Home remedies for colds

Home remedies for colds

It is often heard that a cold, whether treated or untreated, takes the same amount of time to heal. For many, the use of decongestants and antihistamines provides relief. Home remedies are popular due to the natural ingredients used and the ease of administration of these remedies. In general, home remedies are the same for people of all ages. Slight differences in the ingredients or methods used are observed within different groups, e.g. B. Infants, young children, adults and pregnant women. Below are the remedies for each group. The remedy has been devised where conditions differ between groups.

What is cold?

Cold is the most common illness that affects infants and the elderly alike. Contrary to popular belief, cold weather is not the cause of colds. There are 200 types of viruses that cause colds. The cold is usually mild with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Symptoms can last one to two weeks. Colds are common in children and decrease with age. Depending on their body's immunity, people can get an average of 2 to 4 colds per year.

Common causes of cold

• Viren (insbesondere Rhinoviren und Coronaviren)
• Von Mensch zu Mensch (durch Husten, Niesen oder Handkontakt)
• Psychologischer Stress
• Allergische Erkrankungen
• Menstruationszyklen

Home remedies for colds in babies

1. Get plenty of rest – Resting saves energy in the body. Infants, if they can sleep well, can activate their immune systems to fight the infection.

2. Drink plenty of fluids – Babies under 6 months should drink breast milk/formula. Water should not be given as this may cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body. An oral electrolyte solution intended for infants may be given. A glass of warm lemon water can hydrate the body and provide relief from cold.

3. Saline Nasal Drops – A saline solution can be sprayed into the nose or used as a drop to help clear mucus in the nasal passages, relieving congestion. (Homemade saline nose drops: 1 cup warm water + ½ tsp salt. Use within 24 hours to avoid bacterial contamination.)

4. Steam Rubs – Can be used to massage the neck, back and chest of infants over 3 months old. Baby-safe balms such as eucalyptus, petroleum jelly, and other oils can be used for infants under 2 years old.

Home remedies for colds in small children

1. Lots of rest

2. Drink plenty of fluids – warm milk, water, diluted juice

3. Saline nose drops

4. Honey for cough – Honey can be given to children aged 12 months and above. Children between 2 and 5 years old can be given half a teaspoon, children between 6 and 11 years old 1 teaspoon and children over 12 years old 2 teaspoons.

5. Resting with head elevated – This is done on children above 12 months. When children sleep in a slightly inclined, elevated position, it clears the nasal passage by improving mucus drainage. Children can breathe easier and sleep better. Towels can be rolled up and placed under the mattress to create an incline.

6. Salt Water Gargle – Children ages 4 and up can gargle with salt water as a remedy for a sore throat. (Homemade salt water for gargling: 1 glass of warm water + ½ teaspoon salt. Squeezing a little lemon juice increases the calming effect.)

7. Blowing Nose – This can be done on children older than 2 years to clear the nasal passage. A balloon syringe may be used if the child is unable to blow on their own.

8. Using Humidifier/Vaporizer/Steam Room – A humidifier or vaporizer creates moisture in a dry room. The nasal passages become moist and mucus begins to clear, making breathing easier. Adding menthol to a steam bath has a similar effect. Children should be kept in a steam bath for 15 minutes to experience the soothing effect on the nasal passages.

9. Steam rubs – Camphor or menthol can be used on children over 2 years old. Natural steam balms such as aloe, beeswax, herbal oils, and other essential oils can be used.

10. Neti Pot – Can be used on children ages 4 and up. It is a ceramic or metal teapot or watering can filled with saline solution that can be used to wash the nose. Fluid poured into one nostril flows out of the other.

11. Soothing Food for Sore Throat - Chicken soup, apple juice, mild lukewarm chamomile tea, popsicles, ice cream and pudding can have a soothing effect on a sore throat. This can be given to children older than 6 months.

Home remedies for colds in adults

1. Lots of rest

2. Steam inhalation

3. Steam rubs

4. Neti pot

5. Honey for cough

6. Resting in a lying position

7. Blow your nose

8. Gargle with salt water

9. Soothing food for scratchy throat

10. Drink plenty of fluids – herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, elderflower and rose hips.

11. Humidifier/steam room

12. Use of vitamins and supplements

Home remedies for colds in pregnant women

1. Lots of rest

2. Lying position

3. Steam inhalation – Helps clear the nasal passage.

4. Drink plenty of fluids – vitamin C juices (e.g. orange juice), decaffeinated liquids, broths, etc.

5. Gargling with salt water – Very effective for a sore throat. (Homemade salt water: 1 tsp salt + 1 cup warm water)

6. Prenatal Vitamins – Zinc in vitamins can fight germs while vitamin C stimulates the immune system. The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) recommends 40 mg of vitamin C per day.

7. Humidifier

8. Use light clothing and blankets

9. Eat fresh garlic – Garlic has antiviral properties. Cinnamon, cardamom and cloves have similar antiviral properties and should be used in cooking.

Tips

Herbal tea for colds

Dried chrysanthemums (2 parts) should be added to boiling water. Pour the mixture over peppermint (1 part) and let it steep for 5 minutes. Brown sugar is added for flavor.

Ginger for cold

Ginger cinnamon tea

1 cup boiling water + 3-4 half inch ginger slices + 1 cinnamon stick + a squeeze of lemon + brown sugar to taste. Should be taken twice daily.

Steam inhalation for colds

Homemade solution: 1 cup boiling water + a pinch of baking soda + ¼ tsp salt. Inhale the steam by leaning over the container and covering the head and container with a towel to prevent steam from escaping.

Red onion for cold

Instant cough syrup:

1. Cover the sliced ​​red onion with sugar or honey and leave it overnight. Drink 1 teaspoon of juice 3-8 times a day.

2. Juice of a large red onion + 1 teaspoon honey. Drink small doses often. Avoid large doses.

Decongestant:

Sauté chopped onion in a little oil and mix in 1 cup of vinegar. Add cornmeal to form a thick paste. Place in a muslin cloth, fold and cover to retain heat. Apply the warm pack to the neck/chest area. Cover with a towel or blanket and let rest for 15 minutes.

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