Today we'd like to write about a very topical topic, because even in the practice of our founder, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, we can feel that a wave of colds is currently sweeping over us. But what can you do preventively? How can you protect yourself and your family from colds? And what can you do when you get a cold without immediately resorting to the entire pharmaceutical industry.
Below, Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and founder of KAMI skincare, shares her tips. She's always relied on home remedies and believes that when it comes to a cold, you shouldn't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
"The cold wave hit us particularly early and hard this fall. In principle, there's nothing wrong with children getting a cold now and then: their immune systems can practice and develop. This guarantees greater resistance than adults.
But here are some tips to avoid colds:
- Avoid sweating and freezing; clothing appropriate for the temperature is especially important for children at this time of year. It may still be cold on the way to school or kindergarten, but by lunchtime it can be very warm. Allow your child to individually adjust their clothing to their personal temperature sensitivity by wearing several thin layers. The child should neither freeze nor sweat! Neither "tests of courage" (who can wear shorts to school for a long time) nor overcaution (leave the hat on!) are appropriate. Putting warm winter shoes on your child too early is particularly bad because they then tend to take everything off and cool down to compensate for their sweaty feet.
- Vitamin-rich foods prevent disease; dark green leafy vegetables, 100% fruit and vegetable juices, and colorful vegetables are especially rich in enzymes. Pulses and whole grain products also provide healthy carbohydrates. Selenium, an important trace element for the immune system, is found in eggs, Brazil nuts, liver, cod, and tuna. Avoid sugar, processed foods, and, of course, alcohol.
- Propolis or Aconitum napellus C30 globules can strengthen the immune system.
- Get some exercise in the fresh air. Any kind of exercise strengthens the immune system, and nature helps too. You don't have to be a fan of "forest bathing"; even a traditional autumn walk among the colorful leaves is good for the body and soul.
- Most of us find wearing a mask annoying, but it also offers protection against colds for vulnerable groups. Therefore, it's worth considering whether wearing a mask is a sensible precautionary measure in crowded places or on public transport.
If it does happen to the children or us, here are my tips.
I 'm not alone in the belief that coughs and colds don't always necessarily require medical treatment. We and our children don't always have to be functional and fit; sometimes the body "allows" itself to be sick and restless. However, if the symptoms are severe, such as shortness of breath, pain when breathing, or a high fever that lasts for days, medical evaluation is obviously necessary.
Coughing is a symptom of something irritating the respiratory tract , be it mucus or pathogens.
For a simple cough, tea, water or hot milk with honey helps to relieve the cough reflex due to its thinning effect.
If you want to do something “against” the cough, there are several herbal remedies (phytopharmaceuticals) that can be used:
- A mixture of marshmallow, ribwort plantain, and thyme syrup; any pharmacy can mix this.
- Thyme tea has an expectorant and soothing effect. Marshmallow tea, a blend of leaves and roots, is especially effective in soothing coughs. Ivy leaf tea can also be used to relieve cramps and mucus, but is not recommended for children.
- Inhalations are calming, inhalations with eucalyptus oil can ease expectoration and have an antispasmodic effect.
- Good old spruce tip syrup from Grandma's kitchen has a calming effect and is also enjoyed by picky children.
- Rubbing eucalyptus balm or other vaporizers on the chest can have a soothing effect on the respiratory tract and ease coughs. The soothing caresses are also soothing for the soul. A hot water bottle enhances the effect.
Increased temperature Its purpose is to kill germs. Rapidly reacting with fever-reducing medication is counterproductive, as the germs can remain in the body. Let your child "break down" their fever to a certain degree. Every child has a very individual temperature, which is still normal. If the child begins to appear apathetic, must You have to reduce the fever, otherwise you'll become dehydrated and your circulation will be impaired. The following natural remedies have a fever-reducing effect:
- Elderflower tea has a diaphoretic effect and also promotes bronchial secretions. You can also mix elderflower and linden blossom 50/50, flavored with honey or lemon.
- Calf compresses (please use ONLY on warm feet!): Moisten cloths with lukewarm water and wrap the calves from the ankle to the knee, covering with a towel. Reapply twice after 10 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes. Abdominal compresses are also suitable for very young children.
- Sweating treatment (from age 5!): Take a bath with increasing water temperature and drink a hot fever tea at the same time or as soon as possible afterward. Then, wrap yourself in warm blankets or towels and lie down in bed for 30 minutes. Ideally, the head, through which a significant portion of the heat exchange takes place, should also be covered.
- If the tonsils are swollen, Apis D6 globules can also help.
Runny noses are, of course, one of the most unpleasant companions of a cold. Here, too, the secretion is the body's means of removing germs. Therefore, decongestant nasal sprays should only be used at night to ensure uninterrupted sleep. During the day, please use seawater sprays or hyaluronic acid sprays for soothing relief. The following tips can make life easier for people with runny noses:
- decongestant inhalations with e.g. eucalyptus oil or sea salt;
- Use good tissues, which rub less and protect against sore noses;
- As a preventative measure, rub KAMI SOS Balm on your nose and lips. It protects against chafing and soothes the skin. If your nose is already sore, simply apply it after each nose blow to allow the skin to heal.
I hope my advice helps you get through the fall well!
Stay healthy
Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
