What is a curd wrap?
Curd compresses are cool or slightly warmed compresses that are wrapped around parts of the body. They usually consist of three layers of fabric: the first layer contains the curd, the second and third layers cover the curd and keep the affected part of the body warm.
Depending on which complaints are to be treated, curd compresses are used as neck or chest compresses, for example. For bruises or inflamed joints, they are wrapped around the affected part of the body.
Popular types of curd compresses are
- Curd compress in the chest area
- Curd compresses for sore throats
- Curd compress on the knee
- Curd compress on the foot
How does a curd compress work?
The effectiveness of wraps and compresses has not been scientifically studied very much. Most recommendations are based on many years of observation.
Experts assume that the lactic acid bacteria contained in the curd liquefy existing mucus (for example in the case of bronchitis) and inhibit inflammation. The damp cold of a cool quark compress also has a cooling, pain-relieving, antipyretic and decongestant effect.
How is a curd compress made?
A distinction is made between cool and warm curd compresses. The latter are used less frequently, but are also very effective and particularly popular with children. There is hardly any difference between the two types of curd compress:
- Take 250 to 500 grams of fresh quark (the fat content is irrelevant) out of the refrigerator around 30 minutes before use.
- Spread the quark as thick as a finger (approx. 0.5 centimeters) on a cotton cloth cut to size or on a compress and then fold the cloth once. This is important because there should always be a protective layer of fabric between the curd and the skin. This is because the curd dries over time and would then stick to the skin.
Body-warm curd compresses:
- If you have a cough, warm the quark to body temperature before applying it, for example in a water bath.
- Then prepare the curd compress in the same way as described above.
As an alternative to quark, you can use yogurt. However, you must then make sure that the much thinner yogurt stays in place. You will also need more yogurt compared to the firmer quark due to the more liquid consistency.
How is a quark compress applied?
Curd compress: instructions
- Wrap the quark-filled compress tightly around the affected area of the body (chest, knees, etc.).
- Make sure that the compress fits snugly, but not so tightly that it impedes blood circulation.
- Wrap a dry cloth (for example a terry towel) around the quark cloth and secure both layers with a warming fabric, for example a woolen scarf.
Acute injuries, for example to the knee joint, caused by a fall or a sports accident, can be treated well with a curd compress as a first aid measure. However, consult a doctor urgently if you suspect a serious injury.
For the first aid quark compress, you will need cling film as well as quark. Place the cling film on the affected knee. Spread a finger-thick layer (about 0.5 centimetres) of cool quark on the cling film and fold it over once. Leave the wrap on for about 20 minutes. The cling film keeps the quark moist for longer so that it can have an even stronger decongestant effect.
Curd compress
Instead of a quark compress, a quark poultice is recommended for local application to treat skin conditions such as acne or neurodermatitis or insect bites. To apply a quark compress, use a clean cotton cloth coated with a finger-thick layer of fresh quark. Place this on the affected area of the body (for example on the forehead or cheeks in the case of acne). A cold quark compress can also help with a sore throat. You can read more about this in the article Neck compresses.
Curd compress: How long to leave on?
- Leave cool curd compresses on for 20 to 40 minutes. You should remove them when the curd begins to dry.
It is not advisable to leave the curd compress on overnight. This is because the curd dries quite quickly and is then no longer effective.
After removing the compress, you should rinse the skin with lukewarm water and dry it well with a clean towel. Then cover the affected person warmly and leave to rest for about 15 minutes.
If the affected person finds the curd compress uncomfortable, please remove it immediately. This applies particularly to children.
Curd compresses: How often to use?
- Cool curd compresses can be applied two to three times a day.
- Warm curd compresses are applied once a day.
What ailments does a quark compress help with?
Curd compresses are a popular household remedy, for example for:
- Joint inflammation and pain, such as osteoarthritis (e.g. cool knee wraps, foot wraps)
- Bruises and sprains (e.g. cool knee wraps, foot wraps)
- Sore throat (cool or warm throat compresses)
- Sunburn (cool compresses)
- Fever (cool or warm calf compresses)
- Acne (cool or warm compresses)
- Neurodermatitis (cool or warm compresses)
- Breast inflammation, for example as a result of breastfeeding (cool or warm breast compresses)
- Milk congestion (cool or warm breast compresses)
- Cough, frontal and maxillary sinusitis, bronchitis (warm compresses)
When are curd compresses not recommended?
Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
