These household remedies shorten the cold
As mentioned above, household remedies have a high value in the treatment of cold symptoms and have often been in use for several centuries. In contrast to medicines, household remedies are generally very low in side effects and are inexpensive. Although their effect is usually not as drastically noticeable as a drug treatment, they may also be less stressful for the body.
The knowledge about helpful household remedies can be found in books as well as in various internet forums. Especially for the “treatment” of a harmless cold, most family doctors advise the use of household remedies and only as a support also for the use of medication. Just to name a few household remedies: and a few more.
However, household remedies should only be used for mild symptoms. If the symptoms increase, a doctor should be consulted to assess the situation and, if necessary, prescribe conventional medicine. This may also be of interest to you:
- Onion
- Chamomile
- Ginger
- Honey
- Saltwater
- Eucalyptus oil
- The cold bath
- Naturopathy for a cold
The intake of zinc has a positive effect on the course of a cold, which has been proven in studies.
It is used to kill the viruses and thereby support the body’s own immune system. According to a scientific study, taking 75 mg zinc within the first day of a cold helped to shorten the duration of the illness. However, zinc can cause nausea – in some cases even vomiting.
Even a permanent intake of zinc in too high a concentration damages the immune system in the long run. Salt water is modelled on the natural concentration ratio of our body fluids. There are also dissolved salts in the water, which are irreplaceable for the normal function of the human body.
Compared to normal tap water, this salt solution has the advantage that it does not cause the treated areas to dry out. Salt water solutions can therefore be used for inhalation or as a rinsing solution for a so-called nasal shower. Gargling with salt water – alternatively chamomile tea – also has a slightly pain-relieving effect for sore throats.
The onion contains anti-inflammatory substances, but these act via a different mechanism, such as Aspirin® or ibuprofen. The onion can either be placed locally in small cubes or boiled in water to form an onion stock. This broth can then either be applied locally or drunk as a liquid.
Onions are often used in the treatment of colds to relieve accompanying symptoms such as ear or throat pain. This topic might also be of interest to you: Household remedy for a coldThe garlic is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is also used as a natural remedy for killing viruses and bacteria – similar to zinc.
Garlic should also be processed as finely as possible in order to develop its optimal effect. As a rule, garlic is mixed with other ingredients to make a paste or tea which can then be eaten or drunk. Like the other two tubers, ginger is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Its contained pungent substances also help to heat up the body from the inside and as a reflex to it, to stimulate the blood circulation. Ginger also contains a whole host of vitamins that have a positive influence on the healing process by helping to bind so-called free radicals. Due to the increased blood circulation, ginger also has an expectorant and pain-relieving effect in the throat area, as the pain-causing inflammatory mediators can be removed more quickly by the blood.
Esberitox is a plant-based cold remedy available over the counter from the pharmacy. It contains extracts from the tree of life, coneflower and dyer’s pod. In addition to stimulating the immune system, the preparation is also said to have a direct antiviral effect, i.e. similar to zinc. The manufacturer at least advertises with the promise of both shortening the cold and relieving the accompanying symptoms. To what extent the preparation really delivers what it promises, however, must be judged by each user himself.
