Potato wraps
Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for
More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.The potato wrap (also called potato topping) is one of the traditional home remedies. The warm pad made from the cooked and crushed tubers relieves pain and relieves tension. That is why the potato wrap is used for sore throats, coughs and muscle tension. Read here how to properly prepare the potato wrap, when it can help you and when its use is not recommended!
What is a potato wrap?
For a potato wrap (also called a potato topping or potato compress), wrap hot, boiled and mashed potatoes in several cloths.
How does a potato wrap work?
The potato wrap is one of the hot and humid wraps. The overlay gives off warmth to the body for a long time. The heat lasts for a very long time because the potato mass stores the heat well. It is not known whether the ingredients of potatoes also have an effect.
The intense heat causes blood vessels to dilate and improves blood flow to the tissue. This relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and cramps and has a beneficial effect on many people.
What ingredients do you need for the potato wrap?
To prepare a potato wrap you will need:
- 500 g unpeeled potatoes
- Inner cloth (2-3 times the size of the area to be treated)
- if necessary intermediate cloth
- Outside towel (e.g. towel)
- if necessary adhesive strips
The preparation of a potato wrap
- Boil the potatoes until soft and drain. Let the steam off and mash it with a fork or the blade of a knife.
- Wrap the mashed potatoes in the inner cloth and close with adhesive tape if necessary.
- Check the temperature (if the compress is too hot, there is a risk of burns) and apply it to the affected part of the body. If necessary, place an intermediate towel between the skin and the potato wrap.
- Fix the compress with an outer cloth (e.g. towel).
How is a potato wrap used?
The potato wrap is always applied directly to the affected part of the body in the event of pain and tension. The heat penetrates the tissue and relieves the pain.
If the potato wrap is to quench a cough, place the wrap on the patient's chest; if you have a sore throat, place the potato wrap on the neck.
If the patient feels the heat uncomfortable or if the symptoms worsen, you should remove the potato wrap immediately. Otherwise let it work for 30 minutes. Then rest covered in bed for 30-60 minutes. You can use the potato wrap once a day as long as the symptoms persist.
The potatoes give off heat for a long time. There is a risk of burns. Before putting on the potato wrap, always test the temperature on your own forearm. If the wrap is too hot, wait a moment and, if necessary, place a cloth between the wrap and the skin.
What ailments does the potato wrap help with?
The potato wrap primarily helps against pain and tension. A potato wrap helps with the following complaints:
- bronchitis
- cough
- Muscle tension
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- rheumatic complaints
- Sore throat
When is it not recommended to use it?
The potato topping is not recommended for the following complaints:
- fever
- acute inflammation
- open skin injuries or skin irritations
- Infections
- Internal bleeding suspected
- Varicose veins
- Hypersensitivity to heat
If you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, you should always discuss with your treating doctor whether heat treatment is recommended.
People with circulatory or nervous disorders should also be careful - for example due to long-term diabetes. You don't feel the heat properly. The intense warmth of the potato wrap can easily cause burns that you notice too late.
Babies and toddlers also have very sensitive skin.Therefore, you should be very careful when applying heat to them. They can burn the tender skin quickly.
Treatment with home remedies has its limits. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not get better or even worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
