Mustard plasters are widely used as a physiotherapeutic method of treatment in the treatment of colds. However, is it always worth resorting to this warming procedure? We decided to look into this.
A little mustard
The principle of action of mustard plasters is as follows: the essential oils contained in mustard are released after contact with warm water and irritate the skin receptors. Then the blood vessels dilate and blood circulation improves. The effectiveness of mustard plasters has been proven in the treatment of bronchitis, colds, pneumonia and coughs.
They are also sometimes used to soothe a child before bed. To do this, you need to put a mustard plaster on the calves of the child. It is assumed that the flow of blood to them will relieve insomnia, and the child will be able to fall asleep. The positive effect of mustard plasters is also noted for: muscle pain; radiculitis; increased pressure; migraines.
At the same time, you can often hear about the dangers of mustard plasters. Is it true?
The most popular "folk contraindications".
Mustard plasters dry the skin. This statement is a myth. After all, mustard powder does not dehydrate, and the smallest bag is placed not on open skin, but on gauze. As a precautionary measure, experts recommend applying baby cosmetic milk to the place where the mustard plaster is located. And it is best to do this before and after the procedure.
The mustard plaster is ineffective if it doesn't bake. Another erroneous statement. It is not necessary that the area of the skin on which the mustard plaster lies resembles a burn. Even mild warmth will do the job.
The effect of mustard plaster will be only at the stage of recovery. This is not a completely accurate statement. It all depends on body temperature. If it is above 37°C, then this means that the inflammatory process in the body is in the active phase. And you can't use mustard plasters on it. But already a day after the last rise in temperature - please.
The use of mustard plasters can cause bronchial asthma. It really is. Especially in children aged five to seven years. After all, their respiratory tract reacts strongly to pungent odors, including essential oils. Therefore, if during the procedure the child began to complain of a deterioration in well-being, then it is worth immediately stopping the procedure and replacing it with compresses in the future.
Rules of procedure
You can put mustard plasters even for the smallest children up to two months. For these babies, the steps are as follows. Soaked in warm water (not higher than 40 ° C), gauze should be folded into three layers and placed on the child. Next, a mustard plaster soaked in warm water is placed on the gauze, and all this is covered with a terry towel.
For older children, one layer of gauze can be used. Keep the mustard plaster on the body for 10-15 minutes. But remember that if the child begins to worry about the burning sensation, then it is better to remove it earlier. It is basically pointless to keep a mustard plaster for longer than 20 minutes.
After you have removed the mustard sheets, you need to wipe the place where they lay with a wet cotton swab and grease with baby softening milk. It is best to carry out this procedure before bedtime so that the cough does not interfere with the child's sleep.
IMPORTANT! You can not put mustard plasters on the chest, lower back and spine of the baby.
Modern look
Today on the pharmacy market you will find a lot of different mustard plasters with the addition of aromatic oils. This gives an additional positive effect. For example, eucalyptus oil softens the effect of mustard on the skin, as well as strengthens the immune system and fights bacteria.
Also, mustard plasters-packages are mainly used now. Very handy and quartered sachets minimize the risk of burns and increase the warming effect. It is also very convenient that it can be divided and used each of the four parts separately.
Source estet-portal.com
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