As a gift from previous generations, we got many unique recipes. One of the most famous is the iodine network, whose medicinal properties are very widely known. Is this agent effective or a well-designed placebo?
How the grid became popular
The French chemist Bernard Courtois back in the 17th century discovered the world a substance called iodine. After a series of tests and experiments, the solution began to be widely used for medical purposes, since its healing property helped to reduce mortality after surgery by 20%.
Then it was the beginning of the use of iodine grid, as a universal remedy for many diseases. Over time, the procedure gained several changes and conditions, of course, for greater efficiency. What does the iodine grid help from? How to use a long-known remedy? This is our article.
One for all
From childhood, many remember a small dark vial with which mothers and grandmothers were in a hurry to treat abrasions and bruises. But if they simply drew iodine over the “battle wounds” from falling from the bicycle, then the bruises were “decorated” with a mysterious grid.
For many people, such a “ritual” is stored in their memory, and they use an iodine grid to relieve swelling or inflammation after a bruise. Many use this simple tool to relieve pain and treat various ailments. But what really helps the iodine grid? Only a few know about this. Since iodine is a toxic product, its solutions are used with a concentration of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Accordingly, each is used for its intended purpose, of which there is a huge amount of iodine mesh. Here are just a few:
- Iodine deficiency in the body.
- Disease and inflammation of the throat, tonsils, gums.
- Cough.
- Bruising, swelling, dislocation.
- Swelling of the legs from prolonged walking or standing work.
- Muscle pain, sprain.
- Arthritis, osteochondrosis, sciatica.
- Cones formed from injections.
The opinion of experts
Doctors have no consensus on this issue. Some experts leave neutral reviews about the iodine grid. However, most doctors consider it an effective remedy.
Firstly, the solution kills the germs. It is clinically proven and has been working for more than a century. Accordingly, the iodine network, absorbed into the skin, kills microscopic pests.
Secondly, many people on the globe have a lack of iodine in the body, which entails several unpleasant symptoms, such as fatigue, irritation, as well as a decrease in IQ - that is, mental abilities. The iodine network will help eliminate such a deficiency in the body.
Thirdly, due to the irritating and warming effect, the iodine cell enhances blood flow to the “painted” part of the body, which contributes to its rapid healing.
Indications for use
There are no radical prohibitions on the use of iodine solution in medical practice, except in those cases when a person has an allergic reaction to the substance itself (iodine) and to the alcohol with which it is diluted. Therefore, absolutely anyone from three years old can use the product (the skin of young children is tender, and the thyroid gland is still developing, so the use of the solution in such cases is negotiated with a specialist). We will make a reservation that in some countries, for example, in Greece, doctors categorically prohibit the use of iodine for any purpose and quantity to people who have problems with the thyroid gland.
The most common indications for the use of iodine mesh:
- Bruises, abrasions, inflammation from bruises, injuries to muscles and joints.
- Pain in the back, neck, lower back.
- Swelling of the legs, varicose veins, upright lifestyle.
- Runny nose, sinusitis, otitis media, sore throat, cough.
In a word, many human diseases can be treated with the help of such a tool, so its presence in a home and car kit is mandatory.
Precautionary measures
If a person has been able to draw a cell from an iodine solution since childhood, this does not mean that he makes it right. How to make an iodine grid so that it is not just effective, but also safe?
- You can not do it at a body temperature above 38 degrees. Iodine has a warming property, so when it is applied to the body, the heat in a person can increase.
- Before “drawing” the grid, an allergic reaction test should be done. On the inside of the thigh (where the skin is most sensitive) draw a non-greasy dot. If after 20-30 minutes no unpleasant sensations (itching, burning or rashes) follow, then you can continue.
- Apply the solution on clean and dry skin with a clean cotton swab.
- The grid lines should be flat. The optimal size of the squares is about 1-1.5 centimeters, since too small cells can merge into one spot and burn the skin, and too large will not give the desired effect.
- You can repeat the procedure 3-4 times a week so as not to injure the skin.
- It is strictly forbidden to draw an iodine grid in the region of the heart, open wounds, abrasions.
- You can’t just smear iodine on the skin, like paint on the wall. This can cause a burn, and the result will be negative.
- For children, the rules must be followed especially carefully and remember that up to three years of age iodine is not recommended.
- In no case do not use iodine orally. You can’t drink, drip on a piece of sugar and drink it! Iodine looks like a simple liquid, but it is a serious medicine. Its use is possible only on the surface of the body. Even mucous membranes of the skin (for example, in the oral cavity) can get burned when this substance is applied to them. Therefore, you must comply with all of the above rules.
When coughing
There is no person who does not have a sore throat or other viral diseases when a sore, stitching or aching pain is felt in the throat.
To alleviate your fate and speed up recovery, you can make an iodine net when coughing. This is not difficult to do. It is necessary to take a cotton swab, dip it into the product and draw cells on the chest just below the jugular fossa. If the cough is very intense, this procedure can be done on the back just above the shoulder blades. It is important that the mesh does not affect the region of the heart. Next, the patient’s chest and back should be wrapped in something warm at night. The procedure is repeated every 2 days until complete recovery, which will come quickly. After all, the iodine network when coughing helps relieve inflammation, so pain and cough subside after a few days.
For foot treatment
If someone suffers from varicose veins, then it will be useful for him to put an iodine grid on his legs. After such treatment, blood circulation will improve, which is always disturbed with varicose veins, inflammation and heaviness in the legs will go away. Iodine must "paint" the problem areas. With regular use of the method, after 2-3 weeks the result will be noticeable. The veins will not be so bright and the stars will become less noticeable, and the skin condition will improve.
In the case of simple swelling of the legs (after a hard working day or wearing shoes with heels), it is recommended to apply a mesh to the feet. It will warm and relieve discomfort.
How to treat children?
Earlier in the article, it was already mentioned that it is safer to make an iodine grid for children after they reach the age of three. If the question is about the use of iodine mesh for children under the age of three, then you should consult a doctor. The skin in babies is softer than in adults, so it is better to use a solution of 2.5% and not to do the procedure more than three times a week.
The child can draw an iodine grid in a playful way. In this case, this process will not cause them fear and will serve as a good psychological attitude for recovery. Do it just before bedtime. If the mesh is applied to the soles, be sure to wear socks. It is strictly forbidden to apply a grid on the face (for example, in the nose bridge region with a cold).
Additional Information
Here are some tips for using iodine solution. Even such a simple method of therapy, as an iodine grid, requires compliance with certain rules:
- All prescriptions and recommendations regarding treatment should be used only after consultation with your doctor. Treatment for some may end in recovery, while for others cause a number of unpleasant complications.
- An iodine network cannot completely replace drug treatment. “Drawing” with iodine is a useful supplement that will speed up the recovery process and provide the body with the missing amount of element. Do not cancel prescriptions prescribed by your doctor and self-medicate.
- Iodine is a dangerous substance. Along with vinegar and alcohol, children manage to drink it most often. Therefore, it is necessary to store the bottle in a place where the kids can not get it.
- Open wounds can not be lubricated with iodine, since alcohol causes additional injury to the skin. The product must be applied around the wound. If the injury is closed, it is advisable to make an iodine net rather than completely lubricating the sore spot with iodine.