Cold day 1

It often starts with a slight scratchy throat

When a cold is approaching, the throat is usually dry and you suddenly feel discomfort when swallowing. In the early stages, it is therefore particularly important to keep the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat moist to ward off viruses, otherwise the cold will be difficult to stop.

THE first aid measure for treating a cold is gargling with a solution of lemon juice and water. The acid reduces swelling in the throat and kills pathogens.
To do this, pour a cup of warm water over a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, leave to cool slightly and gargle three times a day.

To keep your voice clear, you should drink a cup of sage tea every three hoursduring the day. This stops the inflammation and the cold can be delayed. To do this, brew a teaspoon of finely chopped leaves with a cup of water and strain after ten minutes. Drink the tea warm in small sips.

Incidentally, according to the results of several studies, those who take the extract of Indian waterwort - a plant native to North America - as soon as the first signs appear can shorten the duration of a cold. In addition, a very recent study has now shown that the extract (e.g. in Contramutan) has a stimulating effect on the release of so-called chemokines. These are attractants of the body's own phagocytes, which are responsible for the body's defense against infections and ensure that invading pathogens, such as viruses, can be found and destroyed more quickly.

Cold day 2

The sore throat is accompanied by a tingling sensation in the nose

The typical course of a flu-like infection: first it runs continuously, then it shuts up - your nose. Now make sure that the mucous membrane does not dry out. A nasal douche with salty water (available from the pharmacy) disinfects and flushes viruses from the mucous membrane. No nasal douche to hand? Then add half a teaspoon of table salt to 250 milliliters of lukewarm water. Draw the solution from the hollow of your hand first into one nostril and then into the other. This also works.

If your nose is blocked and the cold can no longer be stopped, a facial steam bath with camomile and thyme can help: pour hot water over three tablespoons of herb in a bowl. Hold your face over it and inhale the steam deeply until your nose clears.

Cold day 3

Your forehead is burning and your limbs ache

If you haven't managed to stop the cold so far, now comes the most unpleasant part. Your body is hot and you feel weak: a clear sign of a fever. This is how the body defends itself against viruses or bacteria. Every degree higher increases the number of white blood cells and thus inhibits the multiplication of pathogens. From this perspective, the heatwave is healthy as it boosts the immune system. However, if the temperature rises above 39 degrees, it's time to bring it down. The best-known home remedy for fever is calf compresses. Alternatively, you can simply put on wet socks: Soak your socks in cold water, squeeze them out, put them on and pull thick socks over them. Great for the night.

The general rule is: don't exert yourself if you have a fever. If you can, it is best to stay in bed. This is easy on the body and speeds up recovery.

In the beginning, a fever can be combated by soaking your feet in a footbath. The water should first be at body temperature and then, over the next ten minutes, warm water should be added to bring the temperature up to 39 degrees.

We lose a lot of fluid when we have a fever. Therefore, for every degree above 37, drink about half a liter to one liter more liquid. Extra tip: yarrow tea (pharmacy). It opens the pores, makes us sweat and thus drives out the fever.

Cold day 4

A nagging cough is particularly annoying at night

The cold is now as good as over. The fever is gone, the cold has subsided, now only the nagging cough is annoying. This is actually a very good sign. Because the mucus is loosening and needs to come out. You can support this process with two effective home remedies.

Onion juice is a classic remedy for coughs. The spicy vegetable contains sulphur-containing mustard oils, which disinfect the bronchial tubes and loosen the mucus. To make the juice, peel and chop an onion, cover and leave to infuse in a bowl with a tablespoon of sugar for four hours until liquid has formed. Take two teaspoons of this three times a day.

Also good for treating the after-effects of a cold: Horseradish. Its essential oils loosen stuck mucus and make it easier to cough up. To do this, pour a cup of hot water over a teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish, leave to infuse for ten minutes, strain and drink lukewarm.

Cold day 5

Your spirits are slowly returning

You may still feel weak, but you're almost over the nasty flu-like infection. Your immune system has had to work hard over the last few days and your stores of vital substances are empty. They now need to be replenished. Fresh fruit and vegetables provide a vitamin boost. Treating a cold doesn't stop as soon as the worst is over.

For most people, their appetite should slowly return on the fifth day. Eat something light, such as soups, rice or steamed vegetables. A bowl of chicken broth is particularly good now. The zinc from poultry meat dissolved in the soup boosts the immune system and gets you back on your feet quickly.

Seven to eight hours of sleep will do the rest to leave the annoying infection behind you. Tomorrow, on the sixth day, the cold will be over.

Is this normal with a cold?

You don't have to go to the doctor immediately if you have a cold. If it drags on or gets worse, you must submit a certificate of incapacity to work to your employer from the third day onwards. You should also go to the doctor if certain symptoms occur. These include

• Shortness of breath - this may indicate pneumonia
• Severe throat and ear pain - this may indicate tonsillitis or middle ear infection
• Overall with severe pain
• If the cold lasts longer than seven days
• If you have a cold, cough and hoarseness for more than 14 days
• If you feel extremely tired and exhausted - this can be an indication of a viral infection