The letters V to Z we illuminate in the last part of our cold ABCs. What to consider around viruses, hot water bottles, blowing your nose X times, yoga and lemon and what all this has to do with colds, you can read below.
V – Viruses
Viruses have long puzzled science because they cannot be seen with a light microscope, nor can they be grown. Since they have no metabolism of their own and thus cannot reproduce independently, they are dependent on their host. This is one of the reasons why most scientists believe that viruses are not living organisms. Once the immune system has recognized a virus-infected cell, it can cause it to die. Consequently, inflammation and damage to other cells occurs. Viruses are host-specific, so they do not cause the same damage in every living organism. Thus, although monkeys can also become infected with HIV, they do not develop AIDS. Our mucous membranes in particular are easy victims for viral attacks. But there are a variety of diseases caused by viruses, from influenza, measles, mumps and rubella to polio, rabies, hepatitis and some cancers.
W – hot water bottle
Although a cold is not triggered by cold, it increases the risk of getting sick. Warmth, on the other hand, gives strength to the body and provides a sense of well-being. Especially warm feet are important for health. From time immemorial, people have therefore warmed stones and placed them at the end of the sleeping area. In addition to the classic hot water bottles, which are filled with hot (not boiling!) water, today there are also a number of alternatives, for example, the cherry pit cushion, which can be heated in the microwave. The hot water bottle filled with gel is also heated in this way. It is leak-proof and specifically suitable for colds. If you still decide to use the old-fashioned rubber hot water bottle, you should invest a few euros more to avoid burns and cover it with a cover or wrap it in a towel. Children particularly enjoy the numerous cuddly toy variants. However, no more than a cozy warmth should be produced in case of illness. The following applies: no sweating out and no application in case of fever.
X – X times nose blowing
A cold is annoying, but it is important that the mucus is loosened. This clears the sinuses and flushes out pathogens. But it all depends on the right nose blowing technique! Because if you blow your nose too hard, you build up too much internal pressure in the nose, which can push viruses into the sinuses. To avoid sinusitis, moderate nose blowing is the order of the day. First, hold one nostril closed and carefully blow the mucus into the handkerchief on the other side. The process is then repeated on the other side. The handkerchief should then be thrown away immediately. Please do not use cloth handkerchiefs, because pathogens survive in the moist environment and can come into contact with the mucous membranes again when you blow your nose again. In addition, paper handkerchiefs are available today that contain an additive of essential oils that clear the airways and are particularly gentle on the skin. By the way, onions also have an expectorant effect: put a bowl of finely chopped onions on the dessert at night – it actually frees the nose.
Y – Yoga
Although you should avoid sports when you have a cold, there are special yoga exercises that can help. For this purpose, various series of exercises have been developed that specifically help clear the nose or are suitable for chronic bronchitis. The headstand, for example, helps to clear mucus from the bronchial tubes, while the bridge makes it easier to expectorate. In addition, the corresponding exercises also help to protect against illness. This is because regular yoga training strengthens the immune system, not least by reducing stress. It is important, however, that if you are already ill, you must be guided by your degree of weakness and perform the exercises accordingly in a relaxed manner. Instead of power yoga, one should carefully approach restorative yoga or, if necessary, practice only breathing exercises and meditation. Those who can barely stay on their feet with lassitude would do better to stay in bed.
Z – lemon
Another classic of grandmother’s home remedies for colds is hot lemon.In fact, the lemon as a citrus fruit is a rich donor of vitamin C, which also has expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. Thus, the lemon contributes to the strengthening of the immune system, can still ward off or mitigate the outbreak of an illness at the first signs of indisposition and promotes the recovery process in the case of an outbreak of cold or flu. As a rule, the juice of a lemon is infused with hot water and sweetened with a teaspoon of honey. The disadvantage is that the hotter the water, the more health-promoting ingredients in the lemon juice are killed. Therefore, it makes more sense to warm the lemon water only slightly or even drink it cold. Drinking a hot tea afterwards also provides a pleasant feeling of warmth from within.
