Cold: what helps against the symptoms?

Although colds are not usually dangerous, they are highly unpleasant. In Germany, every adult gets an average of three colds a year, and children get sick even more often. The risk of infection is exceptionally high in winter – significantly more people get colds during the cold season than in summer. But what helps if your throat is scratchy or your nose won’t stop running? We give you 18 tips on quickly getting rid of the annoying symptoms of a cold.

Basic tips against colds

Whether you have a cold, cough, sore throat or even fever – you should always keep the following tips in mind when you have a cold:

• Drink as much as possible because this liquefies stubborn secretions and can be transported away more quickly. Herbal tea blends with chamomile, linden blossom, sage or thyme, for example, are well suited.
• So that the body can fully concentrate on the fight against pathogens, it is essential to take it easy on yourself physically. You should, therefore, definitely avoid strenuous activities. Also, try to sleep as much as possible because our immune system works at full speed when we sleep.
• Honey and ginger are considered accurate miracle weapons in the fight against coughs, colds, etc. Honey is said to have an antibacterial effect; ginger is said to stimulate the immune system. So treat yourself to a ginger tea sweetened with honey occasionally.

Below are tips for treating the various symptoms of a cold.

Sniffles

Is your nose blocked, and constant sneezing attacks plague you? To get rid of annoying colds as quickly as possible, you should consider the following tips:

• Inhale regularly because the hot vapours clear the airways. Suitable additives include anise, eucalyptus, chamomile and sage. However, be careful not to inhale too hot or for too long.
• A warm footbath is helpful at the first sign of a cold. Fill the bathtub or a large bucket with water ankle-deep water. Start at 34 degrees and slowly increase the temperature until the thermometer reads 41 degrees. Then, put on thick socks and ideally rest for half an hour.
• If the nose is blocked, nasal irrigation can help to remove accumulated secretions and flush the pathogens from the mucous membranes. However, you should be careful with decongestant nasal sprays because they can damage the nasal mucosa and make you dependent if used for a long time.

Cough

A distinction is made between a dry cough (irritable cough) and a cough with sputum (productive cough). Various home remedies and medications are used depending on the type of cough.

• In the case of a dry cough, herbal preparations with Iceland moss,  which relieve the urge to cough, are recommended. Pharmaceutical cough suppressants, on the other hand, should only be used sparingly and should be taken in the evening before going to bed.
• Onion syrup is recommended for a persistent cough because the syrup can help clear the cough. Preparation: Cut one large onion into small pieces and pour honey. Let the onion sit for at least an hour, and then take the juice that forms, teaspoons at a time. Then, keep the onion in the refrigerator and gradually add the remaining juice.
• A beer sweetened with honey is one of the typical home remedies used to treat coughs. Preparation: Pour half a litre of beer into a saucepan and slowly heat the liquid – the beer should not be too hot. Gradually stir between three and five teaspoons of honey, depending on your preference, and enjoy warm cough beer. Caution: Since alcohol weakens the immune system, it is best to use non-alcoholic beer. Alcohol is taboo, especially if you have a fever.

Sore throat

A cold often begins with an unpleasant scratchy throat. To get rid of the pain in the throat as soon as possible, you should pay attention to the following tips:

• Gargling is one of the most proven ways to fight a sore throat. Using salt water or teas such as chamomile or sage is best. For a sore throat, gargle several times in the morning and evening.
• Suck on candy regularly because sucking stimulates saliva production and moistens the dry, inflamed mucous membranes. Both average throat drops and unique throat lozenges for sore throats are suitable.
• Sage tea is perfect for soothing the sensitive mucous membranes in the throat. It also counteracts the further multiplication of pathogens.

Fever

A body temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius is considered normal; from 37.5 degrees, it is said to be elevated, and from 38 degrees, it is a fever. If the temperature rises above 39 degrees, the fever is considered to require treatment. Then, as a rule, antipyretic painkillers are used. We give you tips on what you can do if you have a fever:

• If the body temperature is over 39 degrees, removing heat from the body with damp calf wraps is advisable. To do this, dip a cloth in lukewarm water and then wrap it around your calves. The temperature often drops slightly after half an hour.
• Teas such as linden blossom or elderberry tea are recommended for a feverish infection. They cause the body to sweat and thereby support the elimination of toxins.
• A hot chicken soup is the home remedy par excellence for colds and feverish infections. However, make sure to prepare the chicken soup fresh. In the case of a ready-made packet of soup, there is only a weakened effect – if at all.

body aches

In the context of the flu, unpleasant body aches are often noticeable. The pain occurs mainly in the arms and legs and, depending on the severity, can significantly impact our everyday lives.

• A warm bath is always good for aching limbs. However, adding the proper additives to the bath water is particularly beneficial. Among other things, bath additives in eucalyptus, thyme, menthol and spruce needle varieties are suitable.
• Light massages can help to loosen cramped muscles if you have aching limbs. However, only carry out the massage if you find it pleasant. Ideally, use a massage oil with rosemary or mountain pine.
• If you suffer from particularly severe body aches, you can use painkillers with the active ingredients ibuprofen, paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid. All three painkillers also have an antipyretic effect. Children should not be given drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid, as otherwise, the life-threatening Reye’s syndrome can occur.