Basically, the body itself manages to overcome a cold.
In addition, some simple home remedies to help with the unpleasant symptoms effectively reduce.
Nevertheless, over-the-counter cold remedies, relief, and faster recovery are promise, in the cold season very much in demand.
On this Stiftung Warentest has now, however, a damning indictment – just a product to make an exception.
Over-the-counter medications in the Test
Non-prescription pain relievers such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid can provide in a particularly unpleasant cold in the course of rest.
Many of the commercially available cold remedies, however, are combination products composed of multiple substances makes little sense and, therefore, according to the Stiftung Warentest in colds are hardly suitable.
Even well-known products and brands to be covered in the Test.
Aspirin Complex
In order to reduce pain and fever, it is sufficient acetylsalicylic acid alone.
Aspirin Complex combines several active substances, of which Stiftung Warentest advises against.
Is it just a pain reliever use and, separately, for example, a nasal spray against the common cold and to use.
Grippostad C
“Of little use for colds and flu” is the verdict of Stiftung Warentest.
The medium was not useful, as Paracetamol alone could reduce pain and fever.
The combination of different active ingredients to burden the body unnecessarily.
Wick Grippstad as well as MediNait cold juice
In both products, Stiftung Warentest, finds a Cocktail of painkillers, cough syrup, a soothing and stimulating drug as well as alcohol, which is distributed via the blood throughout the body.
Here, too, the individual cold symptoms, such as pain, cough is recommended, and runny nose and to treat local.
Dolo-Internet Suppliers Lozenges
Antiseptics such as cetylpyridinium chloride, to which the lozenges of Dolo-put Internet suppliers, are against viruses, incomplete, or not at all effective.
Not even bacteria in the deeper mucus layers of the skin are reached.
In addition, Stiftung Warentest, warns that the local anesthetic and, therefore, analgesic benzocaine can easily lead to allergies.
Echinacea Stada Classic
Extracts of the herb of the Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) make the mucous membranes to pathogens less sensitive and the activity of the immune system stimulate.
According to Stiftung Warentest and various studies show that Echinacea can activate the immune system actually.
It brings nothing but, the means then to take, if the cold is already there, but only when immediately at the first signs of the disease such as tingling in the nose and rough throat is traded.
Only a drug really helps
Even if the judgment of the Foundation were to fail the test rather damning, there is a cold medicine that is suitable according to the test “in the case of colds, as an analgesic and fever-lowering agent”. This applies to the Grippostad hot drink.
Home remedies for common cold symptoms
Stiftung Warentest criticized, especially that most of the cold remedies to pounce on too many symptoms at once.
Gentle for the organism, be it to treat Cold symptoms such as runny nose, hoarseness and cough individually.
Here simple home remedies can remedy the situation.
In the gallery: a 15-home remedies, you should have at home:
Against the common cold have been proven, for example, the head of steam baths. By the hot steam stuck can flow out of the mucus better.
Against sore throat and cough help the gargling of salt water and warm tea.
Important in the case of neck complaints is that a lot of saliva is produced, for example, Sucking sugar-free sweets, because saliva contains Antibodies that fight the virus.
In addition, honey can relieve the urge to cough. Those who take honey before going to sleep, should brush the teeth because of the contained in the honey sugar tooth decay promotes.
Prevention is the best medicine against colds
The most important and most effective protection against the Transmission of cold or flu virus is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
This prevents the pathogens via the hands to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth and infections trigger.
In order to prevent that the number of viruses is increasing in closed rooms should be aired regularly.
In addition, hot and cold showers in the Morning, as well as regular visits to the sauna to ensure that temperature fluctuations in the cold Season better.
This can also minimize the risk of a cold.
Larissa Bright Mouth
*The contribution of “Stiftung Warentest: A majority of drugs against colds precipitated by” is published by FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.