Medical expert of the article
New publications
Mustard therapy for coughs in adults and children
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

One of the methods of treating cough is the use of mustard plasters. Let's consider their medicinal properties, mechanism of action, indications and technique of application, side effects.
A mustard plaster is a sheet of paper or a thick bag with mustard powder. The active ingredient of the drug is mustard. It contains phytoncides and other active components that have a complex effect on the body:
- Warming effect.
- Anti-inflammatory action.
- They relieve local pain.
- They help with colds.
- Pain-relieving effect.
- Reduce inflammatory reactions.
- They relieve and eliminate coughing fits.
- They speed up recovery from laryngitis, sinusitis, and respiratory diseases.
Mustard plasters also alleviate painful conditions associated with osteochondrosis and radiculitis, and reduce pain associated with torn ligaments, muscle strains, and bruises.
The most common use of mustard plasters is the treatment of respiratory organs (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), as well as dry cough, when phlegm does not come off. The active components of the drug dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and increase resistance to viruses and infections.
Can you use mustard plasters when you have a cough?
Before deciding to use mustard plasters, you should determine the nature of the disease. Coughing attacks are not an independent pathology, but are one of the symptoms of serious diseases: bronchitis, lung diseases, heart disease, gastrointestinal tract diseases, and others.
Before using the drug, you should consult with your doctor. The doctor will determine the appropriateness of this method of therapy. Most often, warming procedures are prescribed for dry, lingering coughs and poor sputum discharge. This method is effective for bronchitis, tracheitis, and pneumonia. The active substances of mustard help to liquefy viscous mucus and reduce the level of its secretion.
Treatment is not carried out at elevated body temperature, acute forms of colds or infectious diseases, as this creates an additional burden on the weakened body. Mustard plasters are prohibited in bronchial asthma, as warming up stimulates blood circulation in the affected organs, which in turn can lead to an attack of suffocation.
Do mustard plasters help with coughs?
Mustard plasters are a local preparation for deep warming of organs and tissues. They are excellent for a lingering dry cough, when phlegm is not coughed up for a long time. But do not use the remedy at the first signs of a cold.
Mustard plasters can not only treat, but also prevent respiratory diseases. Warming procedures are recommended after hypothermia. Essential oils and other substances included in mustard actively irritate tissue receptors, respiratory organs and dilate blood vessels.
The local application remedy helps with a runny nose, as it relieves congestion and normalizes nasal breathing. The active components of mustard seeds penetrate the skin and accelerate metabolic processes. That is why mustard powder-based medications have proven themselves in the treatment of radiculitis, neuralgia, myositis, and hypertensive crisis.
Indications for the procedure
Mustard plasters are used as an auxiliary method in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and inflammatory-infectious lesions of the respiratory organs. The remedy has proven itself in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and cardialgia.
The main indications for warming procedures with mustard plasters are:
- Dry, lingering cough.
- Pleurisy.
- Bronchitis.
- Bronchopneumonia.
- Laryngotracheitis.
- Rhinitis.
- Headaches.
- High blood pressure.
- Myositis.
- Neuralgia.
- Angina pectoris.
- Radiculitis.
- Sleep disturbance.
The procedures are carried out once a day for 3-4 days. Before the treatment, you should consult with your doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications to this method of therapy.
Preparation
Mustard compresses are used only according to indications. Before treatment, make sure there are no contraindications to the procedure. Mustard plasters are not applied in case of productive cough, high body temperature or damaged skin at the site of application.
Preparation for the procedure:
- Choice of mustard plaster. These can be ready-made plasters from the pharmacy, or homemade compresses from gauze with mustard seed powder.
- A deep container with warm water (+40-45°C).
- Towel.
- Body cream or oil.
- A warm blanket or scarf.
The area of the body where the compress is to be applied is treated with cream. This will help to avoid thermal burns. The dry preparation is soaked in warm water for 5-10 seconds and applied to the body. Cover everything with a towel on top and leave for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in a blanket. If the patient has very delicate and sensitive skin, then gauze is placed between the body and the compress.
The procedure is carried out for 10-15 minutes. If painful sensations and burning appear, the compress is removed and the skin is wiped with a damp cloth or towel. Then a nourishing cream or oil is applied to the body and the person is wrapped in a warm blanket for several hours.
How do mustard plasters work for coughs?
Mustard contains myrosin and sirginin. In a dry state they do not act, but after contact with hot water, chemical processes are launched, resulting in the production of essential allyl oil. It has a warming and locally irritating effect.
When active ingredients come into contact with the body, they irritate nerve endings and cause a sharp rush of blood to the skin. As a result of this reaction, heat is released, which helps to warm up the deep layers of the skin.
Due to the irritating effect, blood circulation and nutrition of the affected organ are enhanced. Reflex stimulation of the vegetative system occurs, which has a beneficial effect on the body and helps to increase the protective forces of the immune system.
If mustard compresses are used to reduce swelling in the larynx, trachea or nasopharynx, then the applications are applied at a distance from the edematous area. Due to this, an additional source of irritation is created at the site of application of the preparation. Blood vessels expand, blood is redistributed to the compress area and blood flows away from the lesion. Due to this, swelling is reduced.
The benefits of mustard plasters for coughs
Compresses based on mustard seeds have found wide application in the treatment of colds, especially coughs. When interacting with hot water, the active components of the plant product are released, which penetrate the skin.
The benefits of mustard plasters lie in their properties:
- Local irritant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Pain reliever.
- Warming.
Mustard essential oil increases blood circulation. Irritated skin receptors activate the sympathetic nervous system, so adrenaline and sympathin begin to accumulate in the blood. Due to this, the body's protective functions are strengthened.
When coughing, such biochemical reactions saturate the respiratory organs with oxygen and useful nutrients. Also, the liquefaction and discharge of sputum is enhanced. Due to such properties and the mechanism of action, mustard plasters are used as an auxiliary remedy for dry lingering cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, tonsillitis. Also, the local preparation is effective for headaches, high blood pressure, myositis, neuralgia.
Technique mustard for a cough
Mustard plasters, like any other warming procedures, have certain indications, contraindications and technique of implementation. The main purpose of their use is to increase blood flow to the underlying organs and tissues, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and resolving effect.
Most often, compresses are used for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs, unproductive cough, muscle pain, and also as a distraction for pain in the heart area.
The technique for performing the procedure consists of several stages:
- Preparation – it is necessary to prepare all the components for treatment. First of all, check the quality, expiration date and integrity of the mustard plaster packaging. Prepare a container with warm water +40-45°C, a towel and a warm blanket. Apply nourishing cream or oil to the application area.
- Procedure: the mustard plaster is placed in water for a couple of seconds, and then the side covered with mustard is applied to the body. The required number of compresses are applied in this way. The mustard plasters are left for 5-15 minutes, covered with a towel and blanket.
- The end of the manipulation - the mustard plasters are removed from the skin and the body is wiped with a damp towel. A thin layer of moisturizing cream is applied on top, and the patient gets dressed and wrapped in a blanket. After the procedure, you should lie in bed for a couple of hours. You can drink a cup of hot herbal tea.
If during the procedure there is severe itching and burning at the place where the mustard plaster is attached, it is removed and the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water. At the first signs of an allergic reaction, it is recommended to take antihistamines.
Treatment is not carried out in cases of individual intolerance to mustard, wet cough with expectoration, elevated body temperature, pustular skin diseases, damage to the integrity of the skin at the site of mustard plaster application, as well as in the presence of neoplasms.
Pepper mustard plasters for cough
Cough occurs with many diseases and causes a lot of unpleasant sensations, so its treatment should be complex. To relieve painful symptoms and speed up the recovery process, you can use pepper mustard plasters. When coughing, they make breathing easier, reduce the amount of phlegm and relieve chest discomfort.
Pepper mustard plaster is especially effective for viral dry cough. It warms the tissues, promotes the expansion of blood vessels and bronchi. Under the influence of heat, blood microcirculation increases, which in turn stimulates the synthesis of sputum and its discharge.
Pepper patches are a pharmaceutical medicine. They contain the following components:
- Dry extract of hot pepper 5-8% is the main active ingredient. Warms up the deep layers of the skin and does not cause burns when used correctly.
- Thick belladonna extract 1% – dilates blood vessels and relieves spasms. When interacting with hot pepper extract, it relieves muscle pain in myositis and other pathologies.
- Arnica tincture 0.5% – dilates blood vessels, has a bronchodilatory and expectorant effect.
- Pine rosin - serves as the basis for the pepper sticky layer.
- Lanolin and vaseline oil protect the skin from burns and hyperemia.
Compared to mustard plasters, pepper mustard plasters are more effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. They are also used for neuralgia, radiculitis, myositis, and lumbago.
If the drug is used to treat cough, it is necessary to make sure that there are no allergic reactions to its components. The procedures are not carried out at elevated body temperature, in the presence of irritation or wounds at the site of application, for pediatric patients, and also when sputum is discharged.
Therapeutic patches are applied to the front and back of the chest (without affecting the heart area), neck, and lower limbs (heels, arches of the feet). The product is worn for no more than 12 hours. After the patches are removed, the skin should be treated with a moisturizing cream.
Dry mustard plasters for coughs
Mustard plasters are one of the most popular and at the same time affordable means for treating colds. Mustard contains essential oils that dilate blood vessels, relieve inflammation and pain, and improve blood circulation. Plasters can be purchased at a pharmacy or made at home from dry mustard, that is, its powder.
To prepare the drug you will need the following components:
- Mustard powder.
- Flour.
- Hot water.
- Parchment, gauze or thick napkin.
- Cling film, blanket.
Dry mustard is mixed with flour in a 1:1 ratio. Hot water is added to the dry ingredients to obtain a mixture of the consistency of liquid sour cream. Water should be poured in very carefully, since when in contact with liquid, mustard releases essential vapors that can burn the mucous membrane when inhaled. The thoroughly mixed mixture is left for 30 minutes.
The product is evenly distributed over parchment paper so that the thickness of the mustard layer is no more than 5 mm. Instead of parchment, you can use gauze or a napkin cut into squares and folded several times. Such homemade mustard plasters are applied to the skin with the paper/fabric side, covered with cling film and a blanket on top. They are placed on the chest and calves, lower back, between the shoulder blades.
In addition to classic plasters, other cough suppressants can be prepared from dry mustard powder:
- Cut 2 collar-shaped bases from the fabric so that they cover the shoulder blades and the upper chest. Spread the mustard mixture evenly over the fabric and cover with a second piece of fabric so that the mustard is inside. Apply the compress to the body, covering it with a towel or a warm blanket.
- Prepare a mixture as for mustard plasters, only dilute it with more water. Soak a piece of gauze in the solution and wrap your back and chest with it, without touching the heart area. Put a layer of cling film or polyethylene on top and wrap yourself in a warm scarf. The wrapping duration is from 3 to 10 minutes.
- Dry mustard baths are excellent for treating coughs. Prepare a solution of 1 g of dry mustard powder per liter of hot water. Immerse your legs up to the shins or your arms up to the elbows in the liquid. The procedure lasts 15-20 minutes. After that, wash the skin well with warm clean water, wipe dry and wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
- Another option for an antitussive is special cakes. To prepare them, knead the adze in hot water, mixing flour with mustard powder. Apply the resulting cakes to the body, fixing them with a bandage and wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.
The first time the procedure with mustard plasters is carried out for 5 minutes, gradually increasing its duration to 15 minutes per session. The duration of treatment is 3-5 days, and for bronchitis 10-14 days.
Mustard plaster with honey for cough
One of the effective ways to treat a lingering cough is mustard plasters with honey. The beekeeping product in combination with mustard essential oils has a beneficial effect on a weakened body, increases the protective properties of the immune system, warms up, improves nutrition and blood circulation in the affected area.
Compresses based on honey and mustard are most often used for chronic bronchitis, when the cough is so strong that it disrupts sleep at night.
To prepare the compress you will need the following ingredients:
- Mustard powder – 1 tsp.
- Flour – 3 tbsp.
- Honey – 2 tsp.
- Sunflower oil/alcohol – 1 tsp.
Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Divide the resulting dough into two parts and wrap in gauze. Apply the cakes to the chest and back, securing them well with a bandage. It is better to do the procedure before bedtime so that the compress works for 7-8 hours. If mustard plasters with honey are prepared for children, then vegetable oil is used instead of alcohol.
The interaction of the active components of the preparation provides deep warming of the chest and back area, accelerates the discharge of sputum from the bronchi and lungs. The active substances of the compress are absorbed by the upper layers of the skin, acting directly on the inflammatory focus. The procedure improves blood circulation, relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi and respiratory muscles.
Mustard plaster for cough in bags
Mustard seed patches can be made at home or purchased at a pharmacy. The pharmacy version is a foil-coated paper bag, which is divided by seams into four bags and evenly filled with dry mustard powder.
Universal mustard plasters in bags have the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Local irritant.
- Stimulation of metabolic processes in organs and tissues.
- Activation of biologically active zones of the body.
The drug causes reflex irritation of the skin nerve endings, which triggers a complex chain of neurohumoral reactions. This in turn helps eliminate colds and inflammatory diseases in the respiratory organs, changes vascular tone and affects the work of the heart muscle.
Mustard plasters in bags have a whole list of indications for use:
- Acute respiratory infections.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Neuralgia.
- Sprains.
- Cardialgia.
- Osteochondrosis.
The drug is contraindicated for use in cases of damage to the integrity of the skin, hypersensitivity to the active components of the herbal remedy, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema.
Mustard plasters are used externally only. The bag is dipped in warm water at 37°C for 10-20 seconds and applied to the skin. To enhance the healing properties of the compress, it is covered with polyethylene film and wrapped in a warm blanket, scarf or blanket. The procedure lasts until persistent redness appears, that is, from 3 to 20 minutes. The number of sessions depends on the patient's age, indications for use of the drug. In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible.
The shelf life of the medicine is 24 months from the date of its production. Mustard plasters should be stored in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and inaccessible to children. The optimal storage temperature is no higher than 20°C.
Mustard plasters for cough in adults
The use of mustard plasters for adults has its own characteristics. The procedures are carried out no earlier than three hours after drinking alcohol and eating. Smoking is also prohibited during therapy.
In case of a strong dry cough, compresses are placed in the interscapular region, under the collarbones and on the midline of the chest. If the cough is accompanied by a runny nose, then patches on the calf muscles and feet will help to ease nasal breathing.
Warming time is 15-20 minutes. Sessions are held once a day for 5-10 days. During the procedure, you should stay in bed and monitor the condition of the skin. If a strong burning sensation or signs of an allergic reaction appear, then the treatment is stopped. At the same time, mustard plasters are not applied if the body temperature is elevated and sputum is discharged.
Mustard plasters for coughs in pregnant women
During pregnancy, women are most susceptible to various infectious and cold diseases. One of the methods of combating the symptoms of a cold, and especially a cough, is mustard plasters. They have an irritating warming effect. They help to dilate blood vessels in different parts of the body.
Mustard compresses are most often used to warm the chest and back. Overheating these areas is prohibited and extremely dangerous for pregnant women. The warming effect leads to an increase in the tone of the uterus, which significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
The main reasons for the ban on mustard plasters for pregnant women:
- Compresses contribute to increased blood pressure, which is dangerous for the fetus.
- Essential oils of the plant product may cause allergic reactions.
- Mustard plasters in early pregnancy are dangerous due to the risk of miscarriage, as they increase the blood flow to the uterus.
- Another danger of the warming procedure is the risk of bleeding due to increased blood circulation.
- The local procedure has a negative impact on the cardiovascular system of the expectant mother, as it creates an increased load.
Based on this, mustard plasters for cough are contraindicated for pregnant women. There are safer methods for successful treatment of the painful condition. Alternatively, you can do inhalations or drink herbal infusions, tea with honey and raspberries. But before starting any treatment, you should consult with your doctor.
Mustard plasters for cough during breastfeeding
The lactation period has a number of prohibitions and restrictions in the use of drugs. Pharmaceutical mustard plasters are not strictly prohibited, so with the permission of the attending physician, they can be used as an auxiliary treatment method to eliminate cough and other painful conditions.
During the procedure, avoid getting mustard powder on the mammary glands, spinal column and the projection area of the heart muscle. Compresses are best placed on the back between the shoulder blades, on the calf muscles, feet and palms. These areas contain biologically active points that are valuable in reflexology.
Before the procedure, the following contraindications should be taken into account:
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
- Dermatological diseases: eczema, dermatitis, furunculosis, psoriasis.
- Various damages to the skin at the site of application of the compress: irritation, scars, abrasions, scratches, cicatrices.
- Impaired skin sensitivity.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Productive cough.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Pulmonary hemorrhages.
If a nursing woman has hypersensitive skin, then before applying mustard applications to the body, a layer of gauze should be placed. The duration of holding the compresses should not exceed 15 minutes. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the painful condition, but on average lasts from 5 to 10 days.
Also, when using mustard plasters, it should be taken into account that their prolonged and frequent application to the same areas of the skin can lead to increased pigmentation or the formation of a chemical burn. In case of allergic reactions to the herbal remedy, various rashes, a burning sensation and itching appear on the skin.
Therefore, before using mustard plasters, you should get a doctor's permission. This will allow you to effectively and quickly get rid of the cough, maintain the breastfeeding regime and avoid complications and side effects.
Mustard plasters for coughs in children
One of the methods of treating cough in children is mustard plasters. Warming procedures have a beneficial effect on the body, relieve local pain and reduce inflammatory reactions.
Mustard seed powder speeds up recovery from many respiratory diseases, sinusitis, laryngitis, and muscle pain.
- Mustard compresses are prohibited for children under 1 year of age. The contraindication is due to the fact that babies have thin and sensitive skin with a large number of small capillaries and a high resorption function. Babies have a very hard time withstanding overheating.
- Children from the age of two can undergo warming procedures, but only after consultation with a pediatrician and as prescribed by him. In this case, the patches are applied to the skin through a multi-layer napkin or gauze, avoiding direct contact with sensitive tissues. Compresses are kept for no more than 5 minutes, the procedures are carried out every other day.
- For children aged 3 years, mustard plasters for dry cough, bronchitis or acute respiratory infections are placed on the interscapular region, on the back under the shoulder blades or on the chest. If the child has headaches, then compresses on the neck will help. For a runny nose and as a distraction - on the heels and calf muscles.
- Mustard plasters are officially permitted for children aged 4. But they should be used as prescribed by a doctor, following all the rules and taking into account the presence of contraindications.
Many pediatricians recommend using mustard compresses only when absolutely necessary. During the procedure, you should monitor the condition of the skin so as not to miss the development of an allergic reaction or the first signs of a burn. Local therapy is not carried out with elevated body temperature, bronchospasms, productive cough.
Contraindications to the procedure
Despite all the beneficial properties of mustard plasters and their effectiveness in treating coughs and respiratory diseases, the drug has a number of contraindications. Warming procedures with mustard plasters are prohibited in the following cases:
- Elevated body temperature.
- Patients under 3 years of age (only for medical reasons).
- Productive cough.
- Pregnancy.
- Skin diseases and damage in areas of contact with the compress: neurodermatitis, weeping eczema, psoriasis, pustular rashes (due to mustard contact, inflammation increases and a burn develops).
- Individual intolerance to the active components of the drug.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin.
- Lung diseases: tuberculosis, asthma, bleeding (mustard increases blood circulation, having an irritating effect on the lungs).
- Acute respiratory disease.
- Malignant neoplasms: lungs, bronchi, abdominal cavity (an increase in temperature in the tumor area can provoke its growth).
- Purulent otitis media.
- Inflammation of the mastoid process.
- Purulent processes in the outer ear and lungs.
- Presence of blood clots.
- Tendency to pulmonary hemorrhages.
- Recent heart attack, stroke.
- Recent surgeries.
Mustard compresses should not be applied to the area of the heart muscle and spine, as the heart and spinal column should not be overheated.
Consequences after the procedure
Before using topical mustard seed-based medications to treat cough, you should make sure there are no contraindications. You should also carefully read the instructions for the drug to reduce the risk of developing side effects and dangerous consequences.
Frequent warming procedures and the presence of prohibitions on their implementation can lead to the following problems:
- Local allergy (in rare cases, systemic allergy develops). At the site of application of the compress, persistent redness, itching and swelling develop. Acute urticaria and angioedema may appear. In rare cases, patients experience coughing and lacrimation, which occur as a reaction to evaporating essential oils.
- Strengthening and development of the inflammatory process. In some cases, activation of blood flow due to the warming effect of the compress accelerates the progression of inflammation and contributes to greater tissue swelling.
- Failure to follow the rules for applying mustard compresses may result in thermal skin lesions. This is manifested by hyperemia, rashes with transparent liquid contents. The dangerous condition is accompanied by acute pain. Inhalation of mustard seed vapors can cause a chemical burn of the mucous membranes.
In order to protect yourself from the development of the above-mentioned consequences, local therapy should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor.
Cough after mustard plasters
Essential oils of mustard are a strong allergen. Inhaling their vapors when wetting a mustard bag provokes increased coughing and can cause a chemical burn of the mucous membranes.
If the cough intensifies after using mustard plasters, this may indicate an individual intolerance to the drug.
Another possible cause of coughing after warming compresses is allergic reactions. The latter are accompanied by lacrimation, sneezing, and severe nasal congestion. The danger of this condition is that there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema.
Complications after the procedure
As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications when using mustard compresses. Most often, their occurrence is associated with the following factors:
- Presence of contraindications.
- Exceeding the recommended duration and frequency of treatment.
- Multiple application of mustard plasters to the same area.
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
- Increased sensitivity or damage to the skin.
When the compress comes into contact with damaged tissue, the inflammatory process intensifies and there is a risk of developing a thermal burn. Since the herbal remedy increases blood circulation and has an irritating effect on the lungs, it is very dangerous for those prone to pulmonary hemorrhages and bronchial asthma.
If the lungs, bronchi, abdominal cavity, and other organs and tissues where mustard plasters are placed are affected by malignant neoplasms, then the increase in body temperature due to the mustard plaster triggers active tumor growth.
Care after the procedure
In order for warming treatment with mustard plasters to bring maximum benefit, post-procedure care should be performed correctly.
- During and after the procedure, it is recommended to drink warm drinks. Herbal infusions, tea with honey, and warm milk will be useful.
- Compresses should be removed with special care so as not to damage the skin and the mustard packet. If the hot powder gets on the body, it is very difficult to get rid of it.
- After removing the application, wipe the skin with a damp cloth until all traces of powder are removed.
- If hypersensitivity reactions occur, the fabrics should be treated with a cream based on panthenol or lanolin. Baby cream or body oil will also work.
- After warming up, the patient should remain at rest. It is recommended to wrap yourself in a blanket and lie down for 1-3 hours, so it is better to carry out the procedures before going to bed.
When used correctly, mustard plasters will not harm the skin and will have a pronounced therapeutic effect. In most cases, coughing fits pass after 3-5 days of warming therapy.
Reviews
Numerous positive reviews confirm the effectiveness of mustard plasters for cough. The herbal remedy contains active components that have a complex effect on the body.
Warming compresses have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They help with respiratory diseases, muscle spasms, and nasal congestion.
In order for the treatment to be not only effective but also safe, it is necessary to take into account the presence of contraindications to its implementation and the possibility of developing side effects.
What can replace mustard plasters when coughing?
Despite the pronounced therapeutic effect of mustard plasters, some patients are contraindicated to such compresses. But there are several alternative methods based on dry mustard powder that can replace classic applications:
- Banks for cough
- Wraps
Place two tablespoons of mustard in a gauze bag and dip it in hot water for a couple of minutes. Soak a large piece of cloth in the resulting solution and squeeze it out slightly. Wrap the cloth around your chest and back, but do not touch the heart area. Cover yourself with a towel and a warm blanket on top.
The wrap is kept for 3-5 minutes, then the body is washed with warm water and rubbed well with a terry towel. The procedure has a relaxing effect on the muscles of the respiratory muscles and bronchi.
- Mustard cakes
Mix equal parts flour and mustard powder. Pour hot water over the dry ingredients and knead tightly. Roll the dough into small flat cakes, 1-1.5 cm thick. Apply the flat cakes under the shoulder blades and between the shoulder blades, on the chest area, on the calves and feet, fixing with a bandage. The applications have a deep warming effect and do not burn delicate skin.
- Foot baths
Prepare a container with hot water and dilute mustard powder in it (10 l per 100 g). Dip your feet in the solution and wrap yourself in a blanket. The procedure lasts 10-20 minutes. After the bath, apply moisturizing cream to your feet and put on warm woolen socks.
Before using the above mentioned treatment methods, you should consult with your doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications.