Curd compresses, soups, tea – these are all popular home remedies for the common cold. Irritative cough and the transmission of pathogens are also topics that often come up in connection with a cold. In the following section of our ABCs of the common cold (Q to U), we explain what to look out for around these topics.
Q – Curd compress
Those who dismiss grandma’s old home recipe with a smile are mistaken: curd compresses are also used in therapy centers for joint complaints and rheumatism. And what many family doctors also confirm is that quark has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, pain-relieving and cooling effect. Curd compresses also reduce fever and are completely free of side effects and contraindications. In the context of a cold, curd compresses are often used for sore throat or to lower fever. Curd compresses can be easily applied with the following instructions:
- The curd should not come directly from the refrigerator.
- Spread a cloth finger-thick with curd and place the curd side on the affected area.
- A second cloth is wrapped over it and folded in the sides like a parcel.
- Now leave the curd until it dries.
The stronger the inflammation is, the faster the curd wrap warm. Depending on the need can then follow two to three applications in a row.
R – irritating cough
Irritative cough is non-productive, that is dry, and unlike productive, that is mucous cough, usually occurs at the beginning of a cold. Accordingly, the phase accompanied by a chesty cough lasts only a relatively short time, about one to three days. Usually, the affected person has to clear his throat constantly and is hoarse. Hot tea and lozenges provide some relief. Herbal remedies such as Iceland moss, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, anise oil or camphor additionally curb the irritating cough. Drinking plenty of fluids makes it easier to expectorate, and care should always be taken to ensure that the air in the room is sufficiently humid. However, if the cough lasts longer than three weeks, a medical examination must be carried out. Irritable cough can also be a sign of lung disease or have asthma and allergies to the cause, because dust particles or the like lead to the reflex coughing.
S – Soups
A hot soup warms in the cold days from the inside and has a decongestant effect on the mucous membranes. The classic par excellence for colds and flu is the invigorating chicken soup. In America, chicken soup is even known as Jewish penicillin. The ancient Egyptians and Persians also knew about the healing properties of chicken soup. Scientists are now researching the effect of chicken soup on white blood cells, as it is believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect. A soup chicken with an onion, a parsley root, a celery stick, three bay leaves, a teaspoon of black peppercorns and thyme conjures up a wonderful power broth. In addition, ingredients such as ginger and chili do especially well in the soup, because they increase the healing effect. An exotic and delicious variant is, for example, the Indonesian Basco soup. For some variety provides likewise a strengthening beef broth.
T – tea
That tea helps with flu infections, we know not only since the invention of cold teas. Different types of tea can be used specifically for different complaints:
- Sage tea has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps against cough and sore throat.
- Peppermint tea clears the upper respiratory tract.
- Chamomile tea does the same, in addition, it has antispasmodic and antibacterial effect.
- Thyme tea can not only be drunk, but also helps gargled against sore throat.
- Likewise, gargling with arnica tea has a positive effect on bronchitis and respiratory diseases, because arnica not only relieves pain in the mouth and throat, but also has a positive effect on the blood circulation of the mucous membranes.
- While similar for sage tea, elderberry tea is used especially as a diaphoretic agent.
- Rosehip and currant tea (here also does well a tea mixture of both) strengthen the defenses and provide vitamin C.
- Another tip to alleviate cold symptoms is the universally known for its health-promoting effect green tea.
U – transmission
Since colds are droplet infections, it is difficult to protect yourself from infection.The person sitting next to us on the bus sneezes, the cashier in the supermarket coughs, we shake hands with a business partner – and it can happen. We can also catch annoying viruses by touching a door handle. Contrary to all expectations, the risk of infection is relatively low when kissing. On the contrary, kissing strengthens the immune system and stimulates both the circulation and the blood flow. As simple as it sounds, the best way to protect yourself from infection is to avoid people who are ill, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact between your fingers and mucous membranes. If you have a cold yourself, to be fair, they should refrain from friendly handshakes, and only sneeze and cough into a handkerchief (and dispose of it immediately afterwards).
