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Mustard plaster package
Last reviewed: 14.06.2024
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A mustard plaster is a medical preparation containing powder from the seeds of the mustard plant (Brassica juncea). The mustard plant is widely used in folk medicine and traditional medicine of various cultures as a remedy for various ailments.
A mustard plaster is usually a bag or packet filled with dry mustard powder. It is applied to the skin at the site of pain or discomfort for local irritation and improved blood circulation. This process can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up tissue healing.
Mustard packs can be used to treat conditions such as muscle pain, rheumatism, arthritis, cold symptoms, coughs, and other ailments. They are usually applied for short periods of time and removed if severe burning or skin irritation occurs.
Although mustard plasters are often used in folk medicine, it is important to consult a doctor before using them, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies. Mustard plasters can cause skin irritation in some people, so you should be careful when using them.
Indications Mustard plaster
- Muscle Pain: Using mustard packs can help relieve muscle pain associated with strain or injury.
- Rheumatic Conditions: Mustard packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Cold Symptoms: Some people use mustard packs to relieve cold symptoms such as nasal congestion and cough. Mustard plasters can help relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing.
- Flu symptoms: For flu, mustard plasters can be used to relieve muscle pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with the disease.
- Back pain: Mustard plasters can be used to relieve back pain caused by muscle strain or degenerative changes in the spine.
Release form
Mustard plaster is a medical product, which is a powder made from mustard seeds, usually packaged in special sachets or bags. This powder is used to make hot compresses that are applied to the skin to relieve pain, relax muscles, or stimulate circulation. Mustard packs are usually activated by wetting with water and applied to the skin for a short period of time. It is important to follow the instructions for use and avoid contact with the skin for too long to avoid burns or irritation.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of mustard plaster package is associated with its main component - mustard seed powder, which contains the glycosides sinigrin and myrosin. Upon contact with water, these glycosides are converted into mustard oil and isothiocyanates, which have a warming, anti-inflammatory and local irritant effect. Here's how it happens:
- Warming effect: Upon contact with the skin, mustard plaster causes a reaction that leads to an increase in blood flow in the area of application. This increase in blood flow helps improve circulation, which can help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain.
- Anti-inflammatory effect: Mustard plaster can also reduce inflammation in the area of application by irritating the skin and stimulating blood circulation. This may result in decreased swelling and pain in the affected area.
- Local irritation: The warming and irritating effect of mustard plaster may also help to draw attention away from pain in the affected area and create a feeling of warmth that can be soothing to the patient.
Pharmacokinetics
The main components of the mustard plaster package are usually mustard seed powder and other plant extracts. The pharmacokinetics of such substances may vary depending on the specific conditions of use and the individual characteristics of the organism.
Dosing and administration
The method of use and dose of mustard plaster package may vary depending on the specific drug and instructions for use. Typically the instructions indicate the following steps:
- Prepare the required amount of hot water that you will use to activate the mustard plaster.
- Carefully open the package with mustard plaster.
- Mustard powder is typically placed in hot water for a few seconds (usually 5 to 10 seconds) to activate.
- Immediately after activation, carefully remove the mustard pack from the water and apply it to the skin where you want to relieve pain or relax muscles.
- The mustard pack should only be left on the skin for a short time (usually no more than 15 to 20 minutes) to avoid burning or irritation.
- After use, carefully remove the mustard pack from the skin and discard it.
Use Mustard plaster during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you should be careful when using any means, including mustard plasters. Here are the main points to consider:
- Effect on blood circulation: Mustard plasters increase local blood circulation, which in some cases may not be recommended during pregnancy, especially if there are problems with the veins or a predisposition to varicose veins.
- Inducing Preterm Labor: Theoretically, stimulation and irritation can cause an increase in uterine tone, potentially leading to premature contractions or labor. However, there is little direct evidence of this.
- Allergic reactions: During pregnancy, hormonal levels change, which can affect skin sensitivity and increase the risk of allergic reactions, even if they have not previously been observed.
Recommendations:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before using mustard plasters during pregnancy, it is important to consult a doctor, especially if you have chronic diseases, circulatory problems or the risk of premature birth.
- Alternatives: Your doctor may suggest safer alternatives to relieve cold symptoms or pain, such as paracetamol or other non-drug approaches.
Contraindications
- Sensitive skin or skin conditions: Using mustard plaster may cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis.
- Open wounds or broken skin: Mustard plaster should be avoided on areas of skin with open wounds, scratches, or other broken skin, as it may cause more severe burns or irritation.
- Allergy to mustard or other components: People with allergies to mustard or other components of the mustard plaster package should avoid its use.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of mustard plaster during pregnancy and breastfeeding may be contraindicated. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
- Children: Use of mustard plaster in children requires special caution and may require consultation with a pediatrician to ensure that use is safe for the child.
- Acute skin reactions: If severe pain, burns or other acute reactions occur after using mustard plaster, you should stop using it and seek medical help.
Side effects Mustard plaster
- Skin irritation: The most common side effect from the use of mustard plasters is local skin irritation. This can manifest as redness, itching, and even burns if the mustard plaster is left on the skin for too long.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the components of mustard plaster. Symptoms may include severe itching, rashes, swelling, and even anaphylaxis in rare cases.
- Skin sensitivity: Prolonged use or frequent use of mustard plasters can lead to increased skin sensitivity, making it more vulnerable to dermatitis and other skin diseases.
- Aggravation of skin conditions: If you already have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, using mustard plasters may worsen these conditions.
- Breathing problems: When applying mustard plasters in the chest area, especially in asthmatics or people with other respiratory diseases, breathing problems may occur.
Overdose
- Skin Burns: If you use mustard plasters excessively or if you use them for a long time on one area of the skin, a burn or skin irritation may occur. This is due to the local irritant effect of mustard and possible damage to the skin.
- Skin reactions: Overdosing on mustard can cause various skin reactions such as redness, burning, itching, or even allergic reactions.
- Increased pain: Instead of relieving pain, excessive use of mustard can cause increased pain due to its strong irritant effect on the skin.
- Systemic reactions: Although systemic reactions from mustard are rare, overdosing on mustard can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting.
Interactions with other drugs
The mustard pack is usually an external agent and has a local irritant effect, which can lead to vasodilation and improved blood circulation in the area of its application. Therefore, interactions with other drugs are unlikely.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Mustard plaster package " translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.