For me personally, the question of whether it is possible to put mustard plasters on children for coughs is not even worth it. It’s even strange for me to hear that the effectiveness of such an old and proven method of treating cough has now begun to be called into question. But this is how our mothers and grandmothers treated us, and it should be noted that they were quite successful. But now, unfortunately, the opinions of doctors on this issue have begun to differ greatly, and the usefulness of using mustard plasters for colds has become less obvious to us. So is there really any benefit to using them, and if so, at what age can children be given mustard plasters? And how to do it correctly so that the treatment does not harm, but only brings benefit.
Is it possible to put mustard plasters on children for coughs?
This is perhaps the first question that any mother asks before starting treatment. And in order to answer it correctly, first of all, you need to understand that cough is not a separate disease, it is just one of the symptoms that can accompany a common cold, allergies, and asthma. And whether the child can be given mustard plasters will depend on what disease is causing the cough. And the opinion of doctors in this matter is very important.
Unfortunately, there is no clear opinion among pediatricians regarding the necessity and effectiveness of this treatment method.
Some say that mustard plasters are still beneficial for certain diseases, and if you follow a number of simple rules, you can put mustard plasters on children, while others do not deny this, but are quick to assure that this procedure is useless.
It’s up to you to decide which of them is right and who should be listened to. But to understand whether it is necessary and whether it is possible to put mustard plasters on for coughs, children need to understand the principle of their action.
Upon contact with warm water, a chemical reaction starts and mustard plasters begin to release heat and essential oils, which act as a local irritant. As a result, a slight burning sensation is felt on the surface of the skin, the blood vessels dilate, and the blood supply in this area and, accordingly, the nutrition of the diseased organ improves.
What are mustard plasters for?
Mustard plasters are prescribed for cough
Mustard plasters are prescribed to children as an auxiliary technique, most often this occurs in the presence of a cough. Children need mustard plasters for coughs. But... We must remember that it is impossible to cure a disease with the help of mustard plasters alone. They only make it possible to speed up the recovery process by turning to the help of essential oils, which are released the moment mustard powder comes into contact with water.
Mustard plasters can be distinguished only by quality and cost. All mustard plasters are divided into two types:
- sheet (a thin layer of mustard powder is applied to a thin layer of paper);
- in the form of special bags (these bags contain dry mustard inside).
In addition, you can buy dry mustard at the pharmacy. The compresses that are made with them work no worse. They also do foot baths.
Mustard plasters in the form of bags are suitable for children. They will be the most effective and practical.
At what age can mustard plasters be installed?
In general, mustard plasters can be used for coughs in children starting at one year of age.
But this can only be done after making an accurate diagnosis and consulting a doctor. And of course, small children need to apply mustard plasters for coughs with special attention and caution. To avoid getting burns when treating coughs with mustard plasters in children under 3 years of age, pediatricians recommend either completely abandoning their use or placing gauze between the mustard plasters and the body.
Also, do not forget that each age has its own norm for the duration of the procedure:
- Up to 3 years – no more than 2 minutes
- From 3 to 7 years – 3 minutes
- Over 7 years – up to 10 minutes
And under no circumstances should you leave mustard plasters on the child’s body overnight; you won’t get any more benefit from this, but the baby will get a burn.
We have already talked about indications and contraindications for placing mustard plasters; in this article we will talk about how to correctly place mustard plasters on a child.
Placing mustard plasters for children
1. Preparing the child.
— check with the child whether he wants to go to the toilet (he will need to lie in bed for some time);
- inspect the place where the mustard plaster will be placed for redness and inflammation. There should be no birthmarks, wounds, or scratches in this place.
2. Preparation of equipment.
- mustard plasters (check their suitability),
- container for wetting mustard plasters,
- diaper (towel),
- blanket,
- water thermometer,
- watch,
- bag for used mustard plasters,
- napkin,
- a book to read or a toy if the child is very young
3. Preparation for the procedure.
- make sure there are no drafts,
- help the child lie on his stomach, clasping the pillow with his hands, turn his head to the side (so that the essential oil does not irritate the eyes)
- remove hair if it gets in the way
- lift underwear,
- ask if it's comfortable to lie down
4. Algorithm for setting classic mustard plasters.
- pour hot water from the tap (from 42 to 45 degrees)
- Place the mustard plaster into the water with the mustard side up and lift it above the container to let the water drain.
- Apply the mustard side to the baby's skin.
- cover the mustard plasters with a diaper (towel)
- cover with a blanket.
5. Completion of the procedure.
- After 5 minutes, ask about how he is feeling (if the child is small, bend the edge and look at the skin; if there is severe hyperemia, immediately remove the mustard plasters)
- After 10-15 minutes, carefully remove the mustard plasters and place them in a bag for use.
- Using a cloth soaked in warm water, carefully remove any remaining mustard from the skin. Leftover mustard may cause burns.
- Wipe the skin dry, help put on underwear and cover with a blanket. Lie in bed for at least half an hour.
Attention!
For the first time, mustard plasters are used with caution. Cut off one window (cell) or ¼ of ordinary mustard plaster and apply it for a short time. Pay attention to whether irritation, rash, or swelling has appeared. If the body's reaction was adequate, mustard plasters can be used.
How long should you keep mustard plasters?
If the child is under 1 year old, you can hold the mustard plasters for 2-3 minutes. But for infants there are some nuances, covered in another article. If the child is over three years old, then you can hold it for 10 minutes. The time depends on the freshness of the mustard plaster and the sensitivity of the skin. At any age (even if the child does not complain of a burning sensation), it is recommended to periodically turn away the edge of the mustard plaster and look at the skin reaction. In case of severe hyperemia, it is necessary to remove the mustard plaster. The countdown begins from the moment of burning.
If your child's skin is dry and prone to peeling, it is recommended to lubricate it with vegetable oil or baby cream.
How often can children have mustard plasters?
Mustard plasters are installed every other day. Or every day, but changing surfaces (for example, today - chest, tomorrow - back). They can be alternated with banks. The course usually consists of 5-6 procedures.
At what age can children have mustard plasters?
Before 1 year of age, mustard plaster can be applied only as prescribed by a doctor. Since mustard plasters cause unpleasant sensations in the form of a burning sensation, softer potato cakes or paraffin applications are often used instead of mustard plasters in children.
From 1 to 3 years, mustard plasters are placed on the inactive side or a soft mustard wrap is used. But, if it is necessary to put mustard plaster, you must be sure that the child does not have a reaction to mustard.
Therefore, first make a small application of mustard and see how the skin reacts to it.
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- Mustard plasters for children
For what cough can a child be given mustard plasters?
Most often, mustard plasters for coughs are prescribed to children for respiratory diseases - colds, ARVI, bronchitis.
A particularly good effect can be achieved if you put mustard plasters on children with a dry cough.
This is due to the principle of their operation. Increased blood circulation increases blood flow to the bronchi, lungs and throat mucosa, thereby increasing the amount of mucus produced and improving its discharge. As a result, the cough becomes wet and productive.
Indications
Before putting mustard plasters on children, it is necessary to determine the cause of the cough. Cough is a concomitant symptom of various diseases, and not a separate disease. If it is caused by an allergy, mustard procedures are not advisable. This also applies to coughs that occur due to diseases of the heart or gastrointestinal tract.
Mustard plasters are indicated for coughs in children caused by diseases of the respiratory system (tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia). For dry coughs, mustard procedures are most effective, as they promote the removal of sputum. It is recommended to place mustard plasters on the following areas:
- the upper chest, avoiding the heart area;
- lateral parts of the chest;
- upper back between the shoulder blades;
- feet or calves.
If the cough is dry, then mustard plasters should be applied to the chest area, if it is wet - to the back. If you have a runny nose along with a cough, then mustard plasters placed on your feet will help. It is best to carry out such procedures before bedtime.
The mustard plaster must first be moistened with warm water (approximately 38-40 °C) and applied to the skin. Cover the top with a towel and a warm blanket. After completing the procedure, you need to carefully clean the skin of mustard with a damp cloth and lubricate it with baby cream or vegetable oil. It is important to avoid hypothermia. After the procedure, it is advisable to go to bed and drink tea with raspberries or honey or a herbal decoction before bed.
Mustard plasters are not recommended for children under 1 year of age. Babies' skin is delicate and thin, so even short-term exposure to mustard powder can cause a burn. For children from 1 to 6 years old, mustard plasters can be placed with the reverse side or a cotton cloth can be placed between the skin and the mustard plasters. You can also use special children's mustard plasters, which are softer in effect than regular ones.
The duration of mustard procedures for children is:
- at 1-3 years – 2-3 minutes;
- at 4-7 years old – 3-5 minutes;
- at 8-12 years old – 7-10 minutes.
You can make mustard plasters yourself at home. To do this you need to mix 1 tbsp. l. mustard powder with 2 tbsp. l. flour or semolina and add warm water. The mixture should have a consistency similar to thick sour cream. First you need to cut the thick paper into pieces convenient for use and apply the mustard mixture evenly on it.
Not all children can safely tolerate the effects of mustard plasters. An alternative could be mustard foot baths. The water temperature should be around 38 °C. For 10 liters of hot water, 100 g of mustard powder is required.
If mustard plasters are placed on the soles of the feet or on the calf muscles, then warm woolen socks must be worn on top. In this case, the exposure time can be increased to 10-15 minutes, since the skin in these places is not so sensitive. But you need to take into account that the sensitivity threshold is different for all children. In folk medicine, this method is called “mustard boots.”
Is it possible to put mustard plasters on children with bronchitis or pneumonia?
Usually, mothers do not have questions or problems with the treatment of a child’s common cold and ARVI, but what to do if the cold has caused a complication in the form of bronchitis or the doctor has diagnosed pneumonia. Is it possible to put mustard plasters on children with bronchitis and pneumonia?
If there is no temperature, then the use of mustard plasters as an auxiliary method of treating cough with bronchitis in children can be very useful and very effective.
However, you must be sure that the child’s bronchitis occurs without abstraction, and that he is not allergic in nature.
And once again I would like to remind you that mustard plasters should not be the main remedy in treating a child’s cough and can only act as part of a comprehensive treatment. Then the treatment will be effective and recovery will be quick.
It is possible to apply mustard plasters for pneumonia, but not in the acute period, in the absence of fever and after consultation with a doctor. It is also worth noting that mustard plasters for pneumonia can only be given to children over 5 years old.
How to install mustard plasters correctly
How to put mustard plasters on a child? First of all, you need to know about contraindications and still read the instructions that come with the package. It is also important to remember that in the first days of ARVI, distracting procedures are not used, since the thermal effect will activate the inflammatory process. They are usually prescribed during the recovery stage. If a child is diagnosed with pneumonia, it is diagnosed several days later than with bronchitis. It is best to use this procedure before bedtime, so that the child is already in bed. Children from 1 to 3 years old should hold mustard plasters for no more than 2 minutes. Mothers also often ask: how many times a day can you apply mustard plasters? No more than once a day.
Where to put
On what parts of the body can mustard plasters be applied for bronchitis and pneumonia, or a dry cough in a child? On both sides of the chest, the upper part of the sternum, on the sides, on the back under or between the shoulder blades, as well as on the calf muscles and feet.
Where should you not place it?
- heart area;
- kidneys;
- spine;
- nipples;
- birthmarks;
- skin lesions of a traumatic, purulent nature.
What you will need for the procedure
- Container with water. The temperature should not be higher than 45°C.
- Pack of mustard plasters. Be sure to check the expiration date. Mustard plasters should be stored in the refrigerator. The shelf life ranges from 1 to 2 years. When the package is opened, they quickly lose their properties.
- Towel. Needed to cover the baby.
- Any baby cream. It will be needed to lubricate irritated skin if necessary.
- Good mood and patient consent. Many children are afraid of this procedure; the burning sensation of the skin is painful.
Step by Step Actions
How to put mustard plasters on children when they cough?
- Place the patient on his stomach or back, depending on the placement location.
- Dip mustard plaster into hot water.
- Apply to the skin area and smooth out gently.
- Cover the top with a towel.
- Wait 5–10 minutes.
- Check the condition of your skin periodically.
- Remove and rinse well the remaining mustard with warm water.
- Anoint the skin with baby cream, oil, Vaseline.
After about two minutes you will already feel a slight tingling sensation on the skin. If a child of any age develops a strong burning sensation, an irritating cough and anxiety during the procedure, the mustard plasters must be quickly removed and the area of the body thoroughly washed. Redness on the skin remains for several days. This is fine. The degree of redness depends on individual sensitivity.
Mustard plasters are not such a harmless auxiliary remedy as it might seem at first glance. There are three dangers. The first is burns on delicate baby skin. Therefore, they cannot be used for more than four days in a row and it is advisable to alternate areas of the body. The second is an acute allergic reaction to mustard. The third is a spasm of the larynx and bronchi under the influence of mustard vapors. This can lead to difficulty breathing and result in resuscitation.
Is it possible to put mustard plasters on children with fever?
The answer to this question seems quite obvious, however, many parents still wonder whether it is possible to put mustard plasters on children with a fever.
The answer is clear - No!
Elevated body temperature in children is a clear contraindication to both the treatment of cough with mustard plasters and any other warming procedure.
When using mustard plasters, due to the increase in blood flow, the body temperature, although locally, still rises. And doing this against the background of general malaise and an already elevated body temperature is absolutely not worth it. There will be no benefit from this, but harm is quite possible, since it will create an extra load on the lungs, heart and circulatory system of the little patient.
How to install mustard plasters correctly
To understand how to correctly apply mustard plasters when children cough, you need to perform a certain sequence of certain actions. First, the mother must find the area of the required application, then prepare everything that is needed for this procedure: mustard bags, a napkin, a bowl of warm water (about 40-45 degrees), a small terry towel and a blanket.
You can read below how to apply mustard plasters for coughs in children. According to the instructions, you should place the baby comfortably on a flat surface - a bed or sofa - and open the place where the compress will be placed. If your baby has sensitive skin, it is better to cover this area with a napkin.
Directions for use: how to properly apply mustard plasters to children:
- take a leaf of mustard plaster or tear off 4 cells from a ribbon with filter bags;
- mother takes the mustard plaster with both hands and gently shakes it (if it is packaged mustard) in order to distribute it evenly among the cells;
- the mustard plaster is placed in a container with some water;
- after 20 seconds, remove the bag and shake off excess liquid;
- place the mustard plaster on the baby’s skin or on a cloth previously spread on it;
- cover with a towel on top;
- wrap a sick baby in a blanket;
- leave the compress on for a few minutes;
- remove mustard plasters;
- wash off the remaining mustard from the skin (if any remains);
- dress the baby in fresh clothes;
- put him in a warm bed and cover him with a blanket.
After installing the mustard plasters, the child needs to be wrapped in a blanket
After completing the procedure, you need to lie down for at least a few minutes, which is why children are given mustard plasters before going to bed at night. This detailed instruction provides a complete explanation of how to apply mustard plasters for coughs in children.
How and where to put mustard plasters when children cough?
Following simple rules will help make cough treatment with mustard plasters as effective as possible.
Where should mustard plasters be placed? For dry cough in children, mustard plasters are placed in front, behind and on the side of the chest. But be sure to avoid the following areas:
- from the chest - heart area, nipples
- from the back - shoulder blades, spine.
When can mustard plasters be installed? You can put mustard plaster on a child only if there are no contraindications, allergies or fever.
It makes the most sense to put mustard plasters on your child before bedtime.
How to properly apply mustard plasters for coughs in children:
- Place the baby on the bed;
- Immerse mustard plasters in warm (40 degrees) water for 10 seconds;
- Place the mustard plaster on the child’s body with the side on which the layer of mustard powder is applied and gently smooth it out. For children under 3 years old, mustard plasters can be placed with the reverse side, or gauze cloth can be placed between the mustard plasters and the body;
- Cover or wrap a towel over your baby's chest and back;
- Do not forget that the duration of the procedure should correspond to the age of the child;
- Remove the mustard plasters, wipe the body with a damp cloth or towel;
- Apply baby cream or baby oil;
- Cover the child with a blanket and put him to bed.
In what cases are mustard plasters placed on a child’s feet? Mustard plasters on the feet are usually placed on the calves and feet, or placed dry in socks that the child puts on at night.
Mustard plasters placed on the feet help with a runny nose, but for coughs and sore throats it would be more correct to place mustard plasters on the calves. The principle of operation in this case differs from the principle when they are placed on the chest area. There is such a thing as reflexology and reflexogenic zones, by acting on which you can achieve the desired effect in a completely different part of the body. For example, bitters placed on the feet relieve swelling from the nose, and placed on the calves relieve swelling from the throat.
But there is one thing, the age of children under 5 years is a contraindication for reflexology, and therefore it is not recommended to put mustard plasters on the feet of a child under this age.
How to make mustard plasters yourself and how to apply them for children’s coughs
There is a simple, proven, convenient method. By the way, it can be used not only to treat children, but also adults:
- Prepare three pieces of bandage or gauze, each of which is slightly larger than a mustard plaster. If there is no bandage or gauze, you can use an old cotton cloth, preferably thin. Moisten these napkins with vegetable oil until completely saturated.
- Place one oil napkin on each child’s spatula, in the place where you will place the mustard plasters.
- Soak mustard plasters in warm water. It is desirable that the water temperature is slightly higher than human body temperature. Place the mustard plasters with the reverse side on the oil napkins on the child’s back. Cover with a dry cloth or towel. Press lightly so that the mustard plasters fit more tightly to the back. Place your child's back on the pillow. Place the mustard plaster on your chest in the same way. Cover with a blanket.
Thanks to oil wipes and applying mustard plasters, there will be no burning on the other side.
You will see the absence of burning from the child’s behavior: he will behave calmly, since the procedure is not painful at all, rather even pleasant.
The heat will increase slowly, gradually. Instead of 2-5 minutes, the procedure lasts 30-40 minutes, depending on the degree of freshness of the mustard plasters. You will receive intense warming of the chest.
Of course, you need to follow the procedure. After 15-20 minutes, begin to “look”, slightly opening the mustard plaster on your chest. When the skin under the mustard plaster turns dark pink, the procedure can be completed.
After the mustard plasters are removed, it is recommended to lubricate the back and chest with turpentine (or other warming) oil.
Wear a cotton shirt or T-shirt, topped with a warm vest, jumper or sweater without a collar. Warming ointment and warm clothing will prolong the effect of mustard plasters.
At the same time, if the room is warm, you don’t have to cover the child with a blanket so that he doesn’t get hot, just cover his legs and give him something to drink.
The procedure is completed. In the morning you will see the effect: the child will feel much better.
What should parents do if your baby is hyperactive? The psychologist recommends not to get upset and find an approach to the child. Read the full article...
Contraindications – when you can’t put mustard plasters on children for coughs.
Above, we have already answered the most common questions from parents regarding mustard plasters, their effectiveness and the possibility of use in childhood. But I would like to say a few words about the contraindications of this procedure.
So, you can’t put mustard plasters on children for coughs if:
- The disease is in an acute period
- The child's body temperature is 37 degrees or higher
- The baby is not yet a year old
- The nature of the cough is allergic in nature
- The child is allergic to mustard
- There are sores on the body or the child has any skin disease
- The child has asthma
- In the presence of a neoplasm of any nature (malignant, benign).
If your baby has no contraindications, mustard plasters can be a good way to cure a child’s cough. Get well soon and don't get sick anymore!
When to use mustard plasters
Treatment with mustard powder is considered alternative medicine. But some therapists and pediatricians advise their patients to resort to this procedure. Of course, you cannot use mustard plasters for coughs as the only method of therapy.
The procedure may be prescribed during the following diseases:
- ARVI and colds accompanied by bronchospasm - prescribed for children with cough and for adults;
- lung disease - only during pain in the lateral part of the ribs;
- sore throat, which is accompanied by a dry, debilitating spasm;
- rhinitis or pharyngitis.
A specialist should tell you how to properly apply mustard plasters for coughs. It all depends on the type of drug.
Deciding on a place
So, we have already decided how to properly apply mustard plasters for coughs in children. It turned out to be not so difficult. Now we need to understand, if parents use mustard plasters for children’s coughs, where to put them in order to do everything as needed.
If your baby has the initial symptoms of a cold, which include a dry cough and runny nose, mustard plasters can stop or stop the inflammatory process. True, mustard plasters are not used for coughs in children 3 years old (meaning until the children reach the age of three, and some pediatricians say about the age of four) are not used.
You can pour mustard powder into your baby’s socks (this option was already mentioned above) or apply mustard plaster to the calf or heel. Insulate the leg with an additional sock and leave for 6-7 hours. At this moment, you need to carefully monitor the child: the baby should not develop painful sensations or rise in temperature. After the allotted time is over, wash your feet with hot water, wipe them dry and put on socks.
During an acute period, this procedure cannot be performed.
If the condition does not worsen, it is advisable to repeat the treatment the next day. To defeat a sluggish runny nose or acute respiratory infection, 10 sessions will be enough. During the acute period, such treatment cannot be carried out.
Mustard plasters on feet for a runny nose
There is an opinion that when you have a runny nose, it is useful to put mustard plasters on your calves. But this method is not very convenient, especially in children, and is rarely used.
Back in Soviet times, ambulance teams often used mustard plasters on the calves to relieve a hypertensive crisis, so this method is better suited for this purpose, especially since it is easy to do at home.
As for placing mustard plasters on the heels for a runny nose, opinions also differ here. In adults, the skin on the heels is rough and the mustard substance will not be able to penetrate to the required extent. And children are often afraid of tickling, and the method itself is not entirely convenient for children.
It is better to use mustard baths or mustard powder, which is placed in socks.
Mustard baths
Warm mustard baths are ideal for treating a runny nose. The only thing is not to use the method in children under three years of age.
Pour warm water (about 45 degrees) into a bowl of water (5 liters). Place 20 grams of mustard there and stir well. We lower the child's feet into the water and cover them with a large terry towel. The procedure usually takes 20 minutes. If a noticeable burning sensation and other unpleasant symptoms appear, the procedure is stopped.
After the bath, the feet are quickly wiped dry and warm woolen socks are put on. Always take baths before bed. As a rule, 2-3 procedures are enough to treat a runny nose.
For a pleasant smell during the procedure, it is recommended to add a few drops of essential oil: eucalyptus, juniper, fir.
By the way, fir oil is also a separate effective folk remedy for the common cold, as we wrote about how to use it in the article.
Mustard powder “in socks”
Before the procedure, wash your child’s feet and dry them. Pour mustard powder into cotton socks, 1/2 teaspoon is enough. First, put on mustard socks, and you can also layer them with a wool pair. This procedure lasts about 5 hours.
For children under 5 years old, mustard powder is poured only into the second pair of socks. First, put on thin socks, and then the same socks, but with mustard powder.
Mustard will irritate the nerve receptors in the legs, which serve as conductors for transmitting signals to the brain. At the same time, the blood vessels dilate and blood circulation improves.
Important! If the skin on the legs is damaged (injuries, cracks, abrasions), mustard should not be put in socks.
Continue treatment until the condition improves. On average, perform from 3 to 10 procedures, preferably before bedtime.
Mustard plasters for the common cold are an undeservedly forgotten method of traditional medicine. After all, many can confirm that they helped perfectly in the “snotty childhood.” The runny nose quickly passed, and after a few days we were running outside with friends. Parents always make the decision whether to put mustard plasters on their children or not, but the doctor’s advice will only be beneficial. Take care of your health!
And a little about secrets...
If you or your child are often sick and are treated with antibiotics alone, know that you are only treating the effect, not the cause.
So you simply “spare” money to pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies and get sick more often.
STOP! Stop feeding unknown people!!! You just need to boost your immunity and you will forget what it’s like to be sick!
There is a way for this! Confirmed by E. Malysheva, A. Myasnikov and our readers! ...
Are there any benefits from mustard plasters?
Mustard plasters are a very old and one of the simplest ways to treat colds. Despite its simplicity and cheapness, treatment with mustard plasters almost always gives a 100% positive effect. Let's talk about how to properly use mustard plasters for a child with a runny nose.
Colds are often treated with heat, and the main property of mustard plasters is precisely warming.
Mustard plasters are usually used for coughs, but they are no less effective for a runny nose. But before use, you should still familiarize yourself with the contraindications, since the use of mustard plasters is not indicated for some conditions. But this usually applies to adults; in children, treatment with mustard plasters is the first remedy.
Where to put mustard plasters for children with a runny nose?
So, we treat a child’s runny nose with mustard plasters. Where to put mustard plasters for a cough is clear - on the chest and back in the area of the bronchi and lungs, but where to put mustard plasters for a runny nose?
The main place of impact in case of a runny nose is the legs . It is recommended to place mustard plasters on your feet, put on cotton socks, and then woolen ones. You also need to put mustard plasters on the calf area and a little lower. If the child is over a year old, you can pour dry mustard into the second socks at night, and put another one on top.
You can also use hot foot baths : you need to pour dry mustard powder into it at the rate of 50 g of mustard powder per 10 liters of water. Water temperature is approximately 45 degrees. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes, after which the child needs to wipe his feet dry and put on cotton and wool socks.
How long can you keep mustard plasters?
Older children can hold mustard plasters for up to 10-15 minutes, and for small children 3-5 minutes is enough. If the procedure is performed for the first time, then 2 minutes is enough - the child must get used to the temperature effects. If you pour dry mustard into a child’s socks, the effect on the body will be so mild that you can leave the socks on the child’s feet for the whole night or the whole day.
By the way, you can make mustard plasters yourself, without buying them at the pharmacy, but using mustard powder. To prepare mustard plasters, you need to mix mustard powder with starch and flour in a ratio of 1:1:1 and add a little warm water, stir everything well. This mixture must be applied to paper and left to dry.
Treatment with mustard plasters is carried out daily for 10 days; If the body temperature is higher than normal, mustard plasters cannot be applied; Also, mustard plasters should not be used if there are abrasions and skin rashes; After the mustard plasters are removed, you need to try to keep the heat as long as possible; Children's skin is quite thin, so mustard plasters are usually applied to them with the back side or the side with mustard, but through thin fabric, gauze, or a handkerchief - this is done to prevent burns to the delicate children's skin; If you are putting mustard plasters on a child under one year old, then the napkin on which the mustard plasters are applied should be greased with vegetable oil; After removing the mustard plaster, the child’s skin should be lubricated with olive oil or hypoallergenic cream.
Mustard plaster (mustard plaster) is a local irritant that helps eliminate cold symptoms. A porous bag filled with mustard powder is used to warm the fabrics. A local increase in temperature stimulates blood circulation, due to which tissue trophism is normalized. Acceleration of blood microcirculation in the affected mucous membranes leads to acceleration of regeneration processes, which subsequently stimulates an increase in local immunity.
Using mustard plasters for a runny nose, you can accelerate the regression of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx. The acceleration of metabolic processes due to intense blood circulation leads to a decrease in the viscosity of mucus. This accelerates the process of evacuation of liquid secretions from the nasal sinuses, which makes nasal breathing easier.
