home Audience 5 How do potatoes help you breathe? Method of inhalation with potato decoction or how to breathe over potatoes. Why is it good to breathe over potatoes when you have a cold?

How do potatoes help you breathe? Method of inhalation with potato decoction or how to breathe over potatoes. Why is it good to breathe over potatoes when you have a cold?

Almost everyone was forced to breathe over potatoes or potato peelings at the slightest sign of a cold or cough in childhood.

Mothers and grandmothers persistently peeled and cooked this root vegetable, sat them down and covered the struggling child's head with a towel.

We thought that it was boiled potatoes that had healing powers. But is this really so?

Does breathing over potatoes help? Benefit or harm?

In fact, the procedure has a strong scientific basis, and its positive effect is due to the moisturizing effect of hot steam. It penetrates the respiratory system and leads to:

softening and swelling of sputum;
moisturizing mucous membranes;
eliminating irritation in the throat, etc.

Hot steam also accelerates blood circulation, due to which more immune cells arrive at the site of inflammation.

There is no need to say much about the benefits of this effect, because the more leukocytes and other protective elements reach the source of inflammation, the faster it will be eliminated and recovery will occur.

Thus, the procedure is effective for dry, painful cough and sore throat. It will also help cope with the most common symptom of ARVI, such as rhinitis.

Contraindications to the procedure: when not to

Although the manipulation seems absolutely harmless, you should not inhale potatoes if:

high body temperature;
serious bacterial infections, manifested by the discharge of green or yellow snot;
diseases of the cardiovascular system, in particular, increased capillary fragility;
allergies to potatoes;
otitis;
obstructive bronchitis.

How to breathe properly over potatoes

The recipe for how to prepare inhalation is quite simple: all you need to do is boil several well-washed tubers in their uniforms. Which potato to breathe over is not a fundamental question, since for these purposes Any type of vegetable is suitable.

But is it necessary to drain the water? For safety reasons, it is better to do this, since steam from boiling water contains droplets of moisture that can severely burn mucous membranes, and careless movement will not be so dangerous if there is no boiling water in the pan.

The finished potatoes are generously pierced with a fork or crushed with a potato masher to increase evaporation. Place the container on a table or flat chair, bend over it and cover your head with a thick towel or blanket, and place a second towel on your knees to protect your legs.

You need to bend over so that the heating does not cause significant discomfort and the steam does not burn your face. But at the same time, strong breaths should be avoided; breathing should be measured.

The procedure is carried out up to 3 times a day, 60–90 minutes after or, conversely, before meals, and how long it will take is determined by the age of the patient.

It is recommended for an adult to breathe steam over potatoes when coughing until they cool down, that is, about 10 minutes; we will talk about how many minutes the manipulation will last for a child below.

There are also other variations of the procedure. This:

Inhalation of potato peelings. The method saves money and is equally effective.

It involves using only well-washed cut peels, which are boiled until tender, the water is drained and the procedure is carried out in a similar manner as above. For one session you need to take about half a pan of cleanings.

Potato broth. The method has a right to exist, but its use is fraught with serious burns. Therefore, it is approved only for the treatment of adults.
Source: website This refers to the use of hot, but not boiling, potato decoction intended for culinary purposes. You should not start manipulation immediately after draining the liquid; you need to wait until it cools down a little.

The rest of the procedure is the same, but requires greater accuracy and caution.

Attention

To increase the effectiveness of the procedure and give it antiseptic properties, you can carry it out with soda and salt, which are added a teaspoon at a time during the cooking process, and the finished tubers are slightly mashed with a special masher or fork. The duration of the manipulation is 3–5 minutes.

You can also enhance the healing effect of hot steam by dropping a few drops of essential oil into the pan: tea tree, eucalyptus, fir, pine.

They have bactericidal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and a number of other properties, which makes them an effective remedy for sore throat and cough.

There is a recipe that involves adding hydrogen peroxide to potatoes. This adds pronounced antiseptic properties to the product, but inhalation of peroxide can be dangerous for smokers, people suffering from heart disease and some others.

How to inhale potatoes for a child?

Many people strive to abandon chemical medications in favor of natural ones. Therefore, when a child has a cold, inhalations immediately come to mind, as they were done to us in childhood.

But despite all their apparent safety, it is better to abandon them and choose more modern methods when treating children, especially preschool age.

Attention

There is always a risk of burns when using hot objects. And, given the restlessness of young children, this risk increases several times.

In addition, when treating children, it is difficult to correctly calculate the moment when inhalation can be done, since the mucous membranes of children are much thinner and more sensitive than those of adults.

Therefore, using too hot steam can lead to burns of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Thus, potato inhalations are strictly prohibited for infants and children under 6 years of age. In such cases, preference is given to nebulizers (modern safe devices) and inhalation with mineral water.

At what age can steam procedures be used for each child is determined individually, taking into account the level of his development, awareness, perseverance, understanding of danger and the need for treatment.

Can pregnant women breathe over potatoes?

It is known that during pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences severe stress and its natural defenses drop. Therefore, colds and coughs are not uncommon during this period.

In general, in the absence of contraindications, cough potatoes can be used in such situations. But before starting treatment, it is still better to consult a therapist or do inhalations with saline solution.

Is it possible to breathe over potatoes at a temperature?

Elevated body temperature is a direct contraindication to any thermal procedures. Therefore, if the thermometer shows more than 38 °C, you should wait a bit.

Inhalations are allowed only at a temperature of about 37 °C. Otherwise, manipulation may provoke an increase in fever and a deterioration in general health.

Is it possible for sinusitis?

In case of an inflammatory process in the paranasal sinuses, especially acute, any procedures can be carried out only as prescribed by an otolaryngologist. Otherwise they can cause

Steam inhalation provokes an increase in the volume of mucus in the maxillary sinuses, which leads to a sharp increase in pressure in them and a deterioration in well-being. As a result, mucus may break through to the inner membranes of the brain and the development of meningitis and other dangerous diseases.

Heat can also stimulate the activity of bacteria that cause inflammation. Therefore, only a doctor can accurately assess how safe and effective this kind of manipulation will be.

Is it possible for bronchitis?

In such cases, you must first answer the question of why you should breathe over hot potatoes when you cough. We have already found out that manipulation moisturizes the mucous membranes and increases the volume of sputum, thereby facilitating its discharge.

Therefore, if there is a tendency to obstruction or its presence, swollen mucus can close the already narrowed airways and cause suffocation. But with a dry cough without obstruction, it will be quite effective and will bring relief.

Other diseases

Cough accompanies many diseases. But is it always useful to carry out steam treatments?

For pneumonia. This is an acute inflammatory process affecting the mucous membranes of the lower respiratory tract - the lungs. In 90% of cases, the cause of its occurrence is bacterial microflora. The disease is accompanied by severe fever and cough. It is treated exclusively under the supervision of a pediatrician or therapist, often in a hospital setting. Inhalation of potato steam can be recommended for pneumonia, but only at the final stages of therapy, when its causative agents are destroyed, and the patient needs help removing the remaining viscous sputum from the lungs.
For tonsillitis. This is an inflammation of the mucous tonsils located in the throat. It is often chronic and worsens in the spring and autumn. Since the main causative agents of tonsillitis, accompanied by severe pain in the throat when swallowing, are opportunistic bacteria streptococci and staphylococci, heating can have a positive effect on their ability to reproduce. Therefore, inhalations can be used for sore throat only in the early stages of the disease, provided that its viral nature is proven. For sore throat. Despite popular belief, tonsillitis is caused only by bacteria and is considered a rather severe pathology. Antibiotics are always used to combat it; potatoes are at least powerless in such situations, and in the worst case, lead to the progression of the disease. For laryngitis. This is a pathology accompanied by attacks of painful dry cough, often of a viral nature. It is laryngitis that can be considered one of the main indications for thermal procedures, since potato steam is a great help for coughs of this type. For adenoids. This term hides chronic inflammation of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, which occurs mainly in children and manifests itself in debilitating attacks of dry cough. It usually manifests itself against the background of decreased immunity caused by hypothermia, acute respiratory viral infection or another disease. Treatment of adenoiditis is always prescribed strictly individually by an otolaryngologist. In certain situations, hot steam can help alleviate the child’s condition, but you can only start using it with the permission of the treating ENT specialist.

Thus, potatoes are an effective remedy for coughs and colds. But its use requires certain knowledge to avoid the development of complications and deterioration of the patient’s condition.

Dear readers, when we have a cough or runny nose, many of us rush to the pharmacy and buy medicine, often not cheap. Meanwhile, there are many proven remedies from traditional medicine that can help us. Not so long ago we discussed the topic of how to cure a cough with. I hope you have taken the recipes into account.

Today we will talk about inhalations with potatoes. Otolaryngologist Svetlana Ershova will talk about all the intricacies of the procedures. And then I will share my thoughts on this topic.

Hello, dear readers of Irina’s blog! I want to tell you how to breathe properly over potatoes when you cough, so as not to harm yourself and get better quickly. Hot steam has a very good effect on the condition of the nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract, but not always. So that you understand the process of treating cough with potato inhalations, I’ll tell you a little about the anatomy.

A little anatomy

The structure of the nasopharynx and bronchi is quite specific. The fact is that the surface of the respiratory tract is covered with microvilli, which must constantly cleanse the nasopharynx and bronchi of mucus and foreign bodies. During a runny nose or during inflammation in the lower respiratory tract, the villi are placed under a fairly large load to remove mucus, so they do not fully perform their function. With the help of hot steam, we activate this process and facilitate the removal of mucus. The bronchi and nasopharynx are cleared, the cough decreases, and recovery occurs.

Steam inhalation over potatoes and smoking are incompatible, since steam dilates blood vessels, and nicotine narrows them.

Benefits of procedures

Even if you have a cough and there is no medicine at hand, you can find potatoes in any home. Inhalations over potatoes are an indispensable remedy for those who are allergic to cough medicines.

Why is it useful to breathe over potatoes when you have a cough or runny nose?

Hot, moist steam ensures blood flow to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and bronchi, as a result, congestion is eliminated, mucus becomes less thick and is easier to remove naturally.
Breathing over steam warms up the nasopharynx and relieves hoarseness and tickling in the throat.

Indications for use

What are the indications for the use of potato inhalations?

Inhalations with potatoes are indicated for nasopharyngitis, flu, colds, and asthma.
It is good to use inhalations for laryngitis, hoarseness, and sore throat.
Potatoes are an excellent antiseptic; they disinfect mucus during bronchitis and sinusitis.

What do you need to know when carrying out procedures?

Be careful: inhalation of potatoes can be harmful to health!

Hot steam can burn the respiratory tract and then it will take a long time to treat the burns. Before starting the procedure, let the potatoes cool to a temperature of 40-45C.

At what age can inhalations be given to children?

Potato inhalations should not be given to children under 1 year of age, and children under 7 years of age should only be given as prescribed by a doctor. Hot steam can cause an attack of obstruction in a child, in other words, block the lumen of the airways. Then the baby will begin to choke, but do you need this?

This phenomenon can occur due to the fact that the lumen of the bronchi in a child is much smaller than in an adult. Wet steam causes the mucus in the bronchi to swell even more, and the lumen in the bronchi to narrow even more. And when obstruction occurs, then the lumen in the bronchi can be completely blocked.

Is it possible to breathe over potatoes at a temperature?

If your body temperature rises, you should not breathe over potatoes, as this can lead to a worsening of the patient’s condition. Summarize.

Contraindications for inhalation over potatoes

Increased body temperature.
People prone to nosebleeds should not breathe over potatoes.
It is not recommended to do inhalations if you suspect the presence of purulent inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses. For pneumonia, procedures can only be done under the supervision of a doctor.
Steam inhalations are contraindicated for people with hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Children under one year old.

How to properly prepare ingredients for inhalation?

What to take:

5-10 potato tubers of the same size;
a wide pan so that all the potatoes fit on the bottom;
eucalyptus oil (can be made without oil);
soda;
salt crystals;
warm blanket or blanket;
towel.

There are several ways to prepare raw materials for inhalation; for this we use:

peeled potatoes,
jacket potatoes,
potato skins,
potato broth,
potatoes with additives (salt, soda, eucalyptus oil). You can also add a few drops of iodine.

Peeled potatoes for inhalation

Select 5-7 medium potatoes, wash them well, peel them and fill with water so that it barely covers the tubers. If you have a dry cough, you can lightly salt the potatoes at the beginning of cooking. Boil until tender, cool slightly and mash with a fork. The inhalation product is ready.

You can drain the potato broth and only use it for inhalation, and use the potatoes themselves for food.

Potato peels for inhalation

Cover the potato peels with water and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes. You can use not only fresh peels for inhalation, but also dried ones. Do not throw away potato peelings, but dry them and then use them as an inhalant for coughs. Over time, the peel does not lose its beneficial qualities, so do not throw away this useful raw material. The same applies to potato “eyes”; they can be dried and used as an inhalation product.

Jacket potatoes for inhalation

This is a classic recipe. For inhalation, select 5-10 (depending on size) tubers of the same size, place them on the bottom of a large saucepan and fill with water so that it just covers the potatoes. You should first wash the root vegetables well.

Boil over low heat until fully cooked, this will be indicated by the familiar smell of boiled potatoes. There is no need to drain the water. Cool the potatoes a little and then mash them a little with a fork.

Potatoes with soda and salt for inhalation

If you have a dry cough, then at the beginning of cooking it is recommended to add 1 tablespoon of soda and salt to the peeled potatoes (at the rate of 1 tablespoon for 5 medium-sized potatoes). When the potatoes are cooked, you need to mash them and begin the inhalation itself.

You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the decoction for inhalation. But you can add oil unless you are allergic to it.

Potatoes with validol for inhalation

For inhalation with validol, you don’t need to peel the potatoes, but simply rinse them well and boil them in a small amount of water. Once ready, add 2 tablets of validol to the decoction and wait until it is completely dissolved. Validol contains menthol, which well dilutes mucus contained in the nasopharynx.

How to breathe over potatoes correctly when you have a cough or runny nose?

Inhalations can be done no earlier than an hour and a half after eating. After the procedure, it is also necessary to give the body a rest for 30-35 minutes. During this period, it is not recommended to drink, eat, or talk, so it is advisable to inhale before bed.

The duration of inhalation may vary, but should not exceed 15 minutes. If the patient tolerates inhalation well, then it can be done twice a day, morning and evening.

Before inhalation, it is recommended to cough well and clear your nose thoroughly. Potatoes prepared for inhalation can be left in the pan or transferred to a kettle with a spout. We place the pan or kettle on the table and wrap it with a blanket on the sides. The patient bends low over the potatoes and covers his head with a towel. You can attach a paper funnel to the spout of the kettle and breathe through the funnel.

Be sure to take precautions to avoid getting burned. You need to lean over the saucepan carefully, gradually getting used to the temperature of the steam.

First, you need to inhale 2 times through your mouth and exhale 2 times through your nose. Then, vice versa. Inhale 2 times through your nose and exhale through your mouth. You should alternate between these breathing options for greater efficiency.

If a person has a runny nose, then he should breathe through his nose, alternately closing one nostril, then the other. For diseases of the pharyngeal cavity, you need to breathe over potatoes with your mouth. If the patient has a runny nose and cough, then you need to breathe as follows: inhale through the mouth, exhale through the nose. Repeat this several times, and then vice versa: inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth.

I invite you to watch a video on how to do inhalations over potatoes.

Potato inhalation during pregnancy

Many people ask the question: is it possible for pregnant women to breathe over potatoes? If you are expecting a baby, you need to consult with your doctor about whether you can breathe over potatoes if you have a cold. In principle, the penetration of steam into the nasopharynx itself will not cause any harm to the baby. However, you should remember:

Do not cover your head tightly over a steaming pan;
it is better to use inhalers so that the steam directly penetrates the bronchi;
You cannot add any additional medications to water with potatoes to avoid allergies;
If you have a fever or cardiovascular disease, breathing over potatoes when you have a cough or runny nose is strictly contraindicated.

It is best to ask your obstetrician-gynecologist, who can assess the safety of this procedure and its effect on the body of the expectant mother.

Take care of yourself and don't get sick! Sincerely, Svetlana Ershova.

I thank Svetlana for the information. I will add the following thoughts on my own. While our daughters were little, how many times did we do such procedures. And of all the inhalations, the most effective were inhalations with potatoes.

An infectious or cold disease is almost always accompanied by a severe cough. You can get rid of itching and irritation in the throat with the help of modern medicine or use alternative methods of treatment. If in the first case parents are afraid of side effects and contraindications, then when choosing traditional methods the list of undesirable processes is extremely small. Therefore, when a reflex process forms in the throat, more and more parents prefer to breathe over potatoes with a dry cough.

Potato steam inhalation is considered the simplest and most affordable treatment method. Its effect has been proven for years, so mothers and fathers use it without fear of harm to the baby’s health. The main advantage of potato steam is a quick healing effect, but is this method safe, and is it possible to breathe over potatoes when you cough? Let's clarify these questions in this article.

Effects of potato steam on the body

Inhalations using potatoes are known for several centuries. This method allows get rid of colds and infectious inflammations at the very beginning of the development of the disease, and also facilitates the patient’s well-being at the acute stage.

The availability of this method allows it to be used by the general public.

In addition to water molecules, the hot steam that is released from boiled potatoes contains a large number of biologically active substances - phytoncides. They have a detrimental effect on the source of inflammation and suppress the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition, the pair contains a small amount of ethyl alcohol molecules. With its help, beneficial components penetrate the respiratory tract and facilitate the removal of mucus. Despite the presence of a minimal amount of alcohol, this treatment method is not contraindicated for pregnant women.

Phytoncides together with ethanol have a pronounced antibacterial effect, as well as moisturizing the patient’s respiratory systems. In addition, this method warms the mucous membranes and has an antiseptic effect.

Thus, I provide inhalation with potatoes t the following effect:

Allows you to stop the development of the inflammatory process.
They have a dilating effect on the blood vessels in the mucous membrane.
Normalizes blood flow.
Reduces swelling in the throat.
Steam helps thin mucus and makes it easier to remove.
Clears the respiratory system of dust, dirt and other unwanted objects.

You can find out how to cure a cough using classical medicine.

When can inhalations be used?

A child should breathe over potatoes when coughing. in case of the following inflammations:

with prolonged rhinitis of an infectious nature;
for allergic cough;
for itching and irritation of the throat;
in case of an infectious or viral cough;
with bronchitis;
in case of inflammation of the mucous membranes;
with pharyngitis;
in the case of the initial stage of development;
tonsillitis.

Keep in mind that potato steam treatment should only be done on the recommendation of a doctor. Independent measures can aggravate the situation and worsen the child’s health.

Contraindications

Steam treatment for potatoes is considered a universal method, but even this method has several contraindications.

The main restrictions include:

treatment should not be carried out if the patient suffers from pneumonia;
in case of disruption of the cardiovascular system, inhalation is strictly prohibited, since steam significantly dilates blood vessels;
if your child has frequent bleeding, find out how to treat the process. However, any inhalation during blood loss is prohibited;
You should not carry out steam procedures if the baby has purulent discharge or accumulations in the maxillary sinuses.

Steam inhalations are prohibited for treating children up to three years. This is due to the anatomical features of the child, since their respiratory tract is not yet fully developed. In addition, inhalations at this age can cause burns and damage the mucous membrane.

How to carry out the procedure

Having found out what possible risks and consequences await the patient, it is important to clarify how to properly breathe over potatoes when coughing. In this case, there are several tips. Firstly, you cannot inhale immediately after eating. It is best to wait about two hours and then carry out the procedure itself. Secondly, steam treatments are best done in the evening, when the child is getting ready for bed.

Important! If parents have the opportunity, steam inhalation is best done twice a day.

When carrying out inhalation with potatoes in the morning, the procedure should be done on an empty stomach. Immediately after treatment, the patient should lie under a blanket and not speak for forty minutes. Remember that immediately after treatment the baby should not go outside or stand in a draft.

The duration of one procedure depends on the severity of inflammation and symptoms. As a rule, treatment for children continues about seven minutes. If during the procedure the baby becomes dizzy or has discomfort, the procedure should be stopped.

Mechanism of action

Instead of potatoes, some patients use peels. This method is acceptable, since the purifications contain a large number of useful elements.

To carry out inhalation, the patient must prepare. To do this you need:

Wash five medium-sized potatoes. Make sure there is no dirt, soil, rot or other marks on the surface of the vegetable.
Green potatoes are not suitable for treatment.
The selected tubers should be boiled in one liter of water until tender. This takes about thirty minutes over medium heat. It is preferable to boil potatoes in a deep saucepan.
When the potatoes are cooked, place the pan on the table. Make sure that your baby is sitting comfortably and that his hands are with him. It is important to anticipate the burn, so keep an eye on your child throughout treatment.
Before starting the procedure, check that the potatoes are not hotter than fifty degrees Celsius. Inhaling vapors above this temperature is dangerous for the baby’s mucous membranes.
Cover the baby's head with a large towel or thick cloth. Leave your baby to inhale the vapors for five to seven minutes.
If the child is very weak, the head should not be completely covered. Leave a small passage for air flow.
After completing the procedure, the child should be dried with a clean towel and changed to dry clothes.

Important! If the cough is accompanied by mucous formations in the nasal cavity, perform sanitation before starting the procedure. To do this, use drops.

During the procedure, the child must inhale the vapors slowly. For the best effect, you should alternately pinch your nostrils. If a child develops a runny nose during inhalation, the snot should not be sucked back in. It is best to regularly blow your nose into tissues.

It should be noted that when coughing caused by bronchitis or laryngitis, you should inhale the vapors through the mouth and exhale through the nose.

For better effect, some experts recommend adding oat husks or a tablespoon of soda or salt to potato decoctions. This combination allows destroy pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory system and eliminate inflammation.

For reference! Potatoes with cough soda help remove germs from the respiratory system, which is useful for inflammation of the bronchial mucosa.

It is also useful to combine inhalations with aromatic oils. When treating children, choose oils of eucalyptus, pine, cloves, mint, sea buckthorn.

After the procedure, additional treatment can be carried out with the remaining potatoes. If you soften it and apply it to a gauze cloth, and then apply it to the inflamed area, you will get a warm compress. How to apply the lotion correctly. This treatment will speed up the patient's recovery process.

Conclusion

The described method, if used correctly, will have a beneficial effect immediately after the procedure. Attacks of severe coughing will decrease, and the child’s well-being will noticeably improve. For a complete therapeutic result, inhalations should be carried out every day for five days. After completing treatment, consult your doctor again.

With viral and colds, a painful cough often occurs. Not only medications, but also effective folk recipes help to cope with this unpleasant symptom.

One of the most effective methods is considered to be inhalation using potatoes. This product allows you to improve your well-being in a short time. So, how to properly breathe over potatoes when coughing?

Procedure Properties

Inhaling the vapors of water with various additives contributes to the therapeutic effects of temperature and beneficial components of the mixture on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Inhalation over potatoes is one of the simplest and most proven methods of treating cough. Modern research proves the usefulness of this method. Thus, potato pairs include a number of healthy ingredients. These include dipropylene glycol, tetradecane, ethyl alcohol.

These active ingredients penetrate the body through evaporation and provide a number of beneficial effects:

improve blood circulation;
stimulate metabolism;
eliminate the inflammatory process;
cope with swelling of the nasopharynx.

Potato vapors have a soft enveloping effect. At the same time, they have an impressive contact surface. By performing the procedure, it is possible to obtain a number of therapeutic effects:

increase blood flow to the upper respiratory organs;
achieve liquefaction of sputum;
cope with stagnant processes.

Breathing over potatoes when coughing will improve mucociliary clearance. This ensures effective removal of phlegm, impurities, and microbes from the body.

Similar results are associated with the structure of the respiratory tract. Their surface is covered with microscopic villi, which continuously move and ensure the removal of foreign objects from the body. During the period of illness, the functions of the villi deteriorate. Under the influence of hot fumes, their work is activated.

Rules for potato inhalations

To achieve the desired results, it is very important to know how to breathe over potatoes. For this purpose, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

It is recommended to cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes. The larger the vegetable, the longer it needs to cook. As a result, the root vegetable should be soft, but at the same time retain its shape.
It is necessary that the water only covers the potatoes. Do not pour liquid to the edges of the container.
After cooking, the pan with potatoes should be placed on the table and wrapped in a warm cloth.
You need to lean over the container with the broth so that cold air does not enter it.
Do not lean too close to the pan, otherwise there is a risk of getting burned.
If even slight dizziness or discomfort occurs, you will have to abandon the procedure.
To prevent hair from interfering with the inhalation process, it should be collected in a ponytail.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the morning and evening. This is recommended 1.5 hours after eating. After completing the session, you need to rest for half an hour.

There are several basic methods that are used to perform inhalations for coughs. So, potatoes can be placed at the bottom of a small saucepan or placed in a kettle.

The second method is more suitable for those who are afraid of getting burned. To prevent such consequences, insert paper folded into a funnel into the spout of the kettle, lean against it and, covering with a towel, inhale the fumes. The duration of such a session should be 5 minutes.

How to properly inhale over potatoes

Effective recipes

In order for inhalation over potatoes when coughing to bring the desired results, it is very important to correctly select the composition of the medicinal decoction and additional devices. To run a session you typically need the following:

5-10 potatoes of the same size;
a large saucepan so that the potatoes fit on the bottom;
Eucalyptus oil;
salt in the form of crystals;
soda;
warm blanket or blanket;
towel.

In this case, the raw materials for inhalation are prepared in different ways. Peeled or jacket potatoes can be used for this purpose. The peel and decoction are also often used. As additional ingredients, you can choose soda, salt, eucalyptus oil or iodine.

Peeled potatoes

To carry out this procedure, you will need 5-7 potatoes. They need to be thoroughly washed, peeled and water added so that it only slightly covers the vegetables. If you have a dry cough, you can add a little salt.

Then the composition is boiled until tender, cooled slightly and kneaded with a fork. You can also drain the broth and use only it, and use the potatoes for food.

This product needs to be filled with water and cooked for 20 minutes over low heat. For the procedure, you can take not only fresh peels, but also dried ones.

To do this, just save the potato peelings by slightly drying them. After this, this product can be used as needed. After time, the peel does not lose its benefits, so it can be used for the procedure.

In uniform

This traditional recipe calls for 5-10 uniformly sized potatoes, placed in the bottom of a large saucepan and added enough water to cover them. Before cooking, the tubers should be washed thoroughly.

Then the potatoes should be boiled over low heat until tender. It is not recommended to drain the water. The potatoes need to be cooled slightly and mashed with a fork.

With soda and salt

If a dry cough appears at the very beginning of cooking, add 1 large spoonful of salt and soda to the peeled potatoes. This amount is taken for 5 medium-sized tubers. After cooking the potatoes, you should mash them and you can proceed to inhalation.

You can add a little eucalyptus oil to the decoction for inhalation. However, this can only be done in the absence of allergic reactions.

With validol

In this case, the potatoes do not need to be peeled - they should be thoroughly washed and boiled in a small amount of water. After preparation, you need to put a couple of validol tablets into the decoction and wait until they are completely dissolved. This drug contains menthol, which effectively thins mucus.

Potato compress

To increase the effectiveness of potato inhalations, you can make a therapeutic compress. This remedy works great for coughs. To prepare it you need to do the following:

cut 2 unpeeled potatoes into cubes;
cook them until tender and mash;
transfer to gauze or towel;
assess the temperature - the mass should not be too hot;
apply a compress to your chest;
remove the product after cooling.

Harm from inhalation

It is important to consider that exposure to excessively hot steam can cause burns to the nasopharynx and oral cavity. Because exposure temperature cannot be more than 45-50 degrees.

Inhalation of potatoes to a young child can cause undesirable consequences. These include deterioration of the baby’s condition and blockage of the respiratory system. This is due to the anatomical narrowness of the lumen of the bronchi in childhood.

When thick mucus swells under the influence of moist steam, it narrows even more, resulting in a risk of complete blockage. The younger the child is, the greater the risk of such consequences.

Doctor Komarovsky about inhalations

Contraindications for potato inhalations

Many people wonder if it is possible to breathe over potatoes in any situation? In fact, this procedure has a number of contraindications:

Potato inhalation is strictly contraindicated for children under 1 year of age. Children under 7 years of age are not recommended to undergo this procedure without medical advice. Under the influence of hot steam there is a risk of developing obstruction in children.

Is it acceptable to breathe over potatoes at high temperatures? Typically, this procedure is used if this indicator is no more than 37.5 degrees. If the temperature is exceeded 38 degrees, inhalations are strictly prohibited.

Inhalations over potatoes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many medications are contraindicated. Therefore, pregnant women often use folk remedies. Before carrying out potato inhalations, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In itself, steam entering the nasopharynx does not cause unpleasant consequences. However, this is only relevant if the following rules are observed:

It is not recommended to cover your head tightly over the container with the broth;
It is best to use inhalers - this will ensure more efficient penetration of steam into the bronchi;
Do not add additional ingredients to the broth - this will help avoid allergic reactions;
If you have a fever or pathology of the heart and blood vessels, this procedure is strictly prohibited.

Potato inhalations are considered a fairly effective procedure that allows you to cope with a cough and significantly improve your well-being. To avoid unpleasant health consequences, it is very important to strictly adhere to the rules for preparing a medicinal decoction and inhalation techniques.

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Inhalations are one of the most effective ways to combat cough. There are a huge number of options for preparing solutions for this procedure, but if desired, you can make do with improvised means. For example, potatoes, which can be found in almost any refrigerator. This is a simple and affordable ingredient that has a huge number of beneficial properties.

The principle of inhalation is as follows: it promotes blood flow to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, thins mucus, helps in resolving congestion, facilitates coughing, and improves the general condition of the patient during illness.

Most often, potato inhalations are used during cough, runny nose and bronchitis. When coughing, such inhalations help get rid of mucus and also clear the upper respiratory tract from it. A positive effect is also observed with a runny nose and dry cough. In the latter case, thanks to inhalation, the mucous membrane of the larynx warms up and the antispasmodic effect is relieved.

Potato inhalation for coughs causes virtually no side effects and is considered a good way to cure a cold without pills. It can even be used during pregnancy. In case of a mild cold, inhalation will help soften a dry cough, and during bronchitis it will increase expectoration.

The healing effect is achieved due to the fact that potato steam contains substances beneficial to the sick body:

Tetradecane;
Dipropylene glycol;
Ethyl alcohol (very little).

When a patient inhales all these substances along with warm steam, his blood circulation and metabolism improve, inflammation decreases, and swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa goes away. Also, during inhalation, the mucous membrane is moistened, which is very useful, since a runny nose and other cold symptoms tend to dry it out.

The advantage of this method is the absence of chemical components. Consequently, even minimal harm is not caused to the body. In addition, the procedure itself is simple and accessible. Potato inhalations can be easily done at home using available materials.

For what cough can it be used?

Despite the undoubted benefits of potato inhalations, they cannot be used in all cases. This procedure can only be performed for coughs resulting from a cold. But only on the condition that there is no fever, pneumonia, inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, and there is no purulent discharge from the nose.

Features and rules of the procedure

Like all others, this treatment method has its own characteristics:

The steam temperature should be within 45 - 50 degrees Celsius, otherwise there is a risk of inhaling and getting a burn to the mucous membrane;
The procedure time should not exceed 10 minutes at a time;
It is most convenient to do inhalations while sitting on the bed and covering your head with a blanket;
For children over 7 years old, this procedure should be used very carefully, and for younger children, a pediatrician’s consultation is required before use;
Do not lean too low over the container; there is enough distance for the steam to warm but not burn your nostrils;
It is recommended to do inhalation in loose clothing that will not fit the body;
The positive effect of inhalation will be noticeable only if you completely quit smoking, because nicotine constricts blood vessels, thereby neutralizing the effectiveness of inhalation.

Before inhalation, you need to prepare the potatoes. To do this, you can boil it in its skin, boil it after peeling it, or use only peelings.

The optimal time for such inhalation is considered to be after an hour and a half after eating. Then it is recommended to lie down for about 40 minutes, excluding talking, drinking water and food during this time. Or you can simply inhale before bed.

Potatoes can be placed on the bottom of a saucepan or in a kettle with a spout (then you need to insert a funnel into the spout). Then wrap your head in a towel and breathe without bending too low.

The question often arises of how to breathe properly over potatoes when coughing. The answer depends on the type of disease. For example, for sore throat, laryngitis and bronchitis, it is recommended to breathe only through the mouth, and for a cold cough, you can alternate breathing through the mouth and nose. This method will completely warm the upper respiratory tract, reduce sore throat, and soften the cough. The breathing itself should be slow and deep, at least at the very beginning of the procedure.

Potato inhalation options

There are quite a few options for potato inhalations. For bronchitis, other ingredients are often added to potatoes. In particular, the addition of essential oils can significantly increase the effectiveness of the procedure. But not all oils can be inhaled along with hot vapors. For these purposes, eucalyptus oil, calendula oil, pine needle oil, clove oil, lemon oil, sandalwood oil are most suitable, but mint essential oil, on the contrary, should not be added.

Jacket potatoes

You need to select small potatoes, wash them thoroughly and, without peeling them, boil them in a small amount of water (there should be just enough to cover the tubers). Potatoes should be cooked over very low heat until the smell of cooked vegetables appears. There is no need to drain hot water with this preparation method.

Boiled potatoes

To prepare the raw material, take 3-4 medium tubers, peel them and boil them. Typically the cooking time is 20 – 25 minutes. When the water has cooled slightly, it is poured into another container. This decoction can already be used for inhalation; before use, it is advisable to add a couple more drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the solution. A decoction without potatoes gives a slightly less noticeable effect, but the likelihood of getting burned by steam increases. Therefore, you should be especially careful when carrying out this version of potato inhalation.

Potato peelings

In this case, not only fresh, but also pre-prepared peel is suitable. To prepare the cleaning material, it is collected and dried. To prepare the inhalation solution, the peel must be washed, filled with water and boiled for no more than 10 minutes. It is important to remember that quite a lot of peeling will be required, and they cool much faster than potato decoctions.

It is believed that peeling sprouted potatoes is especially helpful; the sprouts can be washed and dried separately, and then used together with the peelings.

Potatoes with oat husks

Here you need to add oat husks to the potatoes boiled in their jackets. This method will not only relieve cough, but also relieve sore throat and strengthen the immune system.

Potatoes with soda

To prepare the mixture, sprinkle the boiled tubers with a pinch of soda and mash a little. The inhalation time over such a composition should be from three to five minutes.

Another version of the composition of potatoes with soda

For cooking, you need to select 8-10 vegetables of approximately the same size. They should be washed, boiled and mashed a little. Then two tablespoons of baking soda and 4 drops of any suitable essential oil are added to the mixture. Before starting the procedure, you should wrap the pan in a warm towel, and then wrap your head in a blanket so that the pan is also wrapped. After all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can breathe over the pan. The duration of the procedure, as a rule, is from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the general condition of the body. For children, the duration should not exceed five minutes.

Potatoes with soda and salt

In this case, salt and soda are placed in water and potatoes, then peeled tubers are added and boiled. When the vegetable is cooked, drain the water, lightly mash the potatoes and begin the procedure.

Contraindications

To ensure that this procedure does not cause more harm than good and does not result in serious consequences for the patient, it is worth studying the contraindications in detail and making sure that in this particular case, potato inhalation can really be used. In some cases, it may even be worth consulting with your doctor.

One of the most important contraindications is elevated temperature. The fact is that carrying out the procedure in this state of affairs will only worsen the patient’s condition. Another serious reason not to carry out potato inhalations is nosebleeds. Inhalations should not be performed if there are purulent formations in the nasopharynx.

Serious contraindications are also fever and the presence of general intoxication of the body, an allergy to potatoes in any form or to their vapors, chronic otitis media in the acute stage or simply ear pain, epilepsy, convulsions, fainting, psychiatric diseases (such as schizophrenia or claustrophobia), the presence of any malignant neoplasms.

In addition to the above, inhalations with potatoes are prohibited for people with high blood pressure, pneumonia, diseases of the blood vessels and cerebrovascular accidents. If there is at least one of these contraindications, it is strongly recommended to choose another treatment method instead of steam inhalation. People with diseases of the cardiovascular system should consult a specialist before using potato inhalations for coughing.

It is also important to remember that steam inhalations are prohibited for babies under one year old, and in the period from one to seven years, this procedure is performed only as prescribed by a specialist.