How often and how long should I use the household remedies? | Household remedies against a common cold

How often and how long should I use the household remedies?

The type of application, as well as the extent to which the home remedies are used, depends on the symptoms and the home remedy used. Most household remedies become harmful only after a massive application. Drinking tea for colds, for example, has hardly any negative effects if possible allergies or other basic illnesses are avoided.

When inhaling and calf wrapping however should be ordered for example somewhat caution. Steam inhalation may cause irritation of the mucous membranes. The use of calf compresses on cold fingers and toes can lead to a temperature shift in the body.

Home remedies as sole measure or supportive therapy?

Whether a cold should only be treated with home remedies or additionally with conventional medical therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Frequently, a cold is simply a cold and a little cough. Household remedies are usually sufficient as the sole therapy when used correctly, as long as they are combined with a few days of bed rest and a sufficient supply of fluids. However, if more serious symptoms such as fever and pain when breathing occur, a doctor should be consulted for further treatment.

When do I have to go to the doctor?

Many colds are not too badly affected by the complaints here and subside by themselves after a few days.

• However, if the cold greatly restricts your daily routine, a doctor should be consulted.This can be the case, for example, if a fever persists for several days or there is severe pain.
• A doctor should also be consulted if coatings appear in the area of the tonsils or other unusual symptoms.

Which alternative therapy can still help?

In addition to home remedies, there are a number of alternative therapies that can provide relief from a cold. For more information about acupuncture, please read the article “Acupuncture”.

• This includes, for example, a sufficient supply of liquid.

  This is very important, because a cold often causes the mucous membranes to dry out. However, many cells of the body’s immune system are located here, which can work better by moistening the mucous membranes. It is also important to stimulate the body’s sweat production.

• Another alternative form of therapy is acupuncture.

  Here, needles are specifically applied to different points of the body. These are intended to stimulate the body’s energy flows and thus promote the self-healing powers of the body and the immune system. One of the typical points of acupuncture for a cold is Lu 11, which is located at the side of the ends of the two nostrils. Di 4 can also be used as a point. It is located between the thumb and the index finger.