A cold is called hypothermia of the body or its individual parts, which is the cause of various diseases. In non-medical literature, this term is also used to refer to the disease itself.
In everyday life, a common cold is often called such infectious diseases as:
- laryngitis;
- flu and parainfluenza;
- pharyngitis and nasopharyngitis;
- acute respiratory viral infection;
- herpes simplex, etc.
Despite the fact that viral infections are in no way associated with hypothermia of the human body, experts argue that this factor can still affect the susceptibility of people to various diseases (that is, contribute to infection).
basic information
Modern pharmaceutical companies produce a huge number of different drugs designed to deal with any manifestations of the common cold. However, not all patients are in a hurry to use synthetic medicines, which have many side effects and contraindications. Some people prefer to use safer and more proven over the years natural-based products. One of these drugs is the famous Zvezdochka balm. For colds, this medicine has been used for a long time. Such a medicine is known to many since early childhood. In Soviet times, this drug could be seen in all first-aid kits. And to this day, the mentioned ointment has not lost its popularity. Experts explain this fact by the fact that such a balm not only effectively copes with its task, but also has a relatively low cost, especially compared to modern cold preparations.
Composition, packaging
The cold medicine “Zvezdochka” goes on sale in round tin cans of 4 g, which are placed in a cardboard box. The composition of this medicine includes only natural ingredients. These include cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, cornflower oil, clove oil, paraffin, formic acid, eucalyptus oil, camphor oil, petroleum jelly and crystalline menthol.
In addition to balm in cans, such a drug is also available in other dosage forms (pencil for inhalation, liquid balm). All of them have a similar composition and have a pronounced aroma of essential oils.
Drug properties
Where to smear with an “Asterisk” for colds to quickly and effectively eliminate all signs of the disease? It must be applied to the lesion site. More on this below.
According to the attached instructions, such a medicine has a stimulating effect on the skin, as well as the mucous membranes and subcutaneous tissues. The use of this tool according to indications contributes to:
- improve blood circulation;
- stimulation of reflex centers of the central nervous system;
- lowering blood pressure;
- expansion of the lumen of the capillaries.
In addition, the drug in question has a local warming, anesthetic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Also, the use of the Golden Star balm helps to alleviate the severity of the course of inflammatory processes and relieve reflex headaches and muscle pains resulting from:
- the development of colds, including influenza and SARS;
- skin lesions;
- disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
Indications for use
The use of "Asterisks" for colds contributes to the rapid recovery of the patient. Such a drug can be used in other cases. Indications for use of the mentioned medication are the following conditions:
- sinusitis and rhinitis (only as part of combination therapy to stop the symptoms of the disease);
- bites of various insects;
- pain in the abdomen and back;
- dizziness, headaches, motion sickness;
- influenza, acute respiratory infections and SARS;
- hematomas and dislocations;
- inflammation on the skin (only with non-extensive foci);
- arthritis and other joint diseases.
Where to smear with an "Asterisk" for colds or other pathological conditions? The place of application of such a balm depends on the indications, that is, the drug should act directly on the lesion.
Contraindications
It is very important to know where to smear “Asterisk” for colds. However, it is equally important to be aware of in which cases such a drug is prohibited for use.
The instructions say that the following conditions include contraindications to this medication:
- hypersensitivity to balm ingredients;
- children's age of the patient up to three years (due to the presence of various essential oils in the composition of the medicine);
- scratches, cuts or any other damage to the skin;
- serious dermatological diseases (for example, eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.).
It should also be noted that for colds in children, only a pediatrician should prescribe the "Star". As for adults and pregnant women, before using such a balm, they need to consult with their doctor.
Where to smear “Asterisk” for colds and colds?
By the term "cold", many people mean the totality of the symptoms that appear with SARS and ARI. The symptoms of such diseases include, in the first place, a runny nose, cough and headaches.
So where to smear with an "Asterisk" for colds?
- With a runny nose, the balm in question should be applied to the wings of the nose. In this case, it is required to avoid getting the medicine on the mucous membranes. It is necessary to carry out medical procedures twice a day (that is, in the morning and in the evening).
- When coughing, the drug should lubricate the back area, namely the area between the shoulder blades. Also, the product must be applied to the chest, avoiding the area of the heart. It is advisable to use the Golden Star balm for coughing before a night's sleep.
- With a headache during a cold, the drug is applied once directly to the skin in the crown of the head, temples, and occipital tubercles. Therapeutic procedures are carried out with light massaging movements.
Now you know where they smear “Asterisk” for colds. However, it should be noted that such a drug can help out not only with acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. For example, it is very often used for insect bites. In such cases, the balm is applied once directly to the affected area. After the procedure, the patient may feel a slight chill. If the bite was injured (combed), then a strong burning sensation is not excluded.
Side effects
Many patients mistakenly believe that if the drug has a natural basis, then it is absolutely safe. This is not true. Means, which include herbal components, can harm the body along with synthetic medicines.
According to the instructions, the use of the Zvezdochka balm for colds can provoke the following side effects:
- rashes on the skin, urticaria, itching;
- lacrimation, swelling of the larynx, mucous membranes of the sinuses and eyelids;
- coughing, sneezing;
- nasal congestion and hoarseness.
If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately stop using the drug. In more serious cases, seek emergency medical attention.
Local overdose
What signs of an overdose occur when using a large amount of balm in large areas of the body? To date, no such cases have been reported.
It's important to know!
Where to smear "Asterisk" with a cold for adults, we found out above. However, before using such a balm, it is necessary to take into account other, no less important information.
- The drug in question is intended for external use only. It is forbidden to apply on the surface of the mucous membranes, as well as on open wound surfaces.
- In case of parallel use (along with balm) of any other medicines, it is necessary to inform your doctor about this.
- If after applying the balm the patient has the side effects listed above, then the drug should be immediately washed off with warm water using laundry soap. You should refrain from further use of the medicine.
Similar tools
Unfortunately, the Golden Star balm has no direct analogues. However, experts argue that similar action drugs can be obtained by mixing the following components (in equal proportions):
- peppermint oil;
- oil, which is obtained from the leaves of eucalyptus rod ;
- camphor;
- clove oil.
It should be remembered that a product made from the above substances will have only similar properties.
Also, the drug in question is sometimes replaced with such pharmaceutical drugs as Menovazin, naphthalan ointment, Eagle (balm).
Holiday conditions, shelf life, storage conditions, cost of the drug
The Zvezdochka balm is dispensed in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
Such a product should be stored only in a dark place inaccessible to children, at a temperature of 15-20 degrees, with a normal level of humidity.
The shelf life of the balm is four years. After opening the tin packaging, the drug can be used for the entire specified period. In this case, all storage conditions must be observed.
How much does the Zvezdochka balm cost? The cost of the drug in a 4 g can is about 70 rubles.
Patient reviews about the drug
What do patients say about Zvezdochka balm? There is plenty of reviews on the World Wide Web. In most cases, they are positive. People who use the ointment for colds say that it copes with its task at 100%. At the same time, they report that, despite the warnings, the side effects described in the instructions after using this drug almost never occur.
As for the experts, they also praise the Golden Star balm. According to them, such a medicine has established itself as a symptomatic remedy for respiratory infections.