Rhinitis, cold, cold, rhinitis, flu
Naturopathic therapy
Both naturopathic remedies and household remedies that have been passed on for ages are often used as an alternative to the medicinal treatment of colds to support the immune system and prevent colds. Their effectiveness is often controversial. Certain foods are said to strengthen the immune system and suppress colds.
Chicken soup, for example, is said to develop such an effect. Scientifically an anti-inflammatory effect has been proven. However, it is not known exactly which active ingredient is responsible for this.
The recommendation that vitamin C stimulates the immune system and can avert a possible cold is always very persistent. It is undisputed that a vitamin C deficiency weakens the immune system and makes it more susceptible to infections and thus also to a cold. But one must not forget that no one in Germany has a vitamin C deficiency in a normal lifestyle.
The vitamin C preparations that are repeatedly offered for sale by the pharmaceutical companies therefore only help in cases of an actual vitamin C deficiency. If no lack exists, then the taken up Vitamin C is eliminated again unused. From food auxiliary means one should thus refrain and rather on a Vitamin C rich nutrition pay attention, in order to prevent a cold.
Vitamin C-containing foods are:
- Tomatoes
- Kiwi
- Paprika.
Furthermore, ginger is also said to have a cold-relieving effect. Ginger can be prepared as tea or soup and taken once a day during the cold season. Numerous plants, prepared as preparations, are also said to have a cold-relieving effect.
The South African capella pelargonium (Umckaloabo) is used as a drop processed against cold and against inflammations of the upper respiratory tract. The actual healing effect is attributed to the groups of effects contained in it: coumarins, flavonoids and tanning agents. Echinacea is a very old medicinal palm and, although the exact mechanism of action has not yet been clarified, it is often used against colds.
The use of chamomile and sage is well known and is now also recommended by conventional medicine for flu-like infections. The essential oils of the thyme plant are also said to help with colds and relieve inflammation. The ivy is actually known in this country only as a decorative plant.
But few people know that this plant has a disinfectant effect and also dilutes the viscous mucus produced by the lungs. However, it is important to note that the ivy plant is actually poisonous to humans and should not be taken pure. The so-called primrose is also an old medicinal plant, which is said to have anti-inflammatory effects and is mainly used in the treatment of coughs and colds.
The cowslip is also said to have an expectorant effect. Homeopathy for feverAn interesting mechanism of action is behind it: certain substances of the primrose irritate the stomach lining after absorption. Appropriate transmission via certain nerve fibers stimulates the production of mucus in the bronchi, which leads to a dissolution of the mucus stuck in the lungs.
The effect on the stomach can occasionally cause nausea and stomach pain as a side effect. A common ingredient of cough and cold teas is also the mallow plant, whose effect consists in the formation of a protective mucosal film, which should help against mucosal inflammation. Especially inflammatory changes in the upper respiratory tract, such as mouth and throat can be treated in this way.
Despite the fact that the plants actually appear harmless, the corresponding side effects must not be disregarded. In order not to run the risk of poisoning, one should rather switch to preparations from the pharmacy and not produce own preparations from the plants growing outside. Also certain interactions with other conventional medicine medicines should be absolutely considered and the interaction of conventional medicine and naturopathic effect should not be underestimated.
