It announces itself slowly, with a nasty scratchy throat, blocked nose, harsh cough, aching limbs and a thick head: the common cold. When the infection is already here, there's not much we can do but alleviate the unpleasant symptoms and rest. But we have the best home remedies for the common cold!
The most important home remedy for a cold: rest
Fighting an infection takes a lot of energy and strength. Even with little physical exertion, you become exhausted more quickly than usual. So what helps against a cold? Stay at home, get plenty of rest and postpone everything you can until later. However, if there is no other option, over-the-counter medication can help you stay fit for the day (e.g. GeloProsed, pharmacy, for swollen nasal mucous membranes in combination with headaches, sore throat and fever).
Nasal drops ventilate the sinuses
If the nose is blocked, the secretions from the sinuses do not drain away. This could result in sinusitis. So what should you do if you have a cold? Take nasal drops - they cause the mucous membranes to swell and the secretions can drain away again. However, nasal drops should not be taken for more than seven days in a row, as otherwise there is a risk of addiction: the mucous membranes no longer swell on their own.
Drinking a lot keeps the mucous membranes moist
Cough tea can loosen the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Thyme, aniseed and cowslip are particularly suitable for this. A large pot of tea also helps to absorb a lot of fluids. Drinking a lot is also a tried and tested household remedy for colds and coughs: the mucous membranes do not dry out and the mucus in the airways is liquefied.
Cough syrup made from onions & rock candy
One of the oldest household remedies for the common cold: cut a kitchen onion into cubes and boil it with rock sugar over a low heat. Then allow to cool and pass through a coffee filter. Decant the brew and take 2-3 teaspoons of it three times a day. Unfortunately, it doesn't taste particularly good, but onions contain essential oils, sulphur-containing compounds and flavonoids that have been proven to kill germs.
Potato compresses provide warmth
Another tried and tested household remedy for colds: boil four medium-sized potatoes until soft and mash them in a tea towel. Leave to cool until you no longer burn yourself and place on your chest. The compress continuously releases heat and soothes the lungs and bronchial tubes.
Honey has an antibacterial effect
The golden substance has always been considered a good household remedy for colds. It contains around 180 active ingredients - the most important of which include pinocembrin, an antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory caffeic acid. Honey should not be heated above 40 degrees, otherwise it loses its healing properties.