Mustard for colds in adults: whether you can put, benefits

When a cold occurs, various treatment methods are always used – from folk recipes to pills and physiotherapy. In many families, the method of choice is mustard plasters for colds – this is an excellent warming and distracting remedy that can quickly put the patient on his feet, especially in the initial stages of a cold.

Can you use mustard plasters when you have a cold?

Mustard plaster acts only locally, warming the necessary area of the body. Another effect of mustard is distraction and irritant.

When essential oil comes into contact with the skin, it causes it to redden: blood flow increases and the vascular lumen expands.

Irritated intradermal receptors transmit impulses to the nervous system, adrenaline and other substances are released that stimulate the reaction of phagocytes.

To put it simply, all of the above processes activate the immune system to accelerate the removal of pathogenic microorganisms from the body.

During a cold, all the above mechanisms are very important: the immune system begins to work more actively, and healing occurs faster. In complicated colds, mustard plasters warm the respiratory organs - and such diseases as bronchitis and pneumonia recede.

The benefits of mustard plasters for colds

A mustard plaster is a thick paper card with a mustard powder paste applied to one surface. In pharmacies, you can also buy mustard plasters in the form of filter bags with mustard powder inside the cells.

When mustard and warm water are combined, the essential oil begins to be actively released: it is thanks to the oil that the analgesic, expectorant and disinfectant effect is achieved.

In addition, during thermal exposure, blood vessels expand, blood circulation accelerates. This leads to improved nutrition of tissues and organs, accelerates recovery.

Activation of blood circulation improves immune protection: first at the local level, and then systemic immunity increases.

The respiratory organs begin to actively produce mucus, which is removed from the respiratory tract in the form of phlegm: this is where the expectorant effect of mustard treatments manifests itself.

Indications for the procedure

Mustard plasters are purchased at the pharmacy if there are indications for their use. Such indications may be:

• respiratory diseases, bronchitis, pneumonia;
• cough due to a cold;
• bronchial asthma;
• radiculitis, lower back pain, headache and neck pain.

Mustard plasters help not only those who have a cold, but also with closed injuries, osteochondrosis, muscle and joint pain. However, the main use of mustard plasters is colds and respiratory diseases.

Mustard plasters improve breathing, accelerate the removal of mucus from the bronchi, making the cough productive.

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Preparation

Before the procedure, you need to decide where exactly the mustard plasters will be placed. Additionally, you need to prepare:

• directly mustard leaves;
• a bowl with water heated to +45°C;
• a sheet of parchment paper or a cloth napkin;
• warm towel;
• plaid.

The patient should lie down more comfortably so that the area where the mustard plasters are placed is visible.

First, you need to check the shelf life of the mustard plasters: the layer should not crumble, the sheets themselves should not be torn. Good mustard plasters emit a distinct mustard aroma.

Technique mustard for colds

For an adult patient, mustard plasters can be applied directly to the skin, but for children, an additional protective layer of parchment or a thin cloth napkin should be applied.

Mustard plasters are installed in stages:

• Take a mustard leaf or a mustard filter bag and hold it horizontally.
• Place the mustard plaster in a bowl of warm water and leave for 5-10 seconds.
• They take out the mustard plaster and let the water drain.
• Place the mustard plaster on the desired area of the skin with the side containing the mustard layer.
• Cover with a towel and a blanket on top.
• The mustard plasters are removed after about 10-15 minutes, the skin is wiped with a damp warm napkin. Additionally, the skin can be treated with a soft cream or oil.
• The patient is dressed and covered with a blanket.

After removing the mustard plasters, the patient should lie under a blanket for at least another 30-40 minutes. It is important to avoid cooling, drafts, and wind.

Where and how to apply mustard plasters for colds?

Most often, mustard plasters are placed on the chest, back, and lower limbs.

The chest and back are common areas for the procedure for respiratory diseases and colds. To enhance the therapeutic effect, after the mustard plasters are placed, they are covered with a thick cloth or towel.

Sometimes dry mustard plasters or mustard powder itself are placed in warm socks at night. This option is more gentle and is especially often used to treat colds in children.

By the way, if the procedures are carried out on a child, it is preferable to put mustard plasters on the back, and not on the chest, since there is a very high risk of harming the baby's heart and blood vessels. After treating children, the area of application should be lubricated with baby cream.

How to apply mustard plasters correctly when you have a cold?

Many people make a number of mistakes when applying mustard plasters – despite the fact that the procedure is relatively simple. Because of these mistakes, the treatment can become ineffective and even dangerous.

• Do not soak mustard leaves in hot water: this will destroy the medicinal components, after which the mustard will no longer be effective. The water should be 40-45°C.
• You should not put too many mustard plasters at the same time. The optimal number is from two to four pieces.
• You should not tolerate the burning if it is excessive: it can lead to burns. As a result, in addition to the cold, you will also have to treat wounds.
• The procedure should not be repeated too often: once a day is enough. Some specialists recommend performing the treatment even every other day.
• Each mustard plaster has an active and passive side: pay attention to which side the sheet faces the body, otherwise the procedure will not be effective.

Mustard plasters for colds in adults

Adult patients are allowed to apply mustard plasters to the back, chest, heels and calves. But most often they are applied to the chest and back - to the projection area of the respiratory organs.

Mustard plasters are soaked in warm water and applied to the necessary area - it is necessary to take into account that, for example, in case of diseases of the nasopharynx and inflammation of the tonsils, the chest area should be warmed. This area is located approximately five centimeters below the collarbone. Mustard plasters should not be placed on the heart area.

If there is inflammation of the bronchi and a strong cough, it is better to put mustard plasters both in front and behind the chest. Also, in case of a cold, you can use such areas as heels, feet and calves.

Can pregnant women use mustard plasters for colds?

Mustard plasters for colds are contraindicated for pregnant women. Essential oils, including mustard oil, together with local warming can provoke a miscarriage or spontaneous termination of pregnancy, and in the final stages - premature onset of labor.

Mustard can increase uterine tone, cause vascular spasm, which worsens blood flow to the fetus and can lead to placental abruption.

The procedure is also not performed during breastfeeding: mustard can cause an allergic reaction.

Experts recommend that pregnant patients treat colds with inhalations: this is a safe and effective treatment method.

Mustard plasters on feet for colds

Mustard plasters on the feet are mainly applied to the calves and heels. However, when you have a cold, hot baths with mustard are much more effective:

• pour water at a temperature of about 50°C into a basin;
• add 2 tablespoons of dry mustard to the water;
• immerse your feet in water up to your ankles;
• if necessary, periodically add hot water to the basin;
• continue the procedure for up to half an hour;
• After the bath, dry your feet with a towel and put on warm socks.

In addition to the bath, you can put one mustard plaster in each sock, or add one tablespoon of dry mustard powder. Put on another pair of warmer socks on top and go to bed. Remove the socks with mustard only in the morning, after which wash your feet with warm water.

It is not very advisable to put mustard plasters on your feet when you have a cold, because the skin on your heels and feet is quite rough. Doctors recommend using foot baths or dry mustard when you have a cold. Contraindications to using foot baths include varicose veins and pregnancy in women.

The feet contain a lot of nerve endings that have a direct connection with the central nervous system. When these nerve endings are irritated, the respiratory system vessels expand, blood circulation improves, which leads to a noticeable improvement in the well-being of the patient with a cold.

Contraindications to the procedure

Many people tend to think that mustard plasters for colds are a harmless remedy. This is not entirely true: the procedure has a number of contraindications:

• individual skin hypersensitivity;
• allergy to mustard oil;
• skin diseases (psoriatic and eczematous rashes, neurodermatitis, dermatitis);
• external skin damage (scratches, wounds, ulcers at the site of mustard plaster application);
• malignant processes;
• tuberculosis of the lungs or skin;
• internal and pulmonary bleeding;
• recent stroke or heart attack;
• tendency to convulsions and epilepsy;
• vascular diseases (if the procedure is performed on the lower limbs);
• periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• fever.

Mustard plasters are not applied to small children: children's skin is delicate, and during the procedure the child may get a burn.

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Consequences after the procedure

If the patient continues to complain of discomfort in the treatment area 30-40 minutes after the procedure, and redness and swelling are detected during examination, then a burn has most likely formed. This can happen if the mustard plasters were left on too long, or if the patient has overly sensitive skin.

The burnt area needs to be treated to eliminate discomfort:

• rinse the skin with water and dry;
• treat with an antiseptic, for example, furacilin;
• You can use a burn plaster.

If necessary, give the victim an analgin or baralgin tablet, as well as an antihistamine to relieve burning and swelling.

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Complications after the procedure

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to mustard. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• skin rashes in the area where mustard plasters were applied;
• tissue swelling, edema;
• itching, redness.

Systemic symptoms may also appear:

• increased cough;
• lacrimation;
• pulmonary edema, difficulty breathing;
• nausea.

If this happens, you need to stop the procedure and see a doctor immediately. The doctor will prescribe an antihistamine. This may be Loratadine, Zyrtec, Zodak, Cetirizine, as well as external drugs - Fenistil gel, Hydrocortisone or Prednisolone ointments, Advantan.

At home, you can also use home recipes - for example, take a bath with an infusion of succession or chamomile.

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Care after the procedure

The course of mustard procedures may vary: it is optimal to apply mustard plasters daily for three to five days. If the disease is prolonged, then the procedures can be carried out every other day for 10 days. Frequent and prolonged mustard procedures are not welcomed, as they can provoke the development of allergic processes and burn damage to the skin.

The duration of the procedure itself is individual. Some patients experience unbearable burning almost immediately, while others experience it much later. It is believed that the normal duration for an adult patient is 10-15 minutes, although five minutes is enough for the first application. For children, it is enough to keep the mustard plaster on for 3-6 minutes. These figures are average, so individual characteristics must also be taken into account. If the patient complains that he is hot, then the mustard sheets can be removed earlier. If the patient can lie longer, then it is optimal to lie for 15 minutes.

The freshness of mustard leaves and bags is also of great importance. The fresher the product, the better and faster it will work.

After the procedure, it is necessary to wipe the patient's skin with a damp cloth to remove any remaining mustard. If this is not done, the patient may experience a burning sensation and discomfort even after the mustard plasters are removed.

Reviews

If done correctly, treatment with mustard plasters always shows excellent results. However, do not rely solely on such treatment: if the doctor has prescribed medications, they must be taken according to the proposed scheme.

Unfortunately, many do not use mustard plasters for colds, believing that these are "old-fashioned" methods that are not suitable for today. In fact, this method is relevant at all times: mustard plasters can easily replace mucolytic and expectorant drugs. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics or antiviral drugs, then mustard plasters cannot replace them: antibiotic therapy will have to be carried out in full.