When it comes to common ailments like sore throats and colds, many of us can find relief in the kitchen. Household ingredients such as onions, potatoes, or even quark can be used to create soothing compresses, commonly known as “Wickel.” In this article, we’ll explore how these home remedies can help with colds and sore throats, providing a natural alternative for relief.
The Basics of Wickel
Before we dive into specific remedies, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of using compresses, or “Wickel.” Proper application is key to ensuring their effectiveness.
The Right Temperature
Wickel can be categorized into three temperature types: warm, temperate, and cold. Warm compresses promote comfort, reduce tension, and relieve spasms. They are ideal for addressing chronic, non-inflammatory pain like muscle soreness. In contrast, cold compresses are typically used for pain relief in cases of sports injuries and can also be beneficial for acute sore throats.
Choose Natural Fabrics
The choice of fabric for your compress is vital. It should be made of natural materials like cotton, wool, or linen. The compress should be wrapped in a viscose fleece and covered with a cloth. It’s essential to ensure that the wrap is snug but not overly tight, allowing for some freedom of movement.
Onion Compress – Relieves Congestion
One of the simplest applications is the onion compress. This compress has several beneficial properties, including pain relief, mucus-thinning, disinfection, anti-inflammatory effects, and a metabolism boost. Here’s how to create one:
- Slice an onion into fine pieces.
- Place the onion slices in a gauze cloth.
- Warm the package on the lid of a boiling pot of water.
- Check the temperature, then place the compress on the entire earlobe.
The cold variation is less intense and can also be applied.
Potato Compress – Soothes Coughs
Potatoes can be helpful for soothing coughs. They have mucus-thinning properties and can help alleviate the urge to cough. To make a potato compress, follow these steps:
- Boil a potato with the skin on.
- Mash the potato on a piece of kitchen paper.
- Create a package and wrap it in a cotton cloth.
- Check the temperature on the inside of your forearm and apply it for about an hour.
Quark Compress – Eases Sore Throats
Quark, a dairy product, can help alleviate sore throats. It is cooling and anti-inflammatory, making it a valuable tool for this specific ailment. Here’s how to create a quark compress:
- Take quark and spread it evenly on a cloth.
- Wrap the cloth with quark around your neck.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t get too cold.
By following these recommendations, you can effectively use home remedies like compresses to address common ailments like sore throats. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a medical professional. Remember that these remedies are supportive measures that can provide relief but are not substitutes for proper medical care. Always prioritize your health.
