When your nose is running and you have a sore throat, you may be tempted to head to the chemist. Some home remedies can help relieve your symptoms though. Our specialists checked out all the options. Berlin (dpa) – If your nose is starting to feel stuffed up, or your throat is scratchy no need to rush right to the chemist. There are home remedies you can try too. But will they work? We asked a range of specialists. Whether it's chicken soup, throat compresses or foot baths, there are countless remedies and methods for treating colds that have often been passed down through generations. "We often have scientific explanations for how home remedies work," says Dr Andreas Michalsen, chief physician at Immanuel Hospital Berlin and professor of naturopathy at Berlin's Charité hospital. Usually there are no classic studies as they do not get the funding necessary. But that is not the case for medicinal plants, whose effects have usually been well researched. Baths, wraps and more: the benefits of heat treatments A tub of warm water, a little mustard powder or ginger powder to stimulate blood circulation, and you have a foot bath that is said to strengthen the immune system. "We know that the temperature of the feet also determines the temperature of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat," says Michalsen. This can make life harder for some nasty bacteria. "It actually has an immune-boosting effect," he says. But do not use more than 2 tablespoons of mustard powder and apply for a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes, otherwise you run the risk of skin irritation and burns. Neck wraps with potatoes or linseed have a similar effect. The classic onion bags on the ears are also said to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. And hot chicken soup? It can be beneficial for colds – especially as it provides the weakened body with additional energy. Lab tests even suggest that chicken soup has an anti-inflammatory effect, though this effectiveness has not yet been proven in humans, says the Health Knowledge Foundation. Why pungent substances help with colds Nasturtium, horseradish and ginger are the classic pungent substances used to fight colds. "There are studies that show that these pungent substances can shorten colds," says Michalsen. Pungent substances have antiviral and antibacterial effects. From oil to tea: how medicinal plants bring relief As essential oils, bath additives or teas: medicinal plants come in various forms. Mixing thyme and primrose root, which alleviates coughing and shortens the duration of the illness, is very helpful and well researched, says Dr Heidi Braunewell, board member of the German Society for Phytotherapy and seminar leader at the Academy for Healthy Living in Germany. Plants such as sage, peppermint, ribwort plantain, marshmallow, ivy, sarsaparilla root and fennel have also proven effective. "Almost all of these highly concentrated medicinal plants have an antiviral or antibacterial effect," says Michalsen. While ivy, for example, helps with bronchial infections and relieves spasmodic coughs, liquorice root has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect, Braunewell says. When it comes to effectiveness, do not place your hopes in thyme and other herbs from your own garden or from the supermarket. Food-grade peppermint tea is unlikely to have antiviral and antibacterial effects. Instead, use medicinal teas from the chemist or a health food shop. It is important to bear in mind that mint and other medicinal plants containing essential oils should not be used on children under two years of age, as they can cause respiratory arrest. Apart from that, however, medicinal plants rarely carry risks or side effects. "It's almost impossible to poison yourself with thyme and sage. In terms of effectiveness, medicinal plants are less potent than chemically synthesised drugs," says Michalsen. When it comes to ready-made medicines, you should follow the package insert. Honey as a secret weapon? Whether in tea or eaten straight from the spoon, honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects, says Michalsen. Honey can relieve coughing fits and promote better sleep, says the Health Knowledge Foundation. It does not have to be expensive Manuka honey – the claim that it is particularly effective "is mainly good marketing. Basically, all honey has the same properties. It is more important to make sure that it is not contaminated and, ideally, that it is organic," says Michalsen. Consider that children under 1 year of age should not consume honey because their intestinal flora is not yet fully developed and this can lead to poisoning from botulinum spores. When is it advisable to reduce fever? In Germany, calf compresses are the classic remedy for reducing fever. They are a traditional, naturopathic method for gentle fever reduction, involving wrapping the lower legs with lukewarm, damp cloths to help cool the body through evaporation. The cool compresses cause the body to release more heat, thereby reducing the fever, but there is no evidence to support this effect, says the Health Knowledge Foundation. Bear in mind you should not apply calf compresses if the patient has cold calves or chills, or if they have a urinary tract infection or circulatory problems. A gentler way to reduce fever is to drink teas made from lime blossom or hot elderberry juice. "They have an antiviral effect, slightly reduce fever and stimulate sweating," says Michalsen. In principle, a fever is not a bad thing. It is your body trying to fight viruses and bacteria by warming up. However, if the fever lasts for several days and remains above 39 degrees Celsius, doctors strongly advise you consult physician. Does your body need extra vitamin C? No. Although many medicinal products contain vitamin C, this does not generally improve a cold. "Of course, it's good to eat fresh food. However, vitamin C effervescent tablets or similar preparations are not necessary," says Michalsen. Instead, the doctor advises getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids for all colds, the classic approach. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ada bzl nhr lue xxde arw
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