Although rubbing alcohol seems to be a safe substance, it can pose a serious health hazard if mishandled. In order not to harm yourself when using such a product, as well as to be able to distinguish between poisonous and food types of alcohols, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the information below.

Types of alcohol

Alcohols include a fairly large group of substances that differ in chemical composition and physical properties. The chemical formula of these substances includes a hydrocarbon base (for example, C2H5 ethane) and a hydroxyl group (OH).

From the point of view of chemistry, this group includes substances with two or more hydroxyl groups (for example, ethylene glycol, used as a base for car antifreeze), and simple alcohols, which include ethanol.

In most cases, the term "alcohol" means just a simple version of this substance.

Methyl alcohol or methanol (CH3OH)

It is a fairly strong poison. When ingested, it causes blindness, in high doses - death. Ingestion in any quantity is deadly.

Ethyl alcohol or ethanol (C2H5OH)

It is the only type of alcohol completely suitable for ingestion. Its properties depend on the raw materials from which it is obtained, but all types of alcoholic beverages are based on this substance.

Formic alcohol (HCOOH + C2H5OH)

It is an alcoholic solution of formic acid. Used in medicine as an effective antiseptic. Due to the aggressive properties of formic acid, this remedy is not suitable for oral administration. At the same time, in case of use in small doses, this substance does not pose a serious danger to life and health.

Isopropyl alcohol (С3Н8О)

It is used as a substitute for ethyl alcohol in various industries, as well as a disinfectant.

In fact, this substance is not a poison, but its use in large quantities leads to a much more pronounced poisoning than in the case of ethyl alcohol. The main difference from ethanol alcohol in this case is that in the process of splitting isopropyl alcohol, acetone is formed, which can cause serious harm to the body.

Ammonia

In fact, this tool is an alcohol solution of ammonia. In view of the rather high toxicity of the latter, it is not worth ingesting such a composition because of the danger of serious poisoning. The given recipes for "drugs" using this substance (for example, ammonia with water) are more of a poison than a drug.

Camphor alcohol

Similar to the previous remedy, this composition is an alcohol solution of racemic camphor. It is used as an external antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic agent. Considering that even when applied to the skin, such a remedy can cause irritation, if it is ingested, serious burns of internal organs can be earned.

Salicylic alcohol

It would be correct to call this remedy an alcohol solution of salicylic acid. Salicylic alcohol from a pharmacy has a vasoconstrictive, bactericidal and antimicrobial effect. Due to the aggressive properties of salicylic acid, it is forbidden to use such an agent inside, in order to avoid serious damage to the mucous membrane of the internal organs.

Boric alcohol

In fact, this name means an alcohol solution of boric acid. Boric alcohol from a pharmacy has a good antiseptic effect, but if ingested, it causes severe toxic damage to the body. For this reason, you can not drink it.

Aviation alcohol

Technical ethyl alcohol is used as a working fluid in many modern aircraft systems. The difference between this substance and pharmacy ethyl alcohol is the presence of additives that prevent its ingestion, as well as adapting its physical properties for the normal operation of equipment. Concerning danger of such substance for health there are various opinions. Obviously, the reason for this is the presence of different types of technical aviation alcohol. In a number of cases, the actually ideal suitability of such a product for internal use is noted. At the same time, there is evidence of poisoning by heavy metals contained in such a product. Given the presence of such a danger, it is better not to drink this type of alcohol.

Alcohol Aseptolin

This medical product is a mixture of various alcohols, the list of which also includes glycerol (propane alcohol). Since Aseptolin is mainly used as a disinfectant, to increase the effectiveness of its use, it uses a high concentration of alcohols, from 70 to 90%. Since there are mostly negative opinions regarding the question of whether it is possible to drink alcohol with a strength of 70 degrees, you should not use such a remedy inside.

Ferein

This substance is a high-quality alcohol obtained by chemical means. It is used as a medical antiseptic, as well as in the food industry. Basically, such a product is produced with a strength of 95%. Due to the strict observance of all norms in the production of such a product, this alcohol is suitable for ingestion. To avoid burning the mucous membranes, you first need to dilute it with water to a strength of 40 °.

How to distinguish ethyl alcohol from others

It's important to know

Visually, as well as in taste and smell, methyl alcohol is no different from ethanol. Therefore, to determine the type of a given substance, it is necessary to use only the following methods, all other "correct means" are ineffective. In the absence of certainty about the origin of alcohol, it is better to refuse to use it altogether.

There are several ways to distinguish rectified ethyl alcohol from substances hazardous to health.

1. flame color

When ignited, ethyl alcohol burns with a blue flame, and technical alcohol burns with green.

1. Reaction with potatoes

If a potato placed in a container with alcohol does not change color, then it is ethanol. Potatoes turn pink upon contact with methanol.

1. Reaction with copper

When a red-hot copper wire is placed in a container with alcohol, an unpleasant odor should not be emitted. Otherwise, you cannot drink such alcohol, it is methanol.

Harm of ethyl alcohol

The main reason for the manifestation of the negative consequences of the use of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is the multiple excess of the maximum allowable amount of this substance.
If moderation is observed in the amount of alcohol intake, negative consequences should not arise.

With regular use of any type of alcohol in large (50 g of pure alcohol per day) and very large (100 g or more of pure alcohol per day), the development of the following health disorders can be observed:

• Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Violation of the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, their constant narrowing and expansion under the influence of alcohol, as well as a decrease in the quality of the work of the heart muscles, significantly increases the risk of developing heart attacks and strokes.

• Lung lesions

Due to the weakening of the body's defense systems with alcoholism, there is an increase in the likelihood of developing pulmonary infections.

• Damage to the digestive system

The constant irritation of the gastric mucosa with alcohol, the load on the liver and pancreas associated with the breakdown and excretion of alcohol from the body, eventually leads to serious disturbances in the functioning of these organs.

• Problems with the genitourinary system

Since the kidneys must constantly remove the breakdown products of alcohol from the body, this can eventually cause inflammation.

Ethyl alcohol poisoning

Ethanol is one of the most affordable and effective antidotes for methyl alcohol poisoning. A dose of 20-50% of pure alcohol will make it possible to postpone the damage to the nervous system in time and provide an opportunity to take the victim to the hospital in a satisfactory condition.

Ethanol poisoning mainly occurs as a result of the consumption of excessively large amounts of such a substance. At the same time, the quality of the product significantly affects the likelihood of undesirable consequences. For example, poisoning with medical alcohol from a pharmacy will occur at a higher dosage compared to a low-quality artisanal product.

The minimum dosage at which ethanol poisoning occurs depends on many factors:

• habits (tolerance) to alcohol,
• body weight,
• type and quantity of snacks, and so on.

Basically, a dose of more than 4 g of pure alcohol per 1 kg of body weight is considered life-threatening. That is, in terms of vodka (40% pure alcohol), for a man weighing 80 kg, a dose of 800 g is considered dangerous.

Symptoms of ethanol poisoning include the following:

• violation of coordination up to the impossibility of independent movement;
• violation of the perception of reality, with severe poisoning - loss of consciousness;
• decrease or complete absence of response to painful stimuli;
• disruption of the circulatory system and respiratory center.

Depending on the phase of poisoning, either a significant increase in pressure and rapid breathing, or, conversely, a critical drop in blood pressure and respiratory failure can be observed.

If the listed symptoms are accompanied by pale or cyanotic skin, as well as a drop in body temperature, then there is severe alcohol poisoning, which is life-threatening. In this case, it is better to send the victim to the hospital for qualified assistance.

How to drink alcohol without harm to the body

It's important to know

Pure alcohol, with its regular use, even in small quantities, has a fairly pronounced destructive effect on internal organs. In addition, intoxication from this product can manifest itself abruptly, up to a sudden loss of consciousness. This can be caused by drinking a large amount of liquid after alcohol, or by a sharp change in ambient temperature (entrance from a cold to a warm room).

The question of whether it is possible to drink ethyl alcohol should preferably be reduced to how much of this substance can be consumed for a limited time. The quality of the drink also plays a role.

If we consider alcohol from a pharmacy, then most likely there will be no problems with the quality of such a product.

Raw alcohol in most cases contains a fairly large amount of various impurities, which also include methanol and various fusel oils. Therefore, it will be harmful to the body in any quantities.

When calculating the dosage, it is worth remembering that medical alcohol has a concentration that is almost two and a half times higher than vodka. It is also much faster absorbed into the bloodstream and causes more pronounced intoxication.

The surest way to reduce the negative effects of alcohol on the body is to first dilute it to a safe concentration with a non-alcoholic liquid - for example, water or juice.

There are also methods that allow you to drink pure alcohol with minimal risk to the body. In this case, there is a possibility of burning the larynx as a result of a mistake, in particular, when inhaling during a sip.

The way to drink alcohol without harm to the body includes the following steps:

• several breaths are taken;
• halfway through the breath is held;
• a glass of alcohol is drunk, and no breath is taken before and after a sip;
• after alcohol enters the stomach, a strong exhalation is made through the mouth;
• drink at least 50 g of non-carbonated liquid;
• breath is taken.

FAQ:

We figured out the types of alcohols and their effect on the body. However, many still have questions. Let's try to analyze the most popular of them.

Can you drink medical alcohol?

Honey. alcohol is distinguished by a sufficiently high quality of purification and accuracy of compliance with the preparation technology, therefore it does not pose a health hazard. Basically, pharmacy alcohol is used diluted with water. It is worth noting that the main purpose of this substance is the disinfection of tools and equipment, and not ingestion. Therefore, the product of the medical chemical industry, ethyl alcohol of 95-degree strength, does not differ in pleasant taste.

Is it possible to drink alcohol for external use?

It all depends on the type of this substance. For example, it is better not to use formic alcohol from a pharmacy or alcohol with salicylic acid for the above reasons.

Ordinary ethyl alcohol 70 percent, intended for the preparation of formulations for external use, most likely will not bring harm.

Can you drink expired alcohol?

Like any substance, alcohol has a certain shelf life. Basically, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to drink expired alcohol depends on the type of container that contained this substance. If alcohol was stored in a glass container, then even after the specified period it should not be harmful. The only drawback will be a decrease in its concentration due to evaporation. When storing alcohol in vessels made of other materials (for example, plastic), you should not drink it after the expiration date.

Can you drink undiluted alcohol?

Ethyl alcohol 96 degrees, in the absence of certain skills in its use, is a serious danger. Sufficiently high aggressiveness of this substance in some cases leads to severe burns of the mucous membrane of the larynx and stomach. Therefore, it is better not to use pure alcohol. If, nevertheless, there is an irresistible desire to create an extreme drink, it is necessary to dilute alcohol with water.

Is it possible to drink diluted alcohol immediately?

Since when water is added to alcohol, a chemical reaction begins, diluted medical alcohol should not be drunk immediately after dilution. Most sources recommend infusing an aqueous solution of alcohol for 5-7 days, until all chemical reactions stop.

Is it possible to drink alcohol tinctures?

The answer to this question depends on the type of such product. For example, you should not drink propolis on alcohol.

The preparation of medicines in the form of alcoholic tinctures has been known for many years. The effectiveness of such funds is achieved due to the ability of alcohol to draw active substances from medicinal raw materials. Thus, properly prepared tinctures for alcohol can and should be drunk.

Is it possible to drink industrial alcohol?

Special substances are added to this type of alcohol to distort its taste and smell, which makes its use as unpleasant as possible. For this reason, you should not drink such a substance as alcohol. At the same time, with a moderate amount of use, such a substance will not pose a danger to life.

Can you drink dry alcohol?

In fact, dry fuel has nothing to do with alcohols. It is produced from urotropine and paraffin. When it enters the stomach, urotropin reacts with hydrochloric acid and forms formaldehyde, which is clearly not good for health.

In order not to cause serious poisoning, dry fuel should not be consumed inside.

If a person feels a rise in temperature, this indicates that the body is fighting an infectious disease.

When the temperature reaches 38 degrees or more, then the organs and systems have a large load, the body begins to suffer from intoxication.

In most cases, in this condition, antipyretic drugs are indicated, you can choose more gentle means - compresses, they help lower the temperature and do not have harmful effects on the stomach, kidneys and liver.

You can make a compress with a bite, it brings down the temperature well. Vinegar, a substance that evaporates quickly, which has a positive effect on the human condition. Often this method is more effective than some pharmaceutical preparations.

To prepare a medical dressing, you need to add a tablespoon of ordinary vinegar to a glass of water, then moisten the gauze and put it on the game and forehead. It is not necessary to apply polyethylene on top.

Some doctors believe that rubbing is more effective than compresses. When rubbing, the whole body of the patient is treated, relief comes in half an hour.

Currently, there are a lot of low-quality products on sale, it is important to choose vinegar carefully, since serious allergic skin reactions are likely.

Features of procedures for young children

To make a compress, you need to take a little vinegar, moisten a handkerchief, wring it out and put it on your forehead. From above the child can be covered with a towel. This method of dealing with temperature is often chosen by parents who are afraid to harm their child with antipyretic drugs. It should be remembered that the alcohol compress is contraindicated in children and the elderly.

Angina is also treated with compresses, for this, grated potatoes are used. Vinegar is added to the raw materials, and the mass is folded into gauze. The bandage must be applied to the throat, and wrapped with a scarf on top.

With a very strong cough, potatoes are boiled in an enamel container, vinegar is added and mashed. The mass should be put in a linen towel. The bandage should not be too hot. The procedure lasts about 25 minutes until the mass cools down. Such treatment should be carried out at night.

Acetic dressings also normalize the heels, soften the skin, which helps with minor burns.

Features of compresses at temperature:

1. Wet dressings contribute to a rapid decrease in temperature. If the patient feels severe discomfort, then the compress should be removed and first put a cold bandage on the forehead, then on the calves and on the carpal area. After this, the patient is covered with a blanket.
2. When the temperature has reached 40 degrees, you can not apply warm compresses, as this contributes to a further increase in heat. The procedure must be performed until a noticeable drop in temperature.

Essential oils for healing

At very high temperatures, you can make a compress from the following ingredients:

• bergamot oil,
• eucalyptus,

All this is mixed and applied to the forehead with gauze. There is another popular recipe: put half a glass of alcohol with essential oils on gauze and wrap the calf muscles.

With this mixture, the soles are also rubbed, but you need to add vegetable oil. Essential oils of fir and cedar can be rubbed into the skin until it becomes dry, and then put on warm socks.

Popular compress recipes

You can rub the patient with vodka or alcohol from the feet to the head. After that, you should change into dry clothes, especially if there is increased sweating at a temperature.

A person will feel better when coolness touches hot skin. The temperature quickly drops by about 5-7 degrees.

Good results are obtained by vodka or alcohol compress. To prepare it, you need to add a tablespoon of alcohol or vodka to a half-liter jar of water, and the same amount of vinegar. The person needs to be completely rubbed, then take a newspaper and blow it well. Thus, the temperature quickly starts to drop.

If the temperature is more than 38 degrees, then 3% vinegar is used, which can be applied to:

• breast,
• lap,
• feet.

When the temperature rises to 40 degrees, 6% or 9% vinegar is applied.

Such vinegar should be chosen for gauze compresses, which are applied to the forehead. As soon as the bandage warms up, it should be replaced with a cold one. After about half an hour, the person feels better, and he can go to sleep.

The child can be wrapped in a towel for about 20 minutes, while the head and heels remain open. This method is used only if there is no chill. But when it is, it is better to take a shower.

It is advisable to drink mulled wine with spices or raspberry tea after the procedure. The more you sweat, the faster your body temperature will drop.

Side effects of compresses against temperature

It should be noted that a compress with vinegar and alcohol should not be used on children, as this will cause:

1. febrile convulsions,
2. rashes
3. breathing problems.

If these phenomena are present, you should quickly remove the compress and wipe the skin with water.

The skin of newborns cannot be lubricated with alcohol, children have too thin skin, so intoxication will occur, and the child may die due to poisoning.

Thus, the use of compresses at a temperature is universal. Despite all the advantages, before carrying out the procedures, you need to consider the following information:

• patient's age,
• features of the ingredients
• the course of the disease.

Before making compresses with any ingredients, it is better to consult a doctor. At a temperature, it is not recommended to do warming compresses, as they will further increase the temperature and worsen the condition of a sick person. Only a cold compress will make it possible to get rid of cramps, chills and fever.

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A compress (medical bandage applied to a diseased area of ​​​​the body) has been known to mankind since time immemorial as a safe and effective means of self-treatment. The main component of the compress varies depending on the type of ailment, localization on the body and personal preferences of the person being treated. This article explains how to properly make an alcohol compress on the ear, throat, and how to deal with corns with it.

In contact with

The secret of alcohol lotion lies in the warming effect, which helps to relieve the symptoms of a large number of diseases. Compresses do not use external heat, unlike heating pads, but internal heat, as a result of which not only the skin is warmed, but also those tissues and organs that are deeper. The second advantage of this type of bandage is the analgesic effect, which is achieved due to the expansion of blood vessels. Thanks to this, blood circulation improves and tissues are saturated with oxygen, and, consequently, the feeling of pain, swelling and inflammation disappear. A pleasant addition to such treatment will be a noticeable cosmetic effect - alcohol dressings expand the pores and cleanse them of impurities.

To whom, and for what diseases, a medical bandage is indicated

An alcohol compress is approved for use by all age groups (except for children under three years old). If there are no other contraindications, even pregnant women can use the lotion.

Therapeutic alcohol compress is indicated for:

• Bruises, dislocations, sprains and torn ligaments (can be used a few days after injury).
• Inflammation of the ears (except for the purulent form).
• Inflammatory processes of the larynx and pharynx (including tonsillitis, except for purulent).
• Colds, if the body temperature does not exceed 37 ° C (compress is placed on the chest or back).
• Sciatica, joint pain (a common practice is to apply a compress to the knees, they most often bother people of age).
• Varicose veins, gout, thrombophlebitis.
• Infiltrates (bumps) after injections.
• Dry calluses on the legs.

Remember! The time during which it is recommended to wear a medical dressing depends on the area of ​​application, the type and course of the ailment. For example, an ear compress is kept for about 4 hours, a compress is applied to injection bumps for 2-3 hours, and to injured limbs - for 6-10.

The correct technology for applying a compress includes four steps. How to make an alcohol compress:

1. Ethyl (medical) alcohol is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 3 (one part alcohol + 3 parts water).
2. A piece of dense fabric or gauze folded several times must be moistened in the resulting solution and squeezed out. The size of the first layer should slightly exceed the area of ​​the painful area. It is important that the compress fits snugly against the skin, otherwise the procedure will not have the expected effect.
3. The next layer is to lay a special compress waxed paper or polyethylene (cellophane). This will prevent the first coat from drying out and retain heat longer.
4. The compress is fixed with a bandage in such a way that excessive pressure is not applied to the vessels, and the wet part of the compress does not come into contact with air (otherwise the alcohol will evaporate and the application of the compress will lose its meaning).

Important to remember! When applying a bandage to sensitive skin, it is recommended to pre-lubricate this place with olive oil or baby cream.

It is also useful to take into account some of the nuances when applying a bandage to vulnerable parts of the body. When warming the ear, the solution must not be allowed to enter the auditory canal; for this, an area corresponding to the size of the auricle is cut out in the bandage.

An alcohol compress is applied to the neck, but it should not be in the thyroid gland.

When wrestling, the procedure goes differently: first, the feet must be softened in a saline solution (100 grams of table or sea salt per 5 liters of hot water), then a cloth soaked in an alcohol solution is applied to already dry feet. Plastic bags are put on the feet, and on top are two pairs of socks - cotton and wool. It is desirable to carry out the procedure before a night's sleep, so in the morning the corns will be easily removed with a pumice stone, and the feet will become smooth and tender, especially if they are smeared with cream.

Even for such a relatively simple practice, there are a number of contraindications that you should pay attention to. It is forbidden to apply an alcohol lotion at a body temperature above 37 degrees, as well as in the presence of:

• oncological diseases;
• purulent forms of otitis media and tonsillitis;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• high blood pressure;
• susceptibility to allergies;
• damage to the integrity of the skin: open wounds, abscesses, ulcers.

What can replace alcohol in a medical bandage

Alcohol in its chemical composition and properties is a unique product, so it is difficult to replace it in lotion. The most minor substitutes for alcohol are vodka and formic or camphor alcohol, and many people prefer these products. Since alcohol is present in certain quantities in all alcoholic beverages, it is theoretically possible to replace the alcohol in the bandage with any alcohol, but in this case it is difficult to avoid negative consequences. In no case should you use moonshine - it contains harmful impurities.

At the same time, using alcohol tinctures on medicinal herbs is a good idea. Especially tangible effect is exerted by tinctures on capsicum, acacia, chestnut, chamomile.

How to enhance the effect of the compress

By adding other healing products to the compress, the positive effect can be enhanced. One of the most famous recipes is a combination of 150 grams of vodka, 100 grams of honey and 50 grams of aloe juice. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area in the same way as the usual lotion. Another popular tip is to add grated potatoes or Vishnevsky's ointment to a traditional vodka compress. Adding onion or garlic juice will increase anti-inflammatory properties, but a compress with such an additive can be kept for no more than an hour due to the irritating effect of onions and garlic.

Some people actively practice alternately applying vodka dressings and cakes made from rye flour and honey. Cakes should be applied for 1-2 hours.

Vodka compresses are a simple and effective practice known to medicine for a long time, but it is still strongly recommended to consult a specialist before self-treatment.

Why you should not do alcohol compresses at a temperature for children:

Since ancient times, alcohol compresses have been very popular for the treatment of various diseases that have both external and internal manifestations. They are mainly used as a warming agent. This method is used for physical injuries, inflammation of the joints and muscles. It is also used to treat tonsillitis, otitis media, sciatica, various ailments of the larynx and other problems.

How to make an alcohol compress on the ear?

Similar methods are used for various diseases of the hearing organs. Most often, a compress is applied during the active phasewhen water has been in the ear for a long time or simply with pains of varying intensity.

Components:

• gauze bandage - 1 pc.;
• a piece of polyethylene;
• alcohol 96% or vodka - 20 ml;
• water.

Preparation and application

To create a compress, moisten gauze folded several times with a solution of alcohol and water (1: 1) or vodka. Then place it behind your ear. A small part of gauze is placed on top of the hearing organ itself, and then polyethylene. In both layers, you must first make small holes for air circulation. After that, the affected area is wrapped with a cloth - best of all, a woolen scarf. You can keep such bandages for no more than four hours.

Alcohol compress on the throat

Components:

• gauze bandage;
• waterproof paper;
• alcohol 40%;
• woolen fabric.

Preparation and application

The bandage is folded several times and wetted with alcohol. Then it is applied directly to the throat. In this case, the fabric should only be damp - it should not drain from it. On top of the bandage is a film or waterproof paper. From above it is all closed with a scarf.

Such a compress can be done several times a day. There must be a break of at least two hours between procedures. It is important to monitor the reaction of the skin - if it clearly reacts badly to the procedures - such treatment should be stopped.

Alcohol compress on the leg or arm

Often, people who are actively involved in sports get injuries to their legs and arms, which are accompanied by hemorrhages and.

Components:

• vodka - 20 ml;
• bandage;
• cotton wool;
• film.

Preparation and application

A bandage folded in several layers is urinated with vodka and applied to the affected area. On top is polyethylene. After that, a dense layer of cotton wool is applied, which will ensure the preservation of heat. Then the whole structure is closed with a bandage. Each layer should be one or two centimeters wider than the previous one. In this case, the bandage will perform its functions.

Such therapy is not carried out immediately after the injury, but only the next day. At the very beginning, it is still recommended to use ice. In addition, if the problem area is in the fold, the bandage can quickly move or fall off. In this case, it is recommended to use more rubbing. Before use, it is advisable to visit a specialist.

For all of us, in childhood, mothers and grandmothers put a compress for colds. This tool has always been considered very effective and efficient and has been used for a long time. This method of treatment is considered folk, but it is often prescribed by pediatricians and doctors for various diseases.

What is a compress?

Compresses are different, and the effect is also different. A compress is nothing more than a medical bandage. That is how the word is interpreted. Compresses are wet and dry. Dry are used by doctors to protect a bruise or damage from pollution, cooling. They are prepared very simply: several layers of gauze and cotton wool are fastened with a bandage on the affected area of ​​the body.

Wet compresses are a kind of physiotherapy procedure. At the same time, gauze with cotton is impregnated with an appropriate solution and applied to the injury site. Wet compresses are divided into cold, hot and warming. The alcohol compress known to all of us since childhood is warming. What is it used for? How to do it correctly, with what diseases? You will learn about all this from our article.

For colds, perhaps the most commonly used and affordable home remedy is just that - a compress. Despite the ease of preparation and low cost, this remedy is one of the most effective in a number of diseases.

So how do you make an alcohol compress? It's completely easy. From its very name it becomes clear that you will need alcohol. It can be replaced with the most ordinary vodka. Also get gauze (can be replaced with a wide bandage) and cotton wool in a roll. You will also need a plastic bag and a scarf, preferably woolen and old. After all, alcohol, if it gets on a thing, may well shed the fabric.

So, the process itself:

1. Dilute alcohol with water in a ratio of 1: 3. If you use vodka, then for adults there is no need to dilute it, but for children the situation is different: you need to dilute it too (in a ratio of 1: 1).
2. Heat the mixture to such a state that it is hot, but the hand "tolerates" the temperature.
3. Soak gauze in the hot solution. A piece of it should be thick, folded in several layers.
4. Wring out the gauze so that it remains quite wet, but also so that drops do not flow from it.
5. Spread the desired place (for example, the skin of the neck) with oil or a very fat cream. This will save you from possible burns.
6. Apply gauze to the affected area.
7. Place the bag on top so that it covers all the gauze with a margin of 2-3 cm on each side.
8. Put a thick piece of cotton on the bag. It is convenient to cut it off the roll, these are sold in any pharmacy.
9. On top of the cotton wool, you need to fix a warm bandage in the form of a scarf. This is convenient to do if the compress is placed on the throat or knee. The scarf will enhance the warming effect.

If your throat hurts

Colds are often accompanied by a sore throat. This may be due to tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis. Each sip is accompanied by pain, which you want to get rid of as quickly as possible.

And one of the most effective methods of treatment is a compress! It is done in a course, within 4-7 days, but, as a rule, significant relief comes after 1-2 procedures.

How to make alcohol Instructions in this case are the same as described above. One procedure should last from 6 to 8 hours, so it is better to do such a compress at night.

If a sore throat is also accompanied by a runny nose, then it is very useful to add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the compress.

If your ear hurts

How to make an alcohol compress if the disease has affected the ear? In this case, the procedure is somewhat different, and the mixture for preparing the compress will also be different. For the treatment of otitis media (not purulent!) camphor oil is mixed with alcohol in a ratio of 10:1. The bandage is applied directly to the site of inflammation, that is, to the ear itself.

How to do it?

1. Take a square piece of gauze folded in several layers (5-6) about 10 x 10 cm in size.
2. Make a slit in the middle of the gauze.
3. Soak a cloth in a pre-prepared solution of alcohol with camphor oil.
4. Gauze is attached to the ear. In this case, the auricle is outside, threaded into the slot made.
5. A plastic bag is placed on top of the gauze and ear.
6. Cotton is placed on the package.
7. You can also put a piece of flannel or woolen cloth on top of the cotton wool to enhance the warming effect.
8. The whole bandage is fixed with a bandage, wrapping it around the head.

Such a compress is left for 6-8 hours and is done 1 time per day.

Other mixtures can be used as a solution: ordinary vodka, all the same diluted alcohol. About which remedy will be most effective in each case, of course, it is better to consult with your doctor.

If you overcome a cough

What to do if a vicious cold has spread to the lungs, and the cough does not allow you to sleep peacefully?

And in this case, a compress can help. True, it is not recommended to prescribe such treatment for yourself, because cough and cough are different. For example, with bronchitis, the compress is contraindicated. But if the doctor gave the green light, let's find out how to make an alcohol compress for coughing?

1. Dissolve the same amount of honey in one tablespoon of hot sunflower oil. Add one tablespoon of vodka or alcohol diluted with water (in a ratio of 1: 3), mix.
2. Take a thick piece of cloth, preferably canvas (not thin cotton or gauze to avoid burns).
3. Cut the fabric to fit your back.
4. Moisten the canvas in the mixture prepared in advance, wring it out a little and apply it on the upper back (on the lung area).
5. On top of the fabric in the area of ​​​​the lungs, put 4 mustard plasters along the spine. Mustard plasters should lie with the back to the back (that is, not "hot").
6. Cover it all with a bag.
7. Tie a scarf criss-cross, preferably wool.
8. Lie on your back and hold the compress for 2-3 hours.

This procedure must be done 1 time per day for a course of 3 days.

Indications and contraindications for alcohol compress

When can and should I do an alcohol compress? It is indicated for such diseases and troubles as:

• tracheitis;
• laryngitis;
• otitis media (but not purulent!);
• gout;
• cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis;
• bruises;
• inflamed injuries;
• rheumatism;
• radiculitis.

Do not make an alcohol compress:

• at a temperature;
• on places affected by lichen, fungus;
• on places that are mechanically damaged (scratches, wounds);
• with purulent otitis;
• with bronchitis;
• babies under the age of 1 year.

For small children from one to three years old, an alcohol compress is not recommended. If your child is more than three years old, but you still doubt whether it is possible to make a compress (alcohol) for a child, be sure to consult your pediatrician!

Basic Mistakes

What mistakes do people make when they put an alcohol compress on themselves or a loved one for the first time? Let's once again focus on this in order to avoid them and not harm the body instead of benefit.

1. Do not smear the skin at the site of the compress with cream or oil. Do not neglect this, and then burns will not threaten you!
2. Forgetting or changing the sequence of layers of the compress, in this case, losing the entire effectiveness of the procedure. Do not forget: wet gauze must be covered with a waterproof film! This will prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
3. Alcohol is diluted incorrectly. Remember - alcohol is better to dilute with water more than less. Then your skin will thank you. Children need to dilute with water not only alcohol, but even vodka (1: 1)!

And always remember the basic rule: an alcohol compress is only an additional method of treating colds and other diseases. Such treatment, despite the many years of experience of our mothers and grandmothers, it is advisable to use under the supervision of your doctor.