Well, this is a new one for me!  Tonight, I laid in bed w/ mustard plaster on my chest!

I have THE BEST resource in the world for natural home remedies...her name is Michaele (pronounced Michelle).  From diaper rash to chest cold, she knows it all!  (Funny thing is she was training to be an ER doctor before she married--last time I checked, herbal alternatives were ummm, shall we say, frowned upon by the vast majority of the medical community?  Boy am I glad God called her home and then gave her 9 children to take care of! lol)

Tonight, in a desperate attempt to get some relief from this horrendous chest cold, I called her.  She gave me the run-down of everything she knew whilst I scribbled it all down on a sticky note.  One thing she mentioned, I had never tried.  That was a mustard plaster.  I must say, I do feel as if I can breathe better.  So, here is the recipe!  (btw, this is safe for children too!)

Mustard Plaster
10 level TBSP of flour
1 level TBSP of dry mustard
Mix w/ enough water to form a paste.
Put olive oil on your chest area and then spread the paste on top of that.  Cover w/ a towel and go lay down and relax.  (I was propped up slightly so I could breathe easier.)
Leave on for 15 mins or until skin pinkens.  Rinse with mild soap and water.
You can do this up to 2 times per day.

It does start to burn after a bit, but nothing real bad.  Just don't try to leave it on any longer than 15 mins!