In the treatment of colds, which are accompanied by coughing, doctors prescribe not only medications, but also alternative methods of treatment, which include mustard plaster. In our article we will tell how to put them to adults and children in order to get the necessary effect.
What is required to put mustard plasters
Before putting mustard plasters, one should understand what this procedure is for and what effect it has on the body. Also, before applying them, you should always consult a doctor, because the unauthorized use of mustard plaster can only harm.
Treatment with them will be useful for:
- lesions of the respiratory tract;
- pneumonia or bronchial asthma;
- strong coughing;
- headache;
- bronchitis;
- other colds.
The principle of mustard plasters is simple: mustard powder, which is their active ingredient, begins its impact after it is dipped in water. Upon contact with the skin of mustard plasters, essential oil is released, irritating the upper layers of the epidermis, providing a warming effect. Due to this, blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases, which ensures maximum blood supply to the organs.
That is why it is so important when using them to clarify exactly where to put the mustard plasters with a certain problem.
However, it is worth remembering that this method has a number of contraindications and limitations.
For example, it is possible to use mustard plasters no more than once in two days (more frequent procedures can only harm).
In addition, you should not use this method for young children, because mustard plasters have increased stress on the heart.
There are the following contraindications:
- High sensitivity of the skin.
- Individual intolerance.
- The presence of dermatological diseases.
- Sores and lesions on the skin.
- Tuberculosis.
- Oncological diseases.
- Suffering from a heart attack, other heart problems.
It is also worth remembering that in no case can you use this method for pregnant women, since mustard oil contains substances that can provoke early labor.
In addition, the use of mustard leads to an increase in the tone of the uterus, which ultimately causes a deterioration in the blood supply to the fetus.
Recommendations for use
Mustard plaster is usually imposed on the chest, but not everyone understands exactly where. Although this is a very important point, on which the dynamics of the development of the disease largely depends. The final choice of the field depends on the pathology.
With a strong cough, the mustard plaster is usually placed on the back and chest to provide a double warming effect (if we talk about young patients, it’s better to use a simple mustard powder - put it in the baby’s socks so that it warms the feet).
It is best to carry out the procedure before bedtime - if everything was done correctly, then in most cases relief will come in the morning.
Before applying mustard plasters, you should first check the sensitivity of the skin. For example, a slight redness or even a rash may appear during the first use, but during the procedure itself many people complain of burning.
In this case, it is best to use the intermediate layer in the form of a thin towel or napkin - although the warming effect will not be so intense, it will still be useful for the body.
On the back
The sequence of using mustard plaster is as follows:
- need to wet the sheet in warm water;
- put it on your back;
- cover with a blanket or thick towel;
- keep mustard leaf no more than 10 minutes;
- process redness with baby cream.
On the chest
The use of mustard leaf in this case allows you to clear the bronchi, faster to cope with the cough. Put a mustard plaster in the central part of the chest, covered with a blanket on top.
On the calf
This procedure helps with acute attacks of pain in the calves, with headaches, acute course of the inflammatory process in the body, to reduce the temperature. But in order to put mustard plasters, it is necessary for the patient to lay down on his stomach, hereinafter the instruction is similar to the one above:
- wet sheet;
- impose it on the calf;
- cover with a towel;
- stand the right time.
On the neck
In this case, mustard plaster helps in the treatment of diseases such as pharyngitis or laryngitis. Important note: mustard plaster can be placed only on a thin towel. Since the skin on the neck is very delicate, then after use without additional protection, traces may remain on it.
We put mustard plasters from cough
Mustard plasters will help to cope with a cough that has appeared both against the background of a cold and against the background of any infectious disease. As we have said, these drugs will help even with pneumonia, which speaks of their effectiveness. But there are several features when using them for children and adults.
For children
In childhood, the treatment of children has some peculiarities. For example, when using mustard plasters it is important not to provoke the appearance of allergies and irritation. In no case do not use them without a doctor's prescription, it is mandatory to maintain the time indicated on the package, this will avoid burning, pain. Without fail, use a towel as a protective layer between the skin and the mustard leaf.
We have already said that for children (under 6 years old) mustard powder can be used. There are some important tips to consider:
- Socks should be made from natural material. They fall asleep in 1-2 tablespoons. powder.
- Put on clean and dry feet.
- From above pull pair of woolen socks.
Soak powder socks for 8 hours, because this procedure is best done at night.
For adults
And if children can hardly endure the discomfort, then it is much easier for adults: just prepare sachets of mustard powder and stick them on the desired area. Similarly, you can use mustard patches: just stick on the right place. The advantage of this method is that they can be easily hidden under clothes and go on business. When using mustard plaster, carefully read the instructions, keeping them on the skin for the right amount of time.
For the treatment of cough, mustard plaster has been used for many decades, and earlier they were made by themselves, using powder and paper, today they can be easily purchased at a pharmacy. The main thing is to properly apply the tool and maintain it for the required time.
