Salt dressings work wonders: forgotten but effective recipes

Article updated 08/23/2021

This story was found in an old newspaper (HLS in 2002). It talks about the amazing healing properties of salt, which was used during the Second World War to treat wounded soldiers.

During the Great Patriotic War, I worked as a senior operating nurse in field hospitals with surgeon I.I. Shcheglov. Unlike other doctors, he successfully used a hypertonic solution of table salt in the treatment of the wounded.

He placed a loose, large napkin generously moistened with saline solution on the large surface of the contaminated wound. After 3-4 days, the wound became clean, pink, the temperature, if high, dropped almost to normal levels, after which a plaster bandage was applied. After another 3–4 days, the wounded were sent to the rear. The hypertonic solution worked great—we had almost no mortality.

About 10 years after the war, I used Shcheglov’s method to treat my own teeth, as well as caries complicated by granuloma. Good luck came within two weeks. After that, I began to study the effect of saline solution on diseases such as cholecystitis, nephritis, chronic appendicitis, rheumatic carditis, inflammatory processes in the lungs, articular rheumatism, osteomyelitis, abscesses after injection, and so on.

In principle, these were isolated cases, but each time I received positive results quite quickly. Later, I worked in a clinic and could tell you about a number of rather difficult cases in which a saline dressing turned out to be more effective than all other medications. We managed to cure hematomas, bursitis, and chronic appendicitis. The fact is that the saline solution has absorbent properties and draws liquid with pathogenic flora from the tissue. Once, during a business trip to the region, I stayed in an apartment. The housewife's children suffered from whooping cough. They coughed continuously and painfully. I put salt bandages on their backs overnight. After an hour and a half, the cough stopped and did not appear until the morning. After four dressings, the disease disappeared without a trace.

At the clinic in question, the surgeon suggested that I try a saline solution in the treatment of tumors. The first such patient was a woman with a cancerous mole on her face. She noticed this mole six months ago. During this time, the mole turned purple, increased in volume, and gray-brown liquid was released from it. I started making salt stickers for her. After the first sticker, the tumor turned pale and shrank.

After the second, she turned even more pale and seemed to shrink. The discharge has stopped. And after the fourth sticker, the mole acquired its original appearance. With the fifth sticker, the treatment ended without surgery.

Then there was a young girl with a mammary adenoma. She had to undergo surgery. I advised the patient to apply salt dressings to her chest for several weeks before the operation. Imagine, no surgery was required.

Six months later, she developed an adenoma on her second breast. Again, she was cured with hypertensive patches without surgery. I met her nine years after treatment. She felt well and did not even remember her illness.

I could continue the stories of miraculous cures using bandages with a hypertonic solution. I could tell you about a teacher at one of the Kursk institutes who, after nine saline pads, got rid of prostate adenoma.

A woman who suffered from leukemia regained her health after wearing salt bandages - a blouse and trousers - for three weeks at night.

Healing properties for treating wounds

The high effectiveness of saline solution is due to a fairly wide pharmacological spectrum:

1. Adsorbent - salt particles retain water, oil and foreign particles, and then bring them to the surface of the wound. This allows you to heal even the deepest wounds, while all the contents of the wound will be extracted. Syringes can be used to conveniently treat deep wounds.
2. Disinfection - in a salt environment, all pathogenic microorganisms die, because salt disrupts all metabolic processes, which leads to their death. Saline solution can also compete with other disinfectants.
3. Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect - salt removes fluid from the wound, prevents swelling, redness and itching. The inflammatory process occurs in a less pronounced and painful form.
4. Accelerated regeneration processes - after removing exudation, the wound dries faster, the crust shrinks, which prevents bacteria from penetrating inside.
5. Complete safety - while iodine and varnish cause soft tissue burns, saline solution is gentle on the wound without drying it out. Only dead and damaged cells that cannot recover are removed. Salt does not affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of blood.
6. It does not cause adverse reactions - although medications can cause allergic reactions, salt is a natural ingredient needed by the body.

Saline solution for wounds is an excellent remedy

Saline solution is easy to prepare and use

There is no need to buy special products at the pharmacy or study the instructions. The solution will be ready in 1 minute, until the salt is completely dissolved in the water. However, you should pay attention to such an important indicator as salt concentration. If you prepare the solution “by eye”, you can forget about the effectiveness of the procedure for two reasons:

1. Lack of salt does not allow removing excess fluid from the wound and speeding up metabolic processes.
2. Excess salt can negatively affect the condition of newly formed epithelial cells, making regeneration difficult.

The appropriate amount of salt in the solution provides a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect.

Contraindications

Before using saline solutions, you should consult your doctor.

Absolute contraindications to the use of salt in the treatment of joints:

• hypertension;
• heart failure;
• renal failure;
• gout;
• inflammation of the skin;
• chronic dermatological diseases (psoriasis, eczema).

Before using any remedy from the arsenal of traditional medicine, you should consult your doctor.

Indications for use

Saline solution is used to treat the following types of wounds:

• open wounds and cuts (deep and shallow);
• purulent wounds;
• burns of varying degrees;
• Wounds of the oral mucosa;
• Wounds that get wet and take a long time to heal;
• abrasions.

In addition, salt can act not only on the wound surface, but also penetrates the muscles and bones. This property allows the use of a salt compress for complex injuries with bruises or bone damage.

When treating injuries to the mucous membranes, rinsing with saline solution is used. Its duration is 5-7 minutes, and the frequency depends on the type of wound.

In case of prolonged wound pain, use saline solution every 3-4 hours, alternating with drying powder.

Baths

Water treatments are used to treat many disorders.

Salt baths for joints at home can be performed at the first signs of the development of pathology and in order to prevent the disease.

With mustard and soda for arthrosis of the hands and feet

Salt baths are prepared according to the same principle and differ only in the presence of additional components.

Sea salt and additional components are dissolved in warm water, after which the patient takes water procedures:

• for osteochondrosis and arthrosis, folk remedies - soap, salt and soda;
• for arthrosis of the hands and feet, a mixture of salt, mustard and baking soda effectively helps;
• for bursitis and severe pain in the knee joints - honey or herbal preparations;
• for general malaise and for hands - solutions with aromatic plant oils.

Coniferous salts for children suffering from hip dysplasia

Salt baths for arthrosis are part of auxiliary therapy. To make the mixture, it is advisable to use pine extract.

Pine-salt baths help relax the muscular system, improve blood circulation and normalize metabolism. The duration of the course is selected individually.

Preparation of saline solution

In order for the saline solution to be as effective as possible and not cause side effects, the salt concentration in the water should not exceed 10%. To do this, you should dissolve 3 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of water. The solution creation process has several features:

1. Salt - it is best to use regular table rock salt, medium grind. Salt that is too fine is not suitable due to its higher sodium content and will ultimately not achieve the desired salt to water ratio. In some cases, sea salt is used, but it should not contain additives, flavors or preservatives. These substances help reduce the effectiveness of salt and also irritate the surface of the wound.
2. Water - if you can use filtered spring water, it is better to use it because, in addition to salt, it contains other beneficial ingredients that have a positive effect on the wound healing process. In the absence of such water, it is suitable for ordinary boiled tap water or pumping stations. The water is heated to a temperature of 45°, because under such conditions the salt dissolves quickly.
3. Containers - the solution should be prepared in glass containers, previously disinfected with steam. This will reduce the number of pathogens entering the wound.
4. Amount of solution and frequency of preparation - for maximum effect, a saline solution should be prepared before each application to the wound. Therefore, you should not prepare it in advance.

The salt concentration in the saline solution should not exceed 10%.

Saline solution for wounds: preparation methods

If the solution is not completely used within 10-12 hours, it should be discarded and a new one prepared. It should not be used for wound care as its effectiveness is significantly limited.

If it is necessary to prepare a smaller amount of solution, the weight of salt is calculated according to the ratio: 9 g of salt per 1 liter of water. If there is any doubt about the saltiness exceeding the taste of tear or sea water, it is better to add less salt. Excessive amounts of salt in the water can have a detrimental effect on the wound by drying it out excessively.

Pour warm water into a glass jar and add 3 tablespoons of salt. Using a wooden stick, stir the water until the salt crystals dissolve. After this, you can begin to heal the wound.

Record! If the solution is cloudy, there is a black precipitate or other components, a new solution should be prepared. This may indicate the presence of impurities in the salt, which should be prevented from getting into the wound.

It is not recommended to heat a saline solution in a microwave oven, as the waves from this household appliance can change the crystal structure, making the salt virtually useless for wound healing. Also, do not boil or boil the solution, as this will negate its effectiveness.

A few more effective recipes

In addition to the listed methods of using salt for treatment, the following recipes will help effectively relieve joint pain.

1. Mix 50 g of soda and salt, dissolve the mixture in 4 liters of hot water. The bath is intended for the treatment of joints of the feet and hands. You need to take it for 20 minutes, remembering to wash off the remaining saline solution from the skin after the procedure.
2. Melt 100 g of animal fat, butter or Vaseline in a water bath and mix with a large spoon of salt. Use the resulting ointment to rub the sore joint.
3. An effective ointment for treating joints: 2 yolks, 2 tablespoons of fresh honey and ½ teaspoon of iodized salt. The resulting mixture should be applied to the sore spot under a bandage and left overnight.
4. Another effective rub against joint pain is iodized or sea salt with oil. You need to take a few tablespoons of any vegetable oil, heat it in a water bath to 35-400 and add a teaspoon of salt. It is necessary to rub the joint with oil, making circular massage movements.

Regular use of these remedies will help you quickly get rid of pain and stiffness. The maximum duration of treatment with salt is no more than 30 days.

Saline dressing

For maximum effect, saline solution is applied to the wound as a dressing. The procedure is performed in the following sequence:

1. The solution itself is prepared - the salt is poured with warm water and thoroughly mixed until completely dissolved.
2. Preparation of a piece of bandage - a bandage or gauze (depending on the size of the wound) is folded into 8-9 layers, and then immersed in saline until completely saturated.
3. Preparing the wound - While the salt dressing is soaking in the solution, carefully remove the old dressing from the wound. If the bandage has dried out, it should be moistened with warm water or the same saline solution, generously moistening the entire surface to be glued.

Salt dressing

Saline dressings can be combined

Apply a bandage soaked in saline solution to the open wound. Its edges are carefully straightened and smoothed to ensure maximum contact with the surface of the wound. In this position, you need to let the solution drain well, and then apply a bandage to it.

The wound site may remain wet for a while and then dry out. At this time, it is advisable to leave the wound alone and move less.

The duration of the procedure is selected individually and averages 5-6 hours. This is enough to remove all pathogens, dead cells and pus from the wound.

Saline dressings can be combined with drugs that promote wound healing. Thus, the effect of treatment will be several times greater. The choice of a particular drug depends on the type of wound, depth and individual characteristics of the body.

For convenience, the dressing should be applied by a medical professional or family member, as this is not always convenient when the wounds are in hard-to-reach places.

Compresses and warming

Compresses, heating, rubbing and baths are most effective. These procedures have a warming effect on tissues and improve blood flow in affected areas. Salt compresses and lotions saturate tissue cells with minerals and stimulate the regeneration of synovial fluid. Therapy helps improve local immunity and normalize metabolic processes, relieves inflammation and reduces pain.

Only products prepared in accordance with the recipe have a beneficial effect. In order not to harm your health during treatment, you should follow the recommendations and adhere to the dosage.

Universal

Professor I.P. Neumyvakin recommends adding a solution of hydrogen peroxide to the saline solution for a compress to heal joints. The oxygen mixture helps stimulate cellular processes in cartilage tissue, thus triggering a natural healing mechanism.

Universal salt compress by I. P. Neumyvakin:

1. The gauze is folded several times or several pieces of canvas are taken. They need to be well moistened with hydrogen peroxide.
2. From 1 tbsp. l. salt and 1 tbsp. Prepare a mineral solution with water. Moisten a piece of cotton fabric with salt water and wring it out well.
3. Apply a compress of peroxide and saline solution, cover with a dry cloth.

The product helps with injuries, swelling and tumors. A salt compress for joints with arthrosis can be made from any type of mineral. It is best to use halite or sea salt for home treatments.

Sea salt compress:

1. Add 2 tsp to hot water (200 ml). salt.
2. Soak a bandage or cotton cloth in it and roll it several times. Compresses are applied to the affected areas and fixed with a dry cloth.

It is necessary to make a salt compress for 7-10 days. A universal remedy helps relieve pain, improves the condition of rheumatism, arthritis and osteochondrosis. Treatment should be carried out in courses without stopping the procedure, even if there is an improvement.

This will help avoid complications and further development of pathology.

The compress is kept for up to 10 hours to enhance its effect. You can cover the top with a wool scarf.

For knee bursitis

Inflammation most often occurs in the knee, elbow and hip joints. A salt compress can be applied to the knee as a bandage:

1. Prepare a warm solution from 100 ml of water and 10 g of salt.
2. Soak a bandage or gauze in the prepared salt mixture and squeeze well.
3. Apply a saline bandage to the knee. Secure firmly with a dry cloth.

The knee joint should warm up, so it is advisable to place a warm towel or scarf over the bandage.

Requirements and features of using saline solution for treating wounds

There are a number of requirements, the fulfillment of which guarantees the achievement of the desired result in the shortest possible time:

1. The optimal salt concentration in water is a 9% solution, the content of which is identical to natural human tears. A 10% solution is also allowed, but no more. Too much salt in the water can cause chafing and excessive drying of the open wound, which will slow down and complicate the regeneration process.
2. Type of salt - Do not use flavored sea salt or fine table salt. The best option is medium-ground table salt without various additives, flavors and dyes.
3. Ventilation - When applying a dressing to a wound, do not cover it with a piece of plastic, thick cloth or other objects to prevent the solution from spreading over the body. Ventilation must be provided under the bandage. Otherwise, increased humidity and heat from the wound will become excellent conditions for the development of pathogens.
4. There is no need to isolate the compress - the bandage should be attached to the wound for maximum fixation. There is no need to keep warm with scarves, scarves and blankets; body temperature is sufficient to activate natural regenerative processes.
5. Use only sterile dressings - the dressing material should be made from natural fabrics. Sterile dressings and gauze soaked in boiling water are preferred. It is not recommended to reuse dressing material, even if it is almost clean. Compliance with the rules of asepsis is the main guarantee of rapid wound healing.
6. Bandage temperature - to achieve maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to set the bandage at a temperature slightly above body temperature. The cold saline solution and bandage will cause the blood vessels to constrict, making it difficult to remove fluid from the wound.
7. Duration of application of the compress - the bandage cannot be kept on for more than 5 hours. Dressings should be done at least 3 times a day. After applying the bandage, the wound is washed with boiled water and fixed with an antiseptic.

To prepare a saline solution for wounds, it is best to use salt with a medium degree of disintegration, without any additives or additives.

Not all saline solutions can be used to treat wounds:

1. Isotonic is the closest thing to saline in the body. It contains 9% salt in water. It does not irritate the wound and does not cause changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of cells at the wound site.
2. Hypertonic - salt concentration is more than 9%. It reduces cell size by removing large amounts of fluid. Most effective in the treatment of purulent and ulcerative wounds.
3. Hypotonic - the concentration of salt in the solution is minimal, so it is practically not used for treating wounds.

All actions related to applying a salt dressing and dressing a wound should be performed with sterile gloves, which will reduce the number of pathogens on the surface of the wound. For convenience, you can use tweezers that have been previously disinfected with alcohol.

Characteristics of salt

Salt is a mineral substance that is an integral part of any organism. The water-salt balance of the body depends on the amount of salt. It affects the performance of individual systems and the body as a whole. The chemical composition is a combination of sodium and chlorine. The chemical formula is NaCl.

• How to make a salt compress for joints with arthrosis

In ancient times, salt was highly valued; for example, in Rome it was used to pay for the purchase of slaves; in Africa its value was equal to the value of gold. In addition to the fact that salt is an integral food additive, it has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time.

The following types of salt and its sources are distinguished:

1. Halite is a mineral substance consisting of 60% sodium and 40% chlorine. It also contains the following substances in small doses: manganese, bromine, zinc, silver, copper, potassium, sulfur, oxygen. Halite is mined in volcanic craters and reservoirs, where it settles in salt layers. Halite is part of rock salt.
2. Rock salt - this type of salt is classified as rock. Rock salt is 90% halite, the remaining 10% includes various substances - bromine, iodine, clay, magnesium.
3. Sea salt - this compound, in addition to sodium and chlorine, includes sulfates and carbonates. Sea salt is obtained using the evaporation method.

Salt for arthrosis:

• provides relief from the inflammatory process;
• acts as an antiseptic;
• relieves pain;
• regulates metabolic processes in the body;
• increases immunity;
• reduces body temperature in the affected area;
• reduces swelling, as it draws excess fluid from the body;
• increases blood flow;
• speeds up metabolism;
• increases vascular tone;
• Maintains normal acid-base balance in the body.

Saline solution can be used

Saline solution can be used not only in the form of compresses. Use it to rinse the wound well, especially if there is a bandage on it. It is better to carry out manipulations with a syringe, since a stream of solution will be able to penetrate deeper layers and speed up the process of soaking the fabric.

It is not recommended to use saline solution prepared 3-5 hours before use. The maximum effectiveness of treatment is achieved when using the product immediately after its preparation.

With treatment after burns, minimal concentrations of salt are used, which are sufficient. A small swab of sterile dressing soaked in solution must be inserted into deep wounds. The drug can also be injected into the wound under pressure using a regular syringe without a needle. The effectiveness of using the solution for applying postoperative sutures is insignificant. The absence of an open wound allows the use of herbs and iodine, as well as alcohol tinctures, for disinfection. The greatest effect is obtained when treating open wounds that take a long time to get wet and do not heal.

If the saline solution is prepared incorrectly or used too frequently, side effects may occur in the form of pressure on the wound, skin itching, increased swelling and congestion. In this case, consult your doctor to receive appropriate treatment.