Introduction
A cold bath is a bath that is designed to contain and relieve the symptoms of colds. It is particularly effective if you take a cold bath at the beginning of the cold. In this way, symptoms can be stopped before they even start. Cold baths can be a pure bath in water, but the addition of essential oils is also possible. These are supposed to have an additional expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect and thus strengthen the function of the cold bath.
When is a cold bath useful?
A cold bath should be used especially when the cold is just beginning. A tickling nose or a scratchy throat can be the first signs. The cold bath can also be effective for headaches and cold feet.
The warmth of the bath strengthens the body’s defences and thus supports the immune system in its fight against potential pathogens. The added essential oils can in turn also develop their effect against the germs. They also alleviate the incipient symptoms.
By contributing to the mucus solution, for example, the essential oils deprive the pathogens of their breeding ground and can thus alleviate the common cold. The warm cold bath can put the body into an artificial fever for a short time, as the body temperature rises through the bath. This partially kills off bacteria and viruses so that they can no longer harm the body.
Those who are already suffering from a real cold can also use partial baths. These are usually limited to one or two parts of the body, such as both arms, and are used more for relaxation. Due to the small surface area of the body affected, however, they do not have such a great influence on the cardiovascular system and can therefore not only be taken in the early stages of the cold.
When should one not take a cold bath?
A cold bath should not be used for severe cold symptoms. Fever is a clear sign that the bath would overtax the body. You should also be careful with the cold bath if you have a cold or cough.
A flu with aching limbs is also a situation in which one should not take a cold bath. Especially colds and the flu weaken the circulation. However, the warm cold bath should really get the blood circulation going.
This is rather counterproductive for an already weakened circulation and further increases the feeling of illness. Basically, even people with a weak heart should not take cold baths. Open wounds, especially if they heal poorly due to vascular disease or diabetes (diabetes), are also a contraindication for cold baths.
Similarly, a cold bath should not be taken in the case of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Some people are also allergic to certain essential oils. As a rule, a cold bath can still be taken, but the essential oil used should be chosen carefully or should be avoided completely.
