Help yourself: You can fight mild ailments with home remedies

Cold symptoms and minor illnesses don’t always require medication. Proven home remedies are effective for sore throats, coughs, fevers and colds.

Whether it’s a runny nose, a cough or even a fever – the winter wave of infection is sweeping through German kindergartens, schools and offices. Although many cold symptoms are distressing, a visit to the doctor is not usually necessary. Many diseases can be treated at home. But what really helps against coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and fever?

cold symptoms? When do you go to the doctor

In order to quickly get back in shape, it is especially important to give your body enough rest and take care of yourself. In the best case, this means staying in bed for a few days and getting plenty of sleep. In the event of a cold, there is no need to resort to medications such as antibiotics. There are many tips and home remedies that have a gentle effect and shorten the course of the disease. However, sick young children and people with preexisting diseases should be careful and consult a doctor at an early stage. The RS virus, which is currently rampant, could be behind the symptoms, and severe courses are also possible.

For coughs and respiratory problems, honey and tea can really help.

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If cold and flu symptoms are typical, various home remedies can help. Sore throats can be relieved with gargles and neck rolls, for example. If the mucous membranes in the throat are irritated, rinsing them with salt water or herbal teas such as sage and chamomile tea can have an anti-inflammatory effect. A warm, moist neck wrap also stimulates blood circulation and thus supports the healing of sore throats and hoarseness.

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Help yourself: honey for cough

If you have a persistent cough and persistent hoarseness, you should keep your throat warm. Inhalation of hot water vapor is particularly suitable for this. This moisturizes the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and thus supports the natural cleaning function of the mucous membrane. Additives such as salt or chamomile also have an anti-inflammatory effect. In order to avoid burns, special inhalers available in pharmacies are particularly suitable for children.

Honey is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect on coughing. According to a study, scientists recommend eating honey for coughs and colds. Honey has an antiseptic effect, soothes the mucous membranes and thus fights pathogens. Therefore, many people find honey to be very beneficial for colds. However, the natural product is not suitable for children under one year of age.

Six Home Remedies from Russia, Turkey and Norway: Fight Coughs, Sleep Disorders and Fatigue Naturally

Cabbage rolls can help with bruising and swelling. A traditional home remedy from Switzerland is based on savoy or white cabbage extracts, which are said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. A few large dark green organic cabbage leaves are gently rolled/pressed with a rolling pin or similar kitchen tool until the leaves let out the juice. Then the sheet is applied to the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin, wrapped with an adhesive layer, and then with a piece of cloth. It is best to leave the cabbage rolls for a few hours and repeat the process daily until the swelling goes away. © Ute Grabowsky / Imago

A cup of tomato juice — Tomatoes, garlic, lemon and ginger: The combo used in italy for the common cold. The mixture contains many nutrients, minerals, vitamins, trace elements, as well as essential oils that support the immune system in the fight against viruses and bacteria. For the Italian tomato passata, you just need to cut about 250g of tomatoes crosswise and pour boiling water over them. They can then be easily peeled and pressed through a sieve. Now two cloves of garlic are crushed and mixed with the juice of one lemon. Now add a few slices of ginger and blend everything in a blender. Then the passata is heated. © Nailia Schwarz / Imago

A spoonful of whole peppercorns — Pepper adds spice to dishes and stimulates digestion. In Turkey it is also used as a cough medicine. Its warming effect is used in the form of honey pepper rolls: Spread 2 tablespoons of honey on the back and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Covered with a towel, you should rest for 15 minutes, says the book “Pepper Wrap, Turmeric Milk & Co. – Traditional Home Remedies from Around the World.” It is said that honey increases the effect of pepper in relieving a cold, as it has an antibiotic and expectorant effect. © Antonio Gravanti / Imago

Lavender oil in a small brown bottle — In France, some people turn to lavender tincture when they are having trouble sleeping. The calming effect of the medicinal herb is the reason why lavender essences are contained in many products to prevent problems with falling and staying asleep. To make your own nighttime drink, immerse a handful of dried lavender flowers in a screw-top jar and add 175 milliliters of drugstore brandy and 75 milliliters of filtered water. When the flowers are covered, the jar is closed and shaken for a few minutes. After two weeks in a dark cool place (every two days you need to shake the bottle), the tincture will be ready. Strain them through a cheesecloth and drink half a teaspoon before bed. © Matka / Imago

A sprig of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is not only good for your garden or on the balcony: this medicinal herb is used in many countries due to its antibacterial action, promoting blood circulation and revitalizing it. In Norway, a tincture of ginger and rosemary with honey is used to treat headaches. Combined, the ingredients have a pain-relieving effect: Ginger can help with nausea, honey has been prized for centuries for its antibacterial and antispasmodic effects, and rosemary stimulates circulation, which can relieve headaches. This is how you can make your own tincture: Boil water with freshly grated ginger and add chopped rosemary after a short cooling phase. After boiling again, let it brew for ten minutes, then pour everything through a sieve and add honey to taste. © David and Misha Sheldon / Imago

A woman is lying on a couch in front of a window

Babushka Energy Milk: A Russian home remedy for fatigue and lethargy, which is said to bring new energy through a plethora of important minerals and trace elements. Main ingredient: Milk as a source of protein, calcium and potassium. Add honey, which has an antibacterial effect, and butter, which contains fat, protein and minerals. The energy milk cup also contains an egg as a protein donor. Pepper Rolls, Turmeric Milk & Co. – Traditional Home Remedies From Around The World recommends first heating the milk (about 250 milliliters) and then stirring all the ingredients (one tablespoon each of butter and honey) well in it. © Pedro Merino / Imago

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Traditional home remedies for cold symptoms

Traditional home remedies for colds include grandma’s chicken soup and veal rolls. These can actually help the body heal at elevated temperatures. Because cold wraps around the calves make the body emit more heat. This lowers the fever a bit. To do this, soak a piece of cloth in water, wring it out, and wrap it around your lower legs. Repeat the process after a while. If you have a fever, you should also drink plenty of fluids.

If you are experiencing earache, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Because these can quickly become very painful. One of the proven home remedies for earache is ear wraps. To do this, put chamomile flowers or finely chopped onions in a thin bag and heat it up a little – in the microwave or over a steamer. Then apply it to the inflamed ears.

This article only contains general information on the relevant health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not in any way replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not permitted to answer individual questions about clinical images.