As early as the 19th century, the priest Sebastian Kneipp recommended cold showers to promote health. Today, many people regularly go to saunas and steam baths, harden themselves with alternating showers or rely on cold compresses when they have a fever or a cold. Used correctly, heat and cold can be used efficiently to strengthen the immune system or alleviate physical complaints. We reveal seven hot-cold methods with which you can give a sore throat or insomnia the cold shoulder, for example.
1. sauna: relaxation and strengthening of the immune system.
The Finnish sauna is considered the classic means of strengthening the immune system. At temperatures between 90 and 100 degrees Celsius in dry air, the metabolism is boosted and toxins are sweated out. Cooling down in the fresh air or taking cold showers between sauna sessions exercises the blood vessels and tightens the skin.
In addition to the physical effects, most people usually feel a deep sense of relaxation, calming and general well-being after a sauna visit.
However, if you have a full-blown cold or viral infection, it is better to avoid the sauna. The health-promoting effect of a visit to the sauna only applies to healthy people or those who are slightly ill, who can strengthen their immune system through the heat.
2. steam bath for cough and cold.
For those who find the sauna too strenuous, a steam bath at more moderate temperatures can provide similar effects: The warm steam relaxes, loosens the muscles and is easy on the circulation in the process.
For a cold, cough or sore throat, a hot head steam bath is more suitable. All you need is a bowl of hot water and a few drops of chamomile essence or eucalyptus oil. Then hold your head over the bowl, spread a towel over your head and the bowl so that as much steam as possible cannot escape, and breathe deeply through your nose and mouth alternately for ten minutes. This will relieve coughs and colds and moisten the mucous membranes. The skin on the face, often irritated from blowing the nose, also receives gentle care from the warm steam. Pimples and blackheads are eliminated by the anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile.
3. compress – a proven home remedy.
Whether warm or cold, a wet wrap is one of the oldest home remedies for a wide variety of medical conditions. According to Sebastian Kneipp, a poultice should consist of a damp sheet, which is then enclosed with a dry cotton cloth. Finally, a soft woolen cloth over it and the heat or cold is optimally isolated.
Especially in case of fever, a cool calf wrap is a popular means of extracting some heat from the overheated body. But also swellings and insect bites can be alleviated by the pleasant coolness.
Warm wraps, on the other hand, have a decongestant effect and promote circulation, and can alleviate discomfort caused by arthritis. Wrapped around the neck during a cold, a warm poultice with chamomile added can have an expectorant effect.
