When any kind of chest congestion is present, making a mustard plaster is one option of breaking it up.
Yes, I’m talking about the common kitchen spice!
Mustard has rubefacient properties, which means it increases blood circulation, perspiration, and heat to the area of skin where it is administered.
This simple remedy truly works! It’s another easy thing you can keep on hand to help your family’s well being.
How To Make a Mustard Plaster for Congestion
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1/4 cup mustard powder (you can also grind mustard seeds into powder yourself, which would make a stronger and even more effective poultice).
Directions:
- Stir in enough hot water to make a thick paste.
- Be sure to place a thin layer of olive oil on the chest before you put the paste on to help keep the plaster from “burning” the skin. Place this paste on the chest and cover with a hot wet towel.
- Place a dry towel on top of that. You don’t have to place a hot towel on the paste, but this will help the mustard seed to stay warm and effective.
- It’s very important to check the plaster from time to time to make sure it isn’t burning the skin.
- Leave this on the chest all day or overnight as long as the skin isn’t becoming irritated. If you have sensitive skin, only use the plaster for 20-30 minutes at a time.
This is a very effective remedy for breaking up congestion, but you have to be sure you don’t burn the skin – use the olive oil on the chest first! Don’t place the plaster directly on the skin and then blame me if you get “burned”. 🙂
This is a remedy that Anne on Anne of Green Gables used on Minnie Mae when she had severe croup. Have you never seen Anne of Green Gables? You’re missing out! It’s one of my favorites! 🙂
And you can’t just grab a bottle of mustard from the fridge – you have to purchase mustard seeds or mustard powder. 🙂 Check it out HERE!
Updated from December 11, 2011
*Disclaimer ~ These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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I use this remedy on my family from time to time- it truly works! I bought ground mustard from Bulk Herb Store and use it in cooking, as well as for plasters. Love it!
Thanks for a great post.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Kristy! 😉
I have heard of mustard plasters being very effective. along with eucalyptus oil, and mullein, I can’t imagine not getting to the heart to the problem of congestion. I always learn something here!
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqueline! 🙂
Hi do you get this to stay on a child for the whole day? Mine would never lay down for that long with just congestion. Is there a trick I’m missing? I’d love to use it.
I would just do the best I could. I always put a movie in and let them watch it if they stay still. 🙂 If they aren’t lethargic and laying around, chances are they don’t need the plaster all day.
When I was young during the late 50’s & early 60’s this was a common practice. My mother did this Mustard Plaster on me several time that I can recall. She would lay me flat on the counter top with no top on. Mother then placed a Muslin cloth on my chest & applied the mustard plaster. I remember I had to lay on the countertop for awhile, possibly until it cooled off. I do not remember getting Mustard Plaster treatments as an older child. What I do remember is my father shoving Vicks up my nose, under my nose, shove it down my throat, rub it on my chest & between my “wings” on my back, then cover my chest with his handkerchief and fasten it with a safety pin at the neck placing it under my top or pajamas. In those days, the doctor came to your home so I do not remember too many visits but enough to remember his name & I can remember his features. Dr. Faucett (sp?) was young & as they said in those days, “tall dark & handsome.” He was the partner of Dr. Crow who was older. I can only assume that Dr. Faucett was in training to take over Dr. Crow’s practice as Dr. Crow brought me into this world. They did have an office that you could go to so I assume at that time home visits were emergency & office visits were routine. By the time I was a teen we began to actually go to an office for all our medical needs, even piercing my ears. Today, I have not been to the Dr’s office if I can recall correctly for @ 20 years. Eating and drinking healthy along with getting plenty pf exercise along with home remedies such as this I do believe, has saved not only my health but a lot of money and time.
I love hearing the way they did it in the old days! That is amazing that you went to the doctor to get your ears pierced! What a memory. 🙂 I love that you’ve found a way to stay healthy-it DOES save so much time and money!! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jill, I was wondering that once you make it do you have to use all of it or would you be able to save some for later?