2023-11-18 06:30:01
Do you have a runny nose and sore throat? Against cold symptoms, pharmacist Delphine Lienhardt, guest on the Stamm & Co show, shares her advice for effectively treating these winter ailments. Discover recipes for inhalation, nasal irrigation, tablets and DIY massage oils.
Temperatures are dropping, the sky is clouding over and diseases are abounding, in short, winter is coming. Contrary to what one might think, there is no such thing as catching a cold. Warm clothing is not a barrier to seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, colds or Covid-19. These are often viruses that make us sick. They infect us in the same way, whether we wear mittens or our feet are bare.
In winter, it is essentially the low humidity of the air which favors the spread of diseases, especially in confined and poorly ventilated spaces. In summer, humid and warm air makes viruses less volatile. So if we fall sick more often in winter, it is because of conditions favorable to the longevity of viruses in the air we breathe.
The cold can also facilitate certain infections, in particular because tiny cilia in the bronchi prevent less foreign bodies, such as bacteria and viruses. “It’s exactly like the eyelashes you have on your eyelid, explains Delphine Lienhardt, pharmacist and president of the Union of Unions of Community Pharmacists of Alsace. With the cold, these little eyelashes become rigid. When a virus arrives, it is therefore trapped in the respiratory tract. A situation conducive to infection, since the body cannot get rid of it.
The common cold is a very common mild infection caused by a rhinovirus which occupies the nasal mucosa. It causes headache, sore throat, fatigue, sneezing and above all a runny nose that never ends.
Even if it is not serious, the cold is very contagious. Stay away from sick people, especially children who are subject to them six to ten times a year, regarding three times more than adults. “It’s not serious, these pathologies help develop children’s immune systems.”comments Delphine Lienhardt.
There is no treatment for the common cold. Treatments are used to soothe symptoms and avoid secondary infections. “Be patient and drink at least two liters of water a day.” A treated cold lasts on average a week, just like an untreated cold.
Wash the nasal passages
To effectively soothe the nose and clear the nostrils, you must clean your nose with physiological serum. An effective, economical and ecological nasal irrigation method, which also prevents ear infections, since the nose and ears are linked. Here is a recipe suggested by pharmacist Delphine Lienhardt to easily make your own serum:
200 milliliters of bottled mineral water A ready-to-use sachet containing a mixture of mineral salts (which activate the protective cilia of the mucous membrane), which you will find in pharmacies with nasal irrigation kits
Inhalation with essential oils
Essential oils are also very effective, but should be taken with caution. The pharmacy doctor offers us an inhalation recipe for blocked noses for use from 7 years old. To inhale in the morning and evening for 5 days. In a bowl of simmering water or on a tissue, place:
A drop of niaouli essential oil (a decongestant anti-infective) A drop of linalool thyme (a powerful anti-infective and immunostimulant)
A tablet to soothe sore throats
For the throat, Delphine Lienhardt advises going to a pharmacy as a priority in order to do a quick test to check if the origin of the symptoms is bacterial. If the sore throat is of viral origin, here is the recipe for an effective blend of effective antiseptic, soothing and anti-inflammatory essential oils. Place on a neutral tablet:
A drop of radiant eucalyptus essential oil (analgesic, immunomodulating and anti-infectious) A drop of lemon eucalyptus essential oil (analgesic, softening and antiviral)
For those over 15 years old, it is recommended to take three tablets per day, and two tablets for children aged 12 and over. A treatment to be taken over a maximum period of 6 days.
Alternative solutions for the throat
Delphine Lienhardt, president of the Union of Pharmacists of Alsace, offers another solution for sore throats. Take three times a day for those over 12 years old for five days. always in the form of drops of essential oil to place on a neutral tablet or in a teaspoon of honey:
Two drops of thyme thujanol (an antiviral and antifungal, great for tonsillitis)
Otherwise, Delphine Lienhardt recommends a vegetable oil mixture (from 12 years old). Simply apply one drop to your neck three times a day for three to five days.
Massage oil to strengthen immunity
Finally, to strengthen the immune system, pharmacist Delphine Lienhardt offers a mixture to take twice a day (can be used from 7 years old). An oil to massage on the neck, thorax and the inside of the wrists:
Two drops of ravintsara essential oil (disinfects the respiratory tract) Two drops of radiant eucalyptus essential oil Ten drops of macadamia vegetable oil
As always, remember to consult health professionals, particularly pharmacists, for advice on essential oils which require certain precautions, particularly for pregnant women, people with asthma and epileptic individuals. In the event of other pathologies, seek the advice of a doctor.
For even more good deals, watch the Stamm & Co show every Friday at 10:10 a.m. on France 3 Alsace and in replay on france.tv.
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