When thick fog rolls in and damp, cold weather becomes the norm rather than the exception, not only does our mood drop, but our resistance to pathogens that are now on the rise again often also weakens. Only a strong immune system has the strength to fight off flu viruses or colds. If you’ve caught a common cold, nature and the wealth of experience of our ancestors offer a wealth of home remedies to combat the symptoms quickly and effectively.

Fumes

Chamomile and salt inhalations are simple but effective remedies for a cold. Chamomile has a disinfectant and reduces inflammation. Salt has an expectorant effect. The steam enriched with chamomile and salt moistens the airways, making breathing easier. Recipe: Boil about one and a half liters of water, add a handful of chamomile blossoms. Instead of chamomile, you can also add three heaped tablespoons of salt. Then hold your face over the bowl and cover it well with a towel. Inhale for about ten minutes. If you like working with essential oils, you can also add a few drops. Peppermint, thyme, and eucalyptus are good options for this.

Wraps and compresses

Compresses and wraps have been known in medicine for centuries and are now experiencing a welcome renaissance as more and more people realize how beneficial and effective they are. Temperature and the ingredients are primarily responsible for their effectiveness. Curd and potato wraps are used primarily for sore throats, coughs, and hoarseness. Vinegar soothes fever and has a disinfectant effect. Vinegar wrap recipe : Add one tablespoon of vinegar to one liter of water and soak a cotton or linen cloth. Wrap the wraps around the calves, then add another layer of towels as a second layer. As soon as the first layer of the vinegar wrap has warmed to body temperature, change the wrap. The fever should not be reduced by more than one degree. Otherwise, it could place excessive strain on the circulatory system. Onion and lard wrap recipe: Perhaps not for everyone, but very effective: Heat lard and lightly roast an onion. Mix together and spread it on a cloth while still warm. Place a second cloth over the wrap and wrap everything around the upper body with a towel. Used for colds, headaches, bronchitis, and sore throats. Caution: If pain increases during use, the compress should be removed immediately. Curd wrap: Spread 500 g of curd onto a thin cotton cloth, then fold it into a scarf, warm it on the radiator, and then place it around your neck. Wrap a thick towel over it and wear the wrap until it’s dry. The curd wrap reduces swelling, relieves pain, and has a cooling effect.

Gargle

If your throat feels like it’s been grated, gargling solutions can work wonders. Sage, for example, helps relieve inflammation: Boil 2 teaspoons of sage leaves in half a liter of water, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Gargle thoroughly several times a day and spit out the solution.

Baths

Certain bath additives can be very helpful in baths. However, they should be avoided if you have a fever. Eucalyptus, spruce needles, mountain pine, and silver fir noticeably relieve aching limbs and also clear airways. Ideally, such a bath lasts a maximum of 10 minutes at a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

Soup

The tried-and-tested, homemade chicken soup is practically unrivaled. Its effectiveness has even been scientifically proven. Its ingredients block inflammatory cells, and the cysteine ​​it contains helps reduce swelling in mucous membranes. Boosters such as chili and ginger can further enhance the effect. Chicken soup recipe: Chicken pieces, a bunch of soup greens, an onion, a tomato, carrots, a few juniper berries, a bay leaf, chili and ginger to taste, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil with a liter of water and simmer on low heat for one hour.