Mustard plasters for coughing for adults and children
Last reviewed: 12.03.2022
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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 for treating cough is the use of mustard plasters. Consider their medicinal properties, mechanism of action, indications and technique of use, side effects.
A mustard plaster is a sheet of paper or a tight bag with mustard powder. The active substance of the drug is mustard. It consists of phytoncides and other active components that have a complex effect on the body:
- Warming effect.
- Anti-inflammatory action.
- Relieve local pain.
- Help with colds.
- Pain-relieving action.
- Reduce inflammatory reactions.
- Relieve and eliminate cough attacks.
- Accelerate recovery from laryngitis, sinusitis, diseases of the respiratory system.
Mustard plasters also alleviate the painful condition with osteochondrosis and sciatica, reduce pain when ligaments are torn, muscle strains, and bruises.
The most common use of mustard plasters is the treatment of the respiratory organs (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia), as well as with a dry type of cough, when sputum does not go away. The active components of the drug dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, increase resistance to viruses and infections.
Is it possible to put mustard plasters when coughing?
Before deciding on the use of mustard plasters, the nature of the disease state should be determined. Cough attacks are not an independent pathology, but are one of the symptoms of serious diseases: bronchitis, diseases of the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, 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 cough and poor sputum discharge. This method is effective for bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia. The active ingredients of mustard contribute to the thinning of 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 a weakened body. Mustard plasters are prohibited in bronchial asthma, as heating stimulates blood circulation in the affected organs, which in turn can lead to an attack of suffocation.
Do mustard plasters help cough?
Mustard plasters are a local preparation for deep heating of organs and tissues. They perfectly help with a prolonged dry cough, when sputum is not expectorated for a long time. But at the first sign of a cold, the remedy is not used.
Mustard plasters can not only treat, but also prevent respiratory diseases. Warming procedures are recommended after hypothermia of the body. Essential oils and other substances that make up mustard actively irritate tissue receptors, respiratory organs and dilate blood vessels.
A topical 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 drugs based on mustard powder have proven themselves in the treatment of sciatica, neuralgia, myositis, and hypertensive crisis.
Indications for the procedure
Mustard patches are used as an auxiliary method in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and inflammatory and infectious lesions of the respiratory system. The tool has proven itself in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and cardialgia.
The main indications for conducting warming procedures with mustard plasters are:
- Dry lingering cough.
- Pleurisy.
- Bronchitis.
- Bronchopneumonia.
- Laryngotracheitis.
- Rhinitis.
- Headaches.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Myositis.
- Neuralgia.
- Angina.
- Radiculitis.
- Sleep disturbance.
Procedures are carried out once a day for 3-4 days. Before 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, you should make sure that there are no contraindications to the procedure. Mustard plasters are not put with a productive cough, the presence of elevated body temperature or damaged skin at the site of application.
Preparation for the procedure:
- Choice of mustard plaster. These can be ready-made patches from a pharmacy, or homemade gauze compresses with mustard seed powder.
- Deep container with warm water (+40-45°C).
- Towel.
- Body cream or oil.
- Warm blanket or scarf.
The area of \u200b\u200bthe body on which they are going to put a compress is treated with a cream. This will help avoid thermal burns. The dry preparation is soaked in warm water for 5-10 seconds and applied to the body. From above, everything is covered with a towel and left 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 there are painful sensations and burning, then 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 wrapped in a warm blanket for several hours.
How do mustard plasters work when coughing?
The composition of mustard includes the substance myrosin and sirginine. In the dry state, they do not work, but after contact with hot water, chemical processes are launched, as a result of which allyl essential oil is obtained. It has a warming and local irritating effect.
When the active ingredients enter the body, they cause irritation of the nerve endings and a sharp flow of blood to the skin. As a result of this reaction, heat is released, which contributes to the warming of the deep layers of the skin.
Due to the irritating effect, blood circulation and nutrition of the affected organ are enhanced. There is a reflex stimulation of the autonomic system, 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 zone. Due to this, an additional focus of irritation is created at the site of application of the drug. Blood vessels expand, redistribution of blood to the compress area and outflow of blood from the lesion occurs. This reduces swelling.
The benefits of mustard plasters for coughing
Compresses based on mustard seeds are widely used in the treatment of colds, especially coughs. When interacting with hot water, the active components of the herbal remedy are released, which penetrate the skin.
The benefits of mustard plasters lie in their properties:
- Local irritant.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Painkiller.
- Warming.
Mustard essential oil enhances blood circulation. Irritated skin receptors activate the sympathetic division of the nervous system, so adrenaline and sympathin begin to accumulate in the blood. Due to this, the protective functions of the body are enhanced.
When coughing, such biochemical reactions saturate the respiratory organs with oxygen and beneficial nutrients. It also increases the liquefaction and discharge of sputum. Due to these properties and mechanism of action, mustard plasters are used as an adjuvant treatment for dry lingering cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, pleurisy, tonsillitis. Also, the local drug is effective for headaches, high blood pressure, myositis, and neuralgia.
Technique of the mustard plasters when coughing
Mustard plasters, like any other warming procedures, have certain indications, contraindications and technique. 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 system, unproductive cough, muscle pain, and also as a distraction for pain in the heart area.
The technique of 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 packaging of mustard plasters. Prepare a container with warm water + 40-45 ° C, a towel and a warm blanket. Apply a 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. Thus put the required number of compresses. Mustard plasters are left for 5-15 minutes, covered with a towel and a blanket.
- The end of the manipulation - mustard patches are removed from the skin and the body is wiped with a damp towel. A thin layer of moisturizer is applied on top, dressed and wrapped in a blanket. After the procedure, you should lie down for a couple of hours in bed. You can drink a cup of hot herbal tea.
If during the procedure there is a strong itching and burning sensation at the place of attachment of the mustard plaster, then it is removed, and the skin is thoroughly washed with warm water. At the first sign of an allergic reaction, antihistamines are recommended.
Treatment is not carried out with individual intolerance to mustard, wet cough with sputum discharge, at elevated body temperature, pustular skin diseases, violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of mustard plasters, as well as in the presence of neoplasms.
Pepper mustard plasters for coughing
Cough appears in many diseases and causes a lot of discomfort, so its treatment should be comprehensive. To alleviate painful symptoms and speed up the healing 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 action of heat, blood microcirculation increases, which in turn stimulates the synthesis of sputum and its discharge.
Pepper patches are a pharmaceutical drug. They include the following components:
- Dry extract of hot pepper 5-8% is the main active ingredient. It warms the deep layers of the skin and, when used correctly, does not cause burns.
- 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 - acts as the basis of the pepper adhesive layer.
- Lanolin and vaseline oil - protect the skin from burns and hyperemia.
Compared to mustard patches, pepper mustard plasters are more effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. They are also used for neuralgia, radiculitis, myositis, lumbago.
If the drug is used in the treatment of cough, then you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions to its components. Procedures are not carried out at elevated body temperature, the presence of irritation or wounds at the site of application, for pediatric patients, as well as when sputum is discharged.
Therapeutic patches are applied to the anterior and posterior surfaces of the chest (without affecting the heart area), neck, and lower extremities (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 moisturizer.
Mustard plasters from dry mustard for coughing
Mustard plasters are one of the most popular and at the same time affordable remedies in the treatment of colds. Mustard contains essential oils that dilate blood vessels, relieve inflammation and pain, and improve blood circulation. Patches can be purchased at a pharmacy or made independently 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 a thick napkin.
- Food film, blanket.
Dry mustard is mixed with flour in a ratio of 1: 1. Hot water is added to the dry ingredients to get a mixture in consistency like liquid sour cream. Water should be poured in with extreme caution, since upon contact with a liquid, mustard emits ethereal vapors, which, if inhaled, can burn the mucous membrane. The thoroughly mixed mixture is left for 30 minutes.
The agent 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, covering the top with cling film and a blanket. They are placed on the chest and calves, lower back, between the shoulder blades.
In addition to classic patches, other antitussives can be prepared from dry mustard powder:
- Cut out 2 bases in the form of a collar from the fabric so that they cover the shoulder blades and upper chest. Spread the mustard mixture evenly over the fabric and cover with a second fabric cut so that the mustard is inside. Apply a compress to the body, covering the top with a towel or a warm blanket.
- Prepare the mixture as for mustard plasters, only dilute it more with water. Soak a piece of gauze in the solution and wrap it around your back and chest, avoiding the heart area. Put a layer of cling film or polyethylene on top and wrap yourself in a warm scarf. The duration of the wrap is from 3 to 10 minutes.
- For the treatment of coughs, dry mustard baths are perfect. Prepare a solution at the rate of 1 g of dry mustard powder per liter of hot water. Immerse your legs to the shins or arms to the elbows in the liquid. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After that, the skin is well washed with warm clean water, wiped dry and wrapped 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 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 with bronchitis 10-14 days.
Mustard plaster with cough honey
One of the effective ways to treat a prolonged 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 lesion.
Compresses based on honey and mustard are most often used in chronic bronchitis, when the cough is so strong that it disturbs the night's sleep.
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
All components are combined and thoroughly mixed. The resulting dough is divided into two parts and wrapped with gauze. The cakes are applied to the chest and back, well fixed with a bandage. It is better to do the procedure before going to bed 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 drug provides deep heating of the chest and back area, accelerates the discharge of sputum from the bronchi and lungs. The active ingredients 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 prepared on your own or purchased at a pharmacy. The pharmacy version is a foil paper bag, which is divided by seams into four bags and evenly filled with dry mustard powder.
Universal mustard plasters in packages 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 nerve endings of the skin, which triggers a complex chain of neurohumoral reactions. This, in turn, helps to eliminate colds and inflammatory diseases in the respiratory organs, changes vascular tone and affects the functioning of the heart muscle.
Mustard plasters in packages have a whole list of indications for use:
- Acute respiratory infections.
- Bronchitis.
- Pneumonia.
- Neuralgia.
- Ligament sprains.
- Cardialgia.
- Osteochondrosis.
The drug is contraindicated for use in violation of the integrity of the skin, hypersensitivity to the active components of the herbal remedy, with psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema.
Mustard plasters are used only externally. The package is dipped in warm water at 37°C for 10-20 seconds and applied to the skin. To increase the healing properties of the compress, it is covered with plastic wrap 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 age of the patient, indications for the use of the drug. In rare cases, allergic reactions are possible.
The shelf life of the medicinal product is 24 months from the date of its manufacture. Mustard plasters should be stored in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and out of the reach of children. The optimum storage temperature is not higher than 20°C.
Mustard plasters when coughing for adults
The use of mustard patches for adults has its own characteristics. Procedures are carried out no earlier than three hours after drinking alcoholic beverages and food. It is also forbidden to smoke during therapy.
With 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 plasters on the calf muscles and feet will help to facilitate nasal breathing.
Warm-up time 15-20 minutes. Sessions are carried out 1 time per day for 5-10 days. During the procedure, you should adhere to bed rest and monitor the condition of the skin. If there is a strong burning sensation or signs of an allergic reaction, then the treatment is stopped. At the same time, mustard plasters are not placed at elevated body temperature and sputum discharge.
Mustard plasters for coughing pregnant women
During pregnancy, women are most susceptible to various infectious and colds. One of the methods of dealing with the signs of a cold, and especially with a cough, is mustard plasters. They have an irritating warming effect. Promote the expansion of blood vessels in different parts of the body.
With the help of mustard compresses, the chest area and back are most often warmed. Overheating of 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 increase blood pressure, which is dangerous for the fetus.
- Herbal essential oils can cause allergic reactions.
- Mustard plasters in early pregnancy are dangerous by the threat of miscarriage, as they increase blood flow to the uterus.
- Another danger of the warming procedure is the risk of bleeding due to increased blood circulation.
- The local procedure negatively affects the cardiovascular system of the expectant mother, as it creates an increased load.
Based on this, mustard plasters for coughing are contraindicated for pregnant women. There are safer methods to successfully treat a disease state. Alternatively, you can inhale or drink decoctions based on herbs, tea with honey and raspberries. But before starting any treatment, you should consult with your doctor.
Mustard plasters for coughing while breastfeeding
The lactation period has a number of prohibitions and restrictions on the use of drugs. Pharmacy mustard plasters are not strictly prohibited, therefore, with the permission of the attending physician, they can be used as an auxiliary treatment method to eliminate coughs and other painful conditions.
During the procedure, mustard powder should be avoided on the area of the mammary glands, the spinal column and the projection zone of the heart muscle. Compresses are best placed in the back between the shoulder blades, on the calf muscles, feet and palms. These areas contain biologically active points, which are valuable in reflexology.
Before the procedure, the following contraindications should be considered:
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
- Dermatological diseases: eczema, dermatitis, furunculosis, psoriasis.
- Various damage to the skin at the site of application of the compress: irritation, scars, abrasions, scratches, scars.
- Violation of skin sensitivity.
- Increased body temperature.
- Productive cough.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Pulmonary bleeding.
If a nursing woman has hypersensitive skin, then before applying mustard applications to the body, a layer of gauze should be put on the body. The duration of holding compresses should not exceed 15 minutes. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease state, but on average lasts from 5 to 10 days.
Also, when using mustard plasters, it should be borne in mind 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. With allergic reactions to a herbal remedy, various rashes, burning sensation and itching appear on the skin.
Therefore, before using mustard plasters, you should obtain medical permission. This will allow you to effectively and quickly get rid of the cough, maintain the breastfeeding regimen and avoid complications and adverse reactions.
Mustard plasters for coughing for children
One of the methods for 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 accelerates recovery from many diseases of the respiratory system, sinusitis, laryngitis, muscle pain.
- Mustard compresses are prohibited for children under 1 year old. 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 are very difficult to tolerate overheating.
- Children from two years old can have warming procedures, but only after consultation with a pediatrician and according to his appointment. In this case, the patches are applied to the skin through a multi-layered 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 3 years old, mustard plasters with a 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 baby has headaches, then compresses on the neck will help. With a runny nose and as a distraction - on the heels and calf muscles.
- For kids 4 years old, mustard plasters are officially allowed. But they should be used for medical purposes, observing 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 in order not to miss the development of an allergic reaction or the first signs of a burn. Local therapy is not carried out at elevated body temperature, bronchospasm, productive cough.
Contraindications to the procedure
Despite all the useful properties of mustard plasters and their effectiveness in the treatment of cough and respiratory diseases, the drug has a number of contraindications. Warming procedures with mustard patches are prohibited in such cases:
- Increased body temperature.
- Patients under 3 years of age (only for medical reasons).
- Productive cough.
- Pregnancy.
- Skin diseases and damage at the points of contact with the compress: neurodermatitis, weeping eczema, psoriasis, pustular rashes (due to mustard, 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, irritating the lungs).
- ARI in acute form.
- Malignant neoplasms: lungs, bronchi, abdominal cavity (an increase in temperature in the area of the tumor can provoke its growth).
- Purulent otitis media.
- Inflammation of the mastoid process.
- Purulent processes of the external ear and in the lungs.
- The presence of thrombi.
- Tendency to pulmonary hemorrhage.
- Recent heart attack, stroke.
- Recent surgical interventions.
Mustard compresses are forbidden to be placed in the area of \u200b\u200bthe heart muscle and spine, since the heart and spinal column must not be overheated.
Consequences after the procedure
Before using topical preparations based on mustard seeds for the treatment of cough, you should make sure that there are no contraindications. It is also necessary to carefully study the instructions for the drug in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and dangerous consequences.
Frequent warming procedures and the presence of prohibitions on their implementation can lead to such problems:
- Local allergy (in rare cases, a systemic one 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 watery eyes as a reaction to evaporating essential oils.
- Strengthening and development of the inflammatory process. In some cases, the activation of blood flow due to the warming effect of the compress accelerates the progression of inflammation and contributes to greater tissue swelling.
- Due to non-compliance with the rules for applying mustard compresses, thermal skin lesions may develop. This is manifested by hyperemia, rashes with clear liquid contents. A dangerous condition is accompanied by acute pain. Inhalation of mustard seed vapors can cause chemical burns to the mucous membranes.
In order to protect yourself from the development of the above consequences, local therapy should be carried out only for medical purposes.
Cough after mustard plasters
Essential oils of mustard are the strongest allergen. Inhalation of their vapors when wetting a mustard packet provokes an increase in coughing and can cause a chemical burn of the mucous membranes.
If, after mustard plasters, the cough has intensified, then this may indicate an individual intolerance to the drug.
Another possible cause of coughing after warm compresses is an allergic reaction. The latter are accompanied by lacrimation, sneezing, severe nasal congestion. The danger of this condition is that there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock, 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 appearance is associated with such factors:
- The presence of contraindications.
- Exceeding the recommended duration and frequency of treatment.
- Multiple setting of mustard plasters on the same zone.
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
- Hypersensitivity or damage to the skin.
When the compress comes into contact with damaged tissues, 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 with a tendency to pulmonary bleeding and bronchial asthma.
If the lungs, bronchi, abdominal cavity, as well as other organs and tissues where mustard plasters are placed are affected by malignant neoplasms, then an increase in body temperature due to mustard plaster triggers active tumor growth.
Care after the procedure
In order for the warming treatment with mustard plasters to bring maximum benefit, post-procedure care should be properly performed.
- During the procedure and after it, it is recommended to drink warm drinks. Herbal decoctions, tea with honey, warm milk will be useful.
- Compresses must be removed with extreme care so as not to damage the skin and the bag of mustard. If the burning powder gets on the body, then it is very difficult to get rid of it.
- After removing the application, the skin is wiped with a damp cloth until all traces of the powder are removed.
- If hypersensitivity reactions appear, then the tissues should be treated with a cream based on panthenol or lanolin. A baby cream or body butter is also suitable.
- 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 the procedures are best done 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 disappear after 3-5 days of warming therapy.
Reviews
Numerous positive reviews confirm the effectiveness of cough mustard plasters. The herbal remedy contains active ingredients that have a complex effect on the body.
Warm compresses have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Help with diseases of the respiratory system, muscle spasms, nasal congestion.
In order for the treatment to be not only effective, but also safe, one should take into account the presence of contraindications to its implementation and the possibility of developing adverse reactions.
How to replace mustard plasters when coughing?
Despite the pronounced therapeutic effect of mustard plasters, such compresses are contraindicated for some patients. But there are several alternative methods based on dry mustard powder that can replace classic applications:
- Banks for coughing
- Wraps
Put two tablespoons of mustard in a gauze bag and dip in hot water for a couple of minutes. Soak a large piece of cloth in the resulting solution and wring it out lightly. Wrap the fabric around your chest and back, but don't touch the heart area. Cover yourself with a towel and a warm blanket.
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 proportions of flour and mustard powder. Pour hot water over dry ingredients and knead into a tight adze. Roll out the dough into small cakes, 1-1.5 cm thick. Apply the cakes under the shoulder blades and between the shoulder blades, on the chest area, on the calves and feet, fixing with a bandage. 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 liters per 100 g). Dip your feet in the solution and wrap yourself in a blanket. The duration of the procedure is 10-20 minutes. After the bath, you need to apply a moisturizer on your feet and put on warm woolen socks.
Before using the above therapeutic methods, you should consult with your doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications.