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Colds are currently in high season. Natural home remedies can help with the treatment, some of which are particularly suitable.
Which home remedies are effective for treating colds and associated symptoms are explained in a specialist article in the “Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Reports”. Four natural home remedies are particularly highlighted.
Influenza or cold?
First of all, it is important to determine whether you have a viral flu (influenza) or a flu-like infection, also known as a simple cold. Influenza can have dangerous consequences and may require medical treatment, whereas a simple cold can be cured with the help of various home remedies.
A cold often presents with symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, fever, diarrhea, constipation, headache, pain in the limbs, feeling weak and nausea and vomiting.
Similar symptoms occur with flu, but while a cold usually develops rather slowly, the symptoms of influenza often begin very suddenly and with significantly greater intensity.
If the course is uncomplicated, the symptoms of a cold usually go away after about three to seven days. However, the following home remedies can also effectively support healing.
Honig
Honey has been valued since ancient times for its healing and therapeutic properties. According to the specialist article, the effect is primarily due to the antimicrobial properties of honey, which in most types of honey are due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide.
Other types of honey, such as Manuka honey, are referred to as non-peroxide honey and contain exceptionally high concentrations of the antibacterial compound methylglyoxal, the experts explain.
Honey also has a low pH and high osmolarity, which hinder microbial growth. Honey also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
To treat colds, honey can also be used in combination with (hot) lemon, ginger or ginger tea and other types of tea.
Garlic
For example, according to experts, a “tea” made from fresh garlic, lemon and honey can effectively relieve sore throats and coughs associated with colds.
In addition, a study has already shown that consuming garlic over a period of twelve weeks is associated with a reduced risk of colds. Garlic can apparently also help protect against colds.
Ginger and turmeric
Like turmeric, ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae plant family, although ginger has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has, among other things, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the experts report.
Ginger and turmeric are both great for relieving sore throats and sinus infections. A hot drink with turmeric (often referred to as golden milk) is also often used in traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda to treat sore throats and colds.
Treat colds with natural remedies
In addition to the home remedies mentioned, there is a wide range of other natural treatment options for colds, whereby medicinal plants such as chamomile, sage or thyme and inhalations, nasal rinses and various other methods (e.g. wraps, cold baths) can also help provide relief. (as)