Potato wrap: How to use this home remedy correctly

The potato wrap is a simple home remedy with great effectiveness. Here you can find out everything you need to know about how to use it correctly.

Potato wraps consist of boiled and mashed potatoes that are wrapped in a tea towel. This tried and tested home remedy is said to have a pain-relieving and relaxing effect and helps with tension, coughs and sore throats.

Potato wrap: When it helps and how it works

The potato wrap is an effective home remedy for colds and bronchial diseases. It helps with:

• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• bronchitis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• rheumatic complaints

The healing effects of potato wraps are primarily due to the heat. This is stored particularly well in the potatoes and then released into the body over a long period of time.

The moist heat improves blood flow to the skin. This helps it to transport nutrients and healing substances optimally. In addition, the use of potato wraps relaxes the muscles, which relieves pain and can relieve cramps.

When you should not use potato wraps

In some cases, potato wraps can worsen existing conditions. You should not use them if:

• Fever
• Inflammations
• open wounds
• Skin irritations
• Infections
• Varicose veins
• Suspected internal bleeding

If you have existing heart disease, high blood pressure or circulatory or nerve disorders, you should only use potato wraps after consulting a doctor.

For babies and small children, you should make sure that the mashed potatoes have cooled down a bit beforehand, as young skin can burn more quickly.

How to make a potato wrap: Instructions

You don’t need much for a potato wrap. Most of the time you already have everything at home:

• 3 to 5 medium-sized potatoes, unpeeled
• a tea towel
• a large scarf

Preparation is quick and easy:

1. Boil the potatoes until they are done.
2. Then place them in the middle of the tea towel and mash them with a fork or potato masher until they form a coarse mash.
3. Then fold the tea towel over the mashed potatoes so that nothing can slip out of the sides.
4. Before you place the potato wrap on your chest, you should check that it is not too hot. The best way to do this is to use the temperature-sensitive underside of your wrist.
5. If the potato wrap is pleasantly warm, place the pack on the base of your chest, close to the base of your neck, if you have bronchitis or a cold. If you have other complaints, place it on the affected area (for example on your back or neck).
6. Then wrap the large scarf and potato wrap tightly around your chest, back or neck. It is important that as little air as possible gets to the wrap so that the heat is retained for a long time.
7. Additionally, cover yourself with a blanket.

As long as the potato wrap is comfortably warm, you can leave it on your chest. It is best to lie comfortably on your back and move as little as possible.

After the potato wrap, you should give your body some rest. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply it in the evening before going to bed.

Read more on Techzle\.com:

• Potato juice: what it is good for and how to make it
• Home remedies for cough: The best tips
• Inhalation for colds and coughs: What you need to pay attention to with salt water and oils

Revised by Luise Rau

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