The cold or flu-like infection is the most common illness in Germany. An adult suffers from cough, runny nose and hoarseness at least two to three times a year. Children even more often.
A little consolation: A flu-like infection is not serious and will go away on its own. Simple home remedies relieve cold symptoms and make us feel better quickly.
By the way:A flu-like infection is caused by viruses. Since no antibiotic helps against it, other medications or home remedies must be used so that the cold goes away as quickly as possible.
Flu infection: what helps?
Unfortunately, there is some truth to the popular saying that “a cold lasts seven days if you go to the doctor and a week if you wait it out.” It takes time for the cough to heal. And since the symptoms usually appear one after the other, first a sore throat, then a runny nose and finally a cough, the cold drags on.
In addition to one or two home remedies to relieve the symptoms, you should take it easy when you have a cold. Rest, sleep and bundle up. If you ignore the cold, you risk spreading it and then being really sick.
Whether you go to the doctor with a flu-like infection or first take home remedies for the cold depends on your general condition. If you feel well and only have the typical symptoms such as a runny nose or a slight sore throat, home remedies for the flu infection are sufficient. If you experience body aches, fever and fatigue, you should see a doctor.
Effective for colds: ginger tea
According to naturopaths, fresh ginger is a little all-rounder for illnesses. It helps against stomach pain and nausea, but is also often used for colds. Here it is said to particularly help with sore throats and relieve the urge to cough. It also contains secondary plant substances that strengthen the immune system and kill bacteria.
To do this, pour hot water over a piece of ginger, add a little honey and drink hot.
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Tea with honey as a home remedy for flu-like infections
A cup of tea helps against any kind of discomfort. During colds, the liquid moistens the mucous membranes in the throat and relieves sore throats and dry coughs.
Sage tea is particularly recommended for sore throats. Sage has an anti-inflammatory effect. If you like, you can sweeten it with a little honey, which is also said to have an antibacterial effect.
If you have a cough, we recommend a tea with thyme or ribwort plantain. It loosens mucus and calms the bronchi.
Popular home remedy: Hot milk with honey
Hot milk with honey is also recommended because it tastes good and is said to help with a sore throat. It actually does, because the warmth soothes the sore throat and is therefore perceived as soothing.
In order not to destroy the nutrients contained in honey, you should first heat the milk, let it cool slightly and only then stir in the honey. However, for some people it feels as if the warm milk stimulates mucus production. Therefore, the myth persists that the drink is not recommended for people with mucus in the airways. You can find out more about thisread up.
Warm neck wraps are soothing
A warm wrap around the neck is particularly beneficial for a sore throat. To do this, simply heat a kitchen towel or normal towel in the oven and place it around your neck.
If you want, you can also boil jacket potatoes, mash them, wrap them in a towel and place it around your neck. The potatoes are said to retain heat for longer and relieve sore throats and coughs. A thick scarf should be worn between wraps.
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Loosen mucus and moisten mucous membranes: inhale
One of the best home remedies for a cold is inhalation. The hot vapors moisten the mucous membranes of the nose and make breathing easier. At the same time, the cough is calmed and the mucus in the bronchi is loosened.
You can easily make steam baths at home with a bowl, hot water and a towel. Pour the hot water into the bowl and, depending on your symptoms, add a little sage or chamomile to the water. Then cover your head with a towel and hold it above the water and breathe in deeply.
Effective home remedy for nasal congestion: nasal rinsing
At aNasal rinses with lukewarm salt water can provide relief. They not only clear the nasal sinuses of tough mucus, but also flush out any bacteria and can thus prevent sinus infections. The salt water also moistens the respiratory tract. This also makes it more difficult for pathogens to take hold.
Rinsing your nose is particularly easy with a nasal douche. These are available from Emser, for example, in a set with matching nasal rinse salt.You can order a nasal douche from Amazon here.*

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Home remedies for flu-like infections: Fresh air
Don't underestimate the effect of fresh air either. Regular ventilation or even a short walk around the block can be really good. By the way, we don't mean a visit to the Christmas market. Wrap up nice and warm, don't forget.
Home remedies for flu-like infections: onions
This home remedy takes some getting used to, but it should help. Why? Onions contain the essential oil alliin, which strengthens the immune system and fights bacteria, as well as the flavonoid quercetin. To release the ingredients, the onion is peeled, cut into pieces and wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. It is placed as a wrap around the neck or as a bag on the painful ear.
If you suffer from a stuffy nose, you can also cut the onion into pieces, put it on a plate and place it next to your pillow at night.
Garlic is also said to have healing properties due to the essential oils. But this only works with fresh garlic that is not cooked. Then you don't have to worry as much about the lasting smell, because the fresh toes smell much less.
Relaxing cold bath
If there is no fever involved, a warm bath can also relieve cold symptoms. There is also a cold bath additive available at the pharmacy or drugstore. It ensures that the mucous membranes in the nose decrease and the cough subsides. Additives containing menthol, eucalyptus, thyme or spruce needles are particularly suitable.
Grandma's home remedy for a cold: chicken soup
A large portion of home-cooked chicken soup and the cold is history. That's not entirely true, the effect of chicken soup on colds has not been scientifically proven, but the hot liquid is good for you, moistens the throat and warms the body from the inside.
Therefore: Take it easy and add plenty of fresh vegetables to the chicken so that the body is supplied with vitamins and minerals.
Sources:
Onmeda.de
You will also find outaon theWebsite of the Federal Center for Health Educationmore about a flu infection, and in particular about the transmission of flu viruses and the various ways to protect yourself from them.
Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.