How You Can Fight Colds

Wintertime is cold time, unfortunately. Headaches, a runny nose and a sore throat are not funny at all. To avoid catching a cold, it is best to strengthen the immune system. If you do catch a cold, here are a few tricks to relieve the symptoms.

The best colds are the ones that you do not catch at all. To avoid catching a cold, you can actively do something to prevent them. Preventing colds is not witchcraft!

• Support your immune system with the necessary minerals and vitamins. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Thus, the body's needs can be filled.

• Sport is the healthiest thing we can do for our bodies. Physical activity stimulates the circulation and strengthens the immune system. Regular exercise ensures that you will be sick less often.

• Certain teas stimulate the immune system. In the cold season, you can preventively drink the following teas: ginger, elderberry or linden blossom.

• Cold-warm contrast showers help stimulate the circulation and also activate the immune system. An important thing to note is: always finish with cold water.

• Since colds are caused in most cases by viruses, you can protect yourself by simply keeping your distance from sick people.

• Getting enough sleep is very important for the optimal function of the immune system.

• Stress eats away at the body's defences. Avoid it as much as possible and make sure you make time to relax regularly. 

• Last but not least, Vitamin C and Zinc can contribute to reducing the likeliness that you'll catch a cold.

Should you catch a cold, the symptoms can be alleviated with a few simple measures.

• Drink a lot of liquids. In colds, liquids ensure that mucus is loosened. Still water or herbal teas are most recommended, especially ginger teas. Simply peel fresh ginger, cut it into slices, pour boiling water over it and leave it to steep for about ten minutes.

• Next, keep a balanced diet. Right now fresh vegetables and fruits are very important.

• Dry, hot air is poison for a cold because it dries out the mucous membranes. Place a bowl of water on the heater or hang a wet towel on the radiator to make a simple humidifier. Ventilate regularly as well, fresh air is healthy.

There are also a few home remedies that can alleviate the worst effects of a cold.

• Rinse your nose with salt water. This dissolves the mucous.

• If you have a stuffy nose, try inhalations. Add salt or essential oils to the water (essential oils are not suitable for children under six years.).

• For a sore throat, turn to chamomile and sage. Regularly gargle with these teas. Their ingredients are disinfectant.

• Avoid using the tobacco, nicotine and alcohol. Hot spices should also be avoided during colds.

• Rub your chest with eucalyptus oil. (Not recommended for children under six years of age.)

• Put yourself to bed and stay there. Rest is important. Don't waste your strength when you are sick!

Important: If you have severe pain around the forehead or cheekbone area, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, ear ache or fever (39 °C) or if the symptoms do not improve within a week, seek medical care!