- increase the tone of the autonomic nervous system;
- improve blood circulation.
Properties
How mustard plaster works:
- essential oil releases vapors when heated;
- phytoncides, useful acids penetrate the skin;
- blood vessels dilate significantly, blood circulation improves;
- when nerve receptors are excited, a large amount of norepinephrine and adrenaline enters the blood, strengthening the body's defenses.
Traditional warming is effective not only for colds. Burning powder is an effective remedy for relieving radiculitis, muscle pain, and neuralgia. Heat penetrates into the affected area, relieves pain, essential oils relieve inflammation.
Kinds
At the pharmacy, parents will find two types of useful products:
- first option. Traditional paper plates coated with mustard powder mixed with ground cake. Sheet size – 8x12.5 cm. One package contains 10 sheets for heating;
- second option. Mustard mixture in paper bags. The powder is packaged in 3 g packs. The package contains from 2 to 20 packets.
For young children (up to seven years old) the second option is suitable. Leave traditional paper plates with a more active irritating effect for older children (from 8 years old) and adult patients.
Indications for use
In pediatrics, mustard powder is used as an aid for the following problems:
- pleurisy;
- bronchopneumonia;
- dry/wet cough that doesn't stop long time.
Adults also use traditional warming for diseases that children have not yet encountered. Mustard essential oil actively relieves pain in cases of myalgia, radiculitis, and headaches.
Contraindications
Please note the limitations: mustard powder has a powerful irritant effect; for some diseases and conditions, an effective warming agent cannot be used.
Avoid using mustard plasters in the following cases:
- age up to two years. Pediatricians recommend using more gentle ointments and warming solutions: thin, delicate skin is easily irritated. Pediatricians allow mustard plasters for children over 2 years old;
- Is it possible to install mustard plasters at a temperature? If the temperature in children rises above 37.3 degrees, it is impossible. Violation of the rule leads to sharp increase indicators: activation of blood circulation. Irritation of nerve receptors quickly converts 37 degrees to 38. Do not risk the baby’s health, use mustard plasters at the final stage of the disease ( elevated temperature should not be 1 day or more);
- wet or dry cough against the background of pronounced symptoms of ARVI. Chills, body aches, weakness, fever are a reason to refuse mustard powder for warming up problem areas;
- neoplasms of any nature, dermatological problems, skin damage. The area of heating should be “clean”: any wounds, ulcers, pimples, moles are a reason to refuse mustard plasters;
- neurodermatitis, allergic reactions on mustard powder.
Note! Mustard plasters are contraindicated not only for newborns, but also for expectant mothers.
Other treatments for dry cough in children have been described; Read about how to treat green snot in a child; We have an article about treating a runny nose with a nebulizer.
How to put mustard plasters on children
Take into account the nuances, read the section carefully. Violation of the rules often causes skin burns, fever, and a sharp rejection of the useful procedure. If a child is once afraid of a strong burning sensation or pain when mustard plasters are placed incorrectly, it will be difficult to force him to repeat the session.
- For children, it is not traditional paper sheets with burning powder that are suitable, but mustard wraps. The technique is gentle, but just as effective;
- pour mustard powder into hot water. For 500 ml of liquid, 10 g of dry mustard is enough;
- take a piece of gauze, fold it several times, rinse in mustard water, squeeze lightly, wrap the chest and back of a cold child;
- put the baby on the sofa, cover with a towel, then with a warm blanket;
- Warm-up duration – no more than five minutes (first procedure – 2 minutes);
- remove the gauze, thoroughly rinse off the mustard, put on a flannel blouse;
- now the little patient must rest, lie under a blanket, and not get out of bed in order to consolidate the effect of the procedure;
- The right time is in the evening, so that after warming up the baby falls asleep.
There is another way to set mustard plasters for older children:
- lubricate the area where you will place the mustard plasters with Vaseline or vegetable oil, put a thin fabric (cotton, chintz). The material should not fade. A good option– thin diaper;
- pour warm water into a bowl (no more than 40 degrees), put mustard plasters in for 15 seconds (the powder should become soft);
- remove the plates, wait a few seconds until the water drains, apply to the selected location;
- cover the area with a terry towel and a blanket;
- after 2–4 minutes, unwrap the little patient, remove the paper sheets, cloth or gauze, wash off the remaining mustard and oil;
- gently blot the skin, wipe dry with a soft towel (without strong pressure), apply baby cream;
- put the child to bed. After the session, cover your cold baby with a warm blanket. You need to warm up and lie down for at least an hour;
- The ideal time to warm up using this method is evening.
How long to keep warming sheets
The duration of the session depends on age. Do not overexpose paper sheets or gauze soaked in mustard water.
Optimal time:
- first procedure: 2 minutes, no more;
- second – fifth procedure: from 3 to 5 minutes.
How long should you keep mustard plasters? Depending on age:
- from 2 to 3 years – 2 minutes;
- from 4 to 7 years – 3 minutes;
- from 8 to 12 years – 5 minutes.
Check the condition of your skin every minute. At severe redness, complaints: “It bakes very much,” remove the paper immediately. Immediately remove the remaining softened mustard: it is most convenient to perform the operation with a soft towel moistened with warm water. With mustard wrap, irritation rarely occurs.
Number of procedures
How often should mustard plasters be applied, how many sessions are recommended for a child? The answer will be given only by a local pediatrician, ENT doctor or pulmonologist, taking into account the age of the young patient, the severity, and type of disease.
Most often, 5 warm-ups are performed, less often the number of procedures is increased. More than 10 sessions cannot be performed.
Note! For maximum effect, warm your chest or back daily, in the evening, before bed. Mustard powder should not be used more than once during the day to fight colds in children. Home remedy highly active, an “overdose” of essential oils often causes burns on delicate skin and allergic reactions.
Warm-up zones
The procedure will be beneficial if you follow the rules. Violation of recommendations causes side effects.
Suitable areas for warming up in children depending on the type of disease:
- how to apply mustard plasters for coughs. Side and front of the chest, upper back, area under and between the shoulder blades;
- with a runny nose. Feet. Moisten the gauze with mustard water, cellophane on top, then warm socks. The child should keep his feet under a warm blanket. The rules are the same as when treating a cough.
It is prohibited to place paper sheets with mustard or gauze on the following areas:
- heart area;
- spine.
Mustard plaster burn: how to act correctly
Under the influence of the components of mustard oil, a certain reaction occurs, blood circulation increases, and the area under the paper turns red. At misuse If the procedure time is violated, burns of delicate skin appear. How to proceed?
Listen to the advice of doctors:
- with complaints of severe burning remove mustard plasters immediately. Some mothers do not believe their children, they say that they are pretending. Do not brush off complaints, check the condition of the epidermis. Pronounced redness is a reason to immediately stop the procedure;
- In case of a severe burn, the skin becomes purple-purple, peels off, and bubbles and blisters form. The affected area is very itchy;
- Gently blot the reddened area with a terry towel or soft flannel soaked in warm water. In case of severe burn, rinse the problem area with warm water, do not rub under any circumstances. Do not use gauze: the fabric is too rough for delicate skin;
- check if there are any grains of powder left on the body;
- Treat the inflamed area with an antiseptic to prevent germs from penetrating through the damaged skin. Use Furacilin ointment or Syntomycin emulsion;
- Apply a thin layer of age-appropriate burn gel to the body (Psilo-balm, Dioxyzol, Solcoseryl). It is most convenient to apply Panthenol (spray from a can);
- do not lubricate the affected area with oil, petroleum jelly, greasy cream (they create a dense film that does not allow air to pass through), wipe with alcohol, cologne (increase irritation of the epidermis);
- cover the problem area with a sterile bandage;
- to prevent allergic reactions, give antihistamine: Zirtec, Suprastin, Erius, Claritin;
- be sure to give the little patient something to drink;
- for severe pain or fever, give children's Paracetamol or Efferalgan.
Has the mustard plaster burn noticeably worsened the little patient’s standing, has the temperature risen, are allergic reactions noticeable? Provide first aid as described above, call a doctor. Most parents take the procedure responsibly and rarely allow such cases to happen, but sometimes the skin is so delicate that it is not possible to completely prevent a burn.
Rules for selection and storage
- when purchasing, check the expiration date, refuse to use paper sheets with mustard powder, which have been in the medicine cabinet for years “just in case”;
- keep the warming product in a dry place. Close the package after use, otherwise moisture will penetrate inside, the powder will become damp, fall away from the paper or form lumps;
- the smell of mustard in bags or on paper sheets should be sharp, specific, without sourness. A musty smell often appears due to improper storage (excess moisture in the room). If this sign is detected, immediately discard the sheets, even if the expiration date has not yet expired;
- Look, the layer on the surface of the paper is somewhat uniform. Does dry mustard peel off easily and come off the paper base? You bought a low-quality warming agent or the mustard plasters have spoiled due to improper storage.
“Mustard water” and paper mustard plasters – good remedy to combat cough and runny nose in children. Take the recommendations into account, carry out the procedure correctly, and the healing warmth will certainly speed up the recovery of the young patient.
Useful tips for parents on the use of mustard plasters for children in the following video:
The good old way to treat thick sputum and tracheitis - mustard plasters for coughs. For which diseases does mustard plaster help and for which is it contraindicated? How to place it correctly for a child and an adult?
Mustard has a warming effect
Why are mustard plasters installed?
Mustard plaster is a warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic compress.It is recommended to put it when:
- myalgia and neuralgia;
- osteochondrosis;
- bruise or sprain;
- headaches;
- insomnia;
- high blood pressure;
- pleurisy;
- angina pectoris (with caution);
- dry, wet cough.
For which cough mustard plasters are used?
Cough is one of the most common indications for mustard plasters. With a dry cough, essential oils and blood flow help alleviate symptoms, relieve swelling and irritation of the mucous membrane. When wet – heat and increased blood circulation thin the thick mucus in the bronchi.
Mustard plasters are prescribed for the diagnosis:
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- laryngotracheitis;
- prolonged severe cough.
The effect of mustard plasters on the body
When heated, a paper bag with mustard irritates skin receptors. Blood flows to the place of their localization under the influence of heat, improves blood flow and useful material penetrate the body better. This process allows you to get rid of the virus, remove phlegm and improve your health.
How often can mustard plasters be installed?
For adults, it is advisable not to use mustard plasters more than once a day. For children mustard compresses are not shown every day - once every 48 hours. The average course for adults and children is 4-5 days.The doctor can adjust the duration due to individual characteristics or advanced stage of the disease. It is recommended to extend the course without harm to health by alternating different warming compresses: hot salt, sand or ointments. Then mustard plasters are used for 10 or more days. It is recommended to alternate places where mustard is applied. For example, take turns warming your chest and back.
What are the dangers of frequent use?
The skin suffers first: burns and allergies occur. Redness, itching and flaking of the skin are temporary side effects. They save, BoroPlus, moisturizing creams. But for a while skin covering remains painful and unsuitable for warming with compresses.
When significant improvement has occurred in several sessions, you should not stick to the course until the very end.
Mustard plasters can leave redness on the skin
At what temperature can mustard plasters be placed?
Mustard compress should not be used during acute inflammatory process when body temperature is elevated. There is a high risk of overheating the body, increasing inflammation and raising the temperature to a critical 40-42 °C.
For colds, acute respiratory infections, ARVI and other respiratory diseases with cough, the temperature remains high for the first days. This period is not suitable for warming up. A mustard plaster is placed when the thermometer has remained below 37 for the last 24 hours.
Mustard plasters for coughs for children
At what age do full treatment for cough begin? Children are given mustard plasters from the age of 6. Use at a young age is dangerous: the essential oils in mustard are strong allergens. In addition, children's delicate skin is easy to burn.
Children under 6 years of age should not be treated with mustard plasters
For children 2-5 years old urgent need The compress is applied to a double layer of gauze for 1-2 minutes.
For patients under one or two years old, the use of mustard is contraindicated!How to prepare and carry out the procedure
Children are afraid of mustard plasters, like injections, so the first stage of preparation is psychological. Explain to your child that the purpose of the procedure is to warm the back in order to recover faster. Tell us what you will do and why the procedure is useful. Reassure him with the promise that you will stop if he becomes uncomfortable. Restless child will not get the desired effect, because it will spin and be capricious. Moreover, excitement can catch up high temperature again.
Prepare what you need:
- mustard plasters sheets or mustard plasters packages;
- warm water (no more than 40 degrees);
- gauze or paper napkin, perforated paper;
- cotton towel or napkin;
- terry towel or blanket for covering;
- baby cream;
- water thermometer;
- watch.
Mustard leaves, hot water, a towel are the main components of the compress.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Place your baby in bed on his stomach in a comfortable position. Bare your back and chest (if indicated, apply heat on both sides).
- Lubricate the application area with a thin layer of baby cream. If the child is under 6 years old, then lay down paper, a napkin or gauze.
- Wet mustard plasters completely with warm water, blot off excess with a napkin and apply to the skin.
- Pull your clothes down the back and cover them with a blanket. Small children can be wrapped tightly and picked up.
- For the first session, 3 minutes of warming up is enough. Next times increase the time to 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the compress and wipe the skin dry with a cloth until completely dry. If your skin burns too much, wipe with a warm, damp towel. A thin layer of Panthenol ointment will not be superfluous.
- Put your child in bed with a warm blanket for another hour for better effect. It is best to warm up before bed.
Applying mustard plaster to a child
Do not force your child to endure the burning sensation. An extra 2 minutes of warming up will not do any good, but the skin will burn. The intensity of heating for compresses varies. For example, fresh powder heats much stronger and faster, so listen to the child’s request to stop the procedure.
For children, it is recommended to choose children's mustard plasters or bags. They are not so dangerous for children's covers. The protective paper layer makes the compress less aggressive. Direct contact of the powder with the skin, like mustard leaf, provokes irritation and warming up faster.
Mustard plasters for coughs in adults
For adults, instructions for use are similar to those for children. The difference is in the duration of the procedure and the degree of skin protection. For the first session, an adult only needs to wait 5-7 minutes. Average duration for the next warming - 10-15 minutes. Adults can hold mustard as long as the sensations allow.
A protective layer of gauze or cream is not needed - they will make the compress ineffective.
After warming up, an adult can lubricate the skin with Vaseline oil. It will moisturize and retain heat for a long period. It is better not to use it for children so as not to burn thin skin.
Afterwards it is recommended to drink hot drinks: herbal teas with lemon.
How to apply mustard plasters for wet cough and bronchitis
For the mustard plaster to work at wet cough, it is placed on the back: just below the shoulder blades and away from the spine. Also in the chest area, but not on the heart. Apply the compress just below the collarbones in the middle of the chest. The photo shows areas where it is correct to apply heat when coughing.
Place mustard plasters on the chest, but not on the heart
Is it possible to apply mustard plasters for dry cough and tracheitis?
For tracheitis, the chest compress and the mustard “boot” method are most effective.” Compresses are applied to the calves and feet and insulated with socks made of natural thread and wool. If the patient has a runny nose, then such pads eliminate this problem too.
The time of the session is unchanged - from 3 to 5 minutes for children and from 5 to 15 for adults. Still, focus on the sensations while wearing mustard “boots.” The skin on the feet and around the toes is quite vulnerable. And in the company of natural wool, you will get burned faster than you would like.
Contraindications
Contraindications for mustard plasters in the treatment of cough include:
- tuberculosis;
- oncological formations;
- bleeding;
- an abundance of moles;
- body temperature above 37 degrees;
- blood diseases;
- neurological diseases (such as epilepsy).
Particular attention is paid to the condition of the skin area where mustard plaster is applied.
Examine it for:
- rashes;
- wounds, scratches, ulcers, erosions, bedsores;
- dermatitis;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, for example).
Mustard plasters should not be used for rashes
Any signs of unhealthy skin are a contraindication to mustard warming. As well as allergies, individual intolerance and skin hypersensitivity.
You should stop a session (especially the first one) when:
- The patient complains of severe burning, itching or pain in the area of application.
- The patient feels a deterioration in health.
Mustard plasters are first aid for any type of cough. A cheap and accessible method to thin sputum during wet cough and alleviate symptoms of dry skin. Mustard compresses are given to adults and children with school age. The duration and frequency of heating largely depends on the severity of the disease and the patient’s sensitivity to the ingredient in the pads.
For children, there are children's mustard plasters on sale that are much softer and safer. Mustard overlays should be used with caution: the aggressive powder can burn the skin in one session.
Mustard plasters are an inexpensive but very effective treatment various diseases. Most often, such applications are made for respiratory diseases, but they can be used for rheumatism, radiculitis and arthritis. People who don't have medical education, people often wonder how to apply such warming compresses and how long the procedure should last. In addition, many are interested full readings There are also contraindications to this procedure.
general description
Mustard plasters are medical product, which has local analgesic, anti-inflammatory and irritant effects. Mustard plasters are useful especially for intense coughing, which occurs with colds, as well as for treating bruises and sprains.
When mustard comes into contact with the skin, reflex reactions occur. This is due to irritation of the nerve endings that are located in upper layers skin. Mustard plasters do this therapeutic effect:
- Promote expansion blood vessels and activation of blood circulation.
- Excite symptomatic nervous system, due to which adrenaline is additionally released into the blood.
- Promotes warming of inflamed tissues.
The patient needs a compress of mustard plasters to the immune system began to work more actively and all the body’s forces were directed to fight the infection. Such a primitive remedy will help significantly speed up recovery.
Mustard plasters are available in two types. At the pharmacy you can buy paper sheets, on one side of which a thin layer of mustard is applied, and sachets made of thin paper, in the middle of which there is mustard powder. Both of these medicines equally effective.
To treat children under 7 years of age, it is better to use sachet sachets, which are gentler than sheets, with a layer of mustard applied.
When are mustard plasters needed?
- Bronchitis and pleurisy.
- Bronchopneumonia.
- For long-term illnesses that are accompanied by a non-productive and wet cough.
- Migraines and insomnia.
- With unstable blood pressure.
- Radiculitis, myositis and neuralgia.
- When spraining ligaments.
- Laryngitis, pharyngitis and laryngotracheitis.
Mustard applications have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
Contraindications
There are a number of contraindications to applying mustard applications. It is prohibited to apply warm compresses to the following diseases and conditions:
- In the acute phase of a respiratory disease, when the temperature is elevated, chills and fever are also observed.
- During the period of bearing a child, as well as during the lactation period.
- For neurodermatitis.
- For oncological diseases.
- For pathologies of a dermatological nature. This includes eczema, dermatitis, and purulent rashes.
- For bronchial asthma.
- If you are intolerant to mustard powder, as well as high sensitivity to him.
Mustard plasters are also contraindicated for pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis and suspected pulmonary hemorrhage.
You can resort to such warming procedures only as prescribed by a doctor. Before starting treatment, be sure to read the instructions for use and if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
How to place it correctly
In order for mustard compresses to have a good therapeutic effect, they must be used correctly. If there are no contraindications to mustard plasters, then they are placed according to the following algorithm:
- Pour warm water into a small bowl and place the container on a chair near the patient’s bed.
- Open the package of mustard plasters and take out 6-8 pieces for an adult, 3-4 are enough for a child.
- The sheets are lowered horizontally into water for a couple of seconds, after which they are immediately placed on the patient’s back. Applications must be placed parallel to each other, avoiding the area of the heart and liver.
When all the mustard plasters have been placed, the patient’s back is covered with a cotton diaper, then with a layer of thin cellophane and a blanket is wrapped on top. The duration of the procedure for adults is 15 minutes, for children no more than 5 minutes..
When treating children, applications should be applied reverse side or through one layer of gauze. In this case, mustard plasters do not heat up so much and will not lead to burns.
If during the procedure the patient feels a strong burning sensation, then the compresses are immediately removed and the skin is thoroughly wiped.
Where should you put mustard plasters?
The use of mustard plasters should be agreed with your doctor. Mustard compresses are applied to various parts of the body, the location of application depends on the diagnosis.
- For bronchitis and respiratory pathologies, applications can be placed on the back, top part breasts, calf muscles and feet.
- For migraines and severe runny nose Warming compresses are placed on the back of the head.
- For laryngitis, tracheitis and laryngotracheitis, mustard leaves should be applied to the upper part of the chest.
- At severe pain and sore throat, mustard plasters are applied to the throat, avoiding the thyroid gland area.
For radiculitis or neuralgia, compresses are placed on problem areas and covered with a woolen scarf on top.
Features of treatment
For the treatment of respiratory and neurological diseases, you need to take only fresh mustard plasters. In this case, you should pay attention not only to the date of manufacture, but also to appearance medicinal applications. If they were stored incorrectly, for example in a damp place, then they may also be unusable.
On fresh mustard plasters, the powder should be applied evenly and have a pleasant smell of essential oils. If mustard has the smell of old oil, then it is not worth treating with such drugs. You should not use mustard plasters, whose healing layer falls off.
Mustard plasters should not be soaked in very hot water, as in this case the beneficial substances are destroyed and healing effect decreases.
Mustard applications are useful for severe cough, runny nose, as well as neurological pain. Before resorting to such treatment, it is necessary to carefully study the indications and contraindications for the warming procedure. For the treatment to be effective, mustard leaves must be placed correctly.
Recently, more and more people are trying to resort to the use of natural, herbal medicines and folk recipes for the treatment of various diseases. It is assumed that such therapy will be safe and will not leave negative consequences.
But grandmother’s methods of treatment are not suitable for everyone. Controversial issue The use of mustard powder to treat cough remains. Some experts say that this method is an excellent addition to standard treatment. Others are sure that mustard plasters for coughs can do more harm than good.
For many years people have used mustard powder to treat various pathologies. This method was actively used for joint diseases, muscle strains, colds, nasal congestion, increased blood pressure, headaches, as well as for the purpose of prevention after hypothermia.
During a cough, the use of mustard plasters has gained particular popularity. Now this remedy is not in short supply. Mustard plasters are available at any pharmacy without a prescription. But you need to know whether it is possible to apply mustard plasters for a cough in one case or another and how to apply them.
Coughing is a defensive reaction resulting from irritation of the respiratory tract. It can be physiological (not dangerous) or pathological (caused by some disease).
In the first case, the use of mustard plasters will not only be useless, but even an unreasonable, stupid act. For pathological cough, the use of such folk way acceptable, but it also has its own characteristics, caveats and limitations.
Indications for use
Despite the fact that mustard plasters are now considered folk remedy, they have certain medical indications for use.
Depending on these, a specific location for placing the warming sheet is selected. Mustard plasters are recommended for the following pathologies:
- colds, ARVI, catarrhal phenomena (calves, neck, feet);
- tracheitis in acute stage(sternum, upper part);
- pulmonary diseases (lateral areas of the ribs, sternum);
- angina attack (heart);
- increased blood pressure, crisis (soles, calves, back of the neck);
- myositis, neurological diseases(affected area).
Mustard powder sachets can be used for coughs caused by the following diseases:
- Bronchitis,
- pneumonia,
- tracheitis,
- pharyngitis,
- rhinitis,
- adenoiditis,
- angina.
Be sure to consult your doctor before using this product. Remember that the use of mustard plasters does not exempt you from following prescribed recommendations and taking medications.
The principle of action of mustard plasters
Before putting mustard plasters on coughs for adults or children, you should learn about the principles of operation and action of this remedy. Today in pharmacies you can find the most different shapes sachets of warming powder. But the operating principle is the same for all of them.
After water hits dry mustard, the release of essential oils begins. At this moment, the mustard plaster is already in contact with the patient’s skin.
The bag has an irritating and warming effect on the dermis. The vessels passing under the skin begin to expand, blood circulation improves, and the organ that is affected by heat is nourished.
Mustard plasters stimulate the nervous and autonomic system. The body's defenses are reflexively increased. When heated, this product causes an outflow of blood from distant zones, which is actively used by people with nasal congestion or swelling. Packets of mustard powder provide an irritating and distracting effect, which helps to soothe a dry cough.
How to properly apply mustard plasters for coughs
In order to correctly place mustard plasters when coughing, the patient will need help. It is very difficult to put mustard plasters on the back area yourself, so ask one of your relatives to help you.
Prepare the required number of bags in advance. Depending on their size, it can vary from 2 to 8 pieces.
Pour clean, heated water into a shallow cup. The temperature of the liquid should not be higher than 45 degrees, otherwise the patient risks getting burned. Plan the time of the manipulation so that after it you do not need to go anywhere.
In addition to water to wet the mustard plasters and the bags themselves, you will need a small terry towel and a blanket. After the procedure, Vaseline or baby cream will be useful (some patients use oil or alcohol).
Features of the treatment of wet cough
Where to put mustard plasters for coughing depends on the nature of the most disturbing symptom. A wet cough is usually caused by inflammation of the lower parts of the body respiratory system. It occurs with bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis. Treatment principle of this characteristic consists of diluting sputum and facilitating its release.
In this case, mustard plasters should be placed on the back, in the area of the lungs and bronchi.
Soak the bags in water and quickly apply them to the indicated areas. Cover the patient with a towel and blanket. You should be in this state for no more than 15 minutes.
If the burning sensation is strong, then you need to remove the warm compress after 10 minutes.
After this time, carefully remove the bags and wipe the skin with a clean, damp towel.
This is necessary to remove any remaining mustard powder. Next, rub your back with cream or Vaseline, dress in cotton underwear and immediately go to bed. After using mustard plasters for a wet cough, it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water.
The liquid will enhance the thinning effect of the folk remedy.
Features of the treatment of dry cough
Mustard plasters for dry coughs should be placed on the back or sternum area. To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, you can do this at the same time.
As before, soak the bags in water and place them on the patient's body. Place two bags in front between your chest and neck. From behind, paper envelopes are applied to the interscapular area. Cover the patient with a towel and blanket.
The duration of the manipulation should not be more than a quarter of an hour. For a dry cough, warming up for 7-9 minutes is sufficient.
Upon completion of the procedure, be sure to remove any remaining mustard powder from the body, then rub the patient and send him to bed.
It is advisable to do this manipulation before going to bed at night. But if this is not possible, then lie under the covers for at least 40-50 minutes. Otherwise, heating with mustard powder will have little effect.
There is evidence that the palm area near thumb responsible for the functioning of the respiratory system. Mustard plaster can also be applied there to treat dry cough. The duration of the procedure is the same as for warming up the back.
Is it possible to put mustard plasters on a child?
This issue is still subject to heated discussions and debates. It would seem that mustard plasters are a safe and effective remedy, it acts externally, no synthetic substances enter the child’s body. Therefore, warming bags can be used even for small children. But it's not that simple.
It is believed that in the first year or two it is better not to put mustard plasters on a child. Some pediatricians completely recommend abandoning this manipulation until the age of 7.
Whether or not to put mustard plasters on children is a personal matter for each parent. Experts can only warn and caution, but are not able to prohibit.
Why should you avoid this procedure with children?
- The skin of young children is very delicate and sensitive. Mustard plasters can easily cause burns.
- If the child has heart disease, which the parent may not know about, it will worsen.
- In children younger age There is an allergy to the essential oil of mustard powder. The severity of such a reaction is unpredictable.
- Thermoregulation of babies of the first year is still unstable. Placing mustard plasters can cause the temperature to rise to high values.
- A child may have contraindications to the procedure that parents are unaware of.
Features of treatment for children
If you are still determined to use a well-known remedy, then you need to know how to apply mustard plasters for coughs in children.
Many children believe that this procedure will be painful. Convince the little patient of the opposite. Say that when you appear discomfort you will remove everything at once.
You can distract your baby with cartoons or hold him in your arms to give him confidence. For older children, you can offer reading or engage them in something they love.
A child needs to apply mustard plasters in the same way as an adult. Avoid the heart area and do not place the bags on the spine.
Wet the paper squares with warm water and apply to the selected area (chest or back). Cover the baby with a towel and blanket. The duration of the procedure depends on the age of the baby:
- children under three years old need to hold the mustard plasters for 2 minutes;
- for children under 7 years old – no more than 4 minutes;
- for schoolchildren – 7 minutes.
Such a framework should be adhered to if the manipulation does not cause any discomfort in the child.
When your baby begins to complain of severe burning or pain, you should immediately remove the warming pack and wipe the skin with a clean, damp cloth.
Periodically look at the area where the mustard plasters are located. If there is severe redness, stop the procedure immediately.
Cough wraps for children
For young children, pediatricians recommend mustard wraps rather than mustard plasters. This procedure is considered less dangerous, but just as effective. Suitable over 2 years old. To carry it out you will need several mustard plasters, water and cotton or linen fabric.
Dampen the cloth and transfer the contents of the mustard plasters onto it. Wrap chest child with this design, leave it for 5 minutes. The rule of the first complaint works here exactly as it does when installing mustard plasters.
If a small patient reports pain and severe burning, the heating should be stopped. After the wrap is removed, the child should be washed with warm water.
You will not be able to remove the remaining powder with a towel. Do not use hot water for washing, as it can burn already irritated skin.
After this, wipe the baby dry, put him in pajamas and send him to bed.
Mustard plasters at home - why and how to install them?
Contraindications for use and precautions
There are a number of medical contraindications for the warming procedure. You should familiarize yourself with them if you plan to treat your cough with mustard plasters.
- Increased body temperature.
Warming up can provoke an additional increase in the thermometer level. This happens especially often in children. If the child's cough is accompanied by febrile temperature, then you should wait a few days before using mustard plasters.
- Individual intolerance.
Some people have a peculiarity - an allergy to mustard. If you or your child have this uniqueness, then you should not put mustard plasters on.
- Inflammatory skin diseases.
If there are boils, suppuration or skin damage at the site where the warming packs were applied, the procedure should not be carried out until they are completely healed.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Women in these two conditions are contraindicated in any thermal procedures, including mustard plasters. It is better to trust a specialist and treat the cough with some other method.
- Asthma.
Contraindication to the use of warming bags. The fact is that the procedure can provoke another attack. If the cough is caused by asthma, then it cannot be treated with mustard plasters.
- Neoplasms.
This includes malignant or benign. The location of the tumor is not particularly important. For any neoplasm, temperature fluctuations are extremely undesirable.
- Internal bleeding.
Mustard plasters increase blood circulation and dilate blood vessels. If there is bleeding in the respiratory organs, it will become stronger. The consequences can be not only unpleasant, but also life-threatening.
Necessary caution
When carrying out the procedure, you should be careful and pay attention to the patient’s behavior, especially if cough is being treated in a child.
- Use mustard plasters purchased from a pharmacy chain. They contain a certain amount of powder needed for one 15-minute procedure. If you prepare the bags yourself, you can overdo it with mustard, resulting in a burn.
- Don't use the same mustard plaster twice. The effectiveness of repeated manipulation is reduced significantly. Some patients try to increase the warm-up time, but this does not lead to anything good. Repeated mustard plaster is ineffective and dangerous.
- Don't leave mustard plasters on overnight. An exception can be made only for dry bags placed in socks. But coughs are not usually treated this way. “Mustard boots” are used to combat the runny nose.
- Do not use heating agents for a long time. Maximum – 4 days in a row. If during this time the cough does not go away or you do not feel any improvement, then you need to see a doctor.
- Avoid the heart area. An attack of angina is eliminated by placing the bag on the heart muscle. But if you are treating a cough, then you cannot do this.
- After manipulation, lubricate the skin with an emollient.. Following this rule will help you avoid flaking, roughness and itching caused by exposure to mustard powder.
Many consumers praise mustard plasters, calling them effective means for the treatment of cough. However, doctors are not inclined to say so. Doctors strongly recommend not to self-medicate, but to strictly follow their instructions.
It is not always possible to cure a cough with warming. For example, if you have pneumonia, you cannot do without antibiotics. Mustard plasters will do little to help with pneumonia.
If you put mustard plasters on without a doctor’s prescription, but do not notice any improvement within 3-4 days, or hyperthermia appears after the first procedure, then do not continue dangerous and useless manipulations. Visit medical institution in the near future. Perhaps the cough is caused by a condition in which the use of warming agents is contraindicated.
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