There is a protocol of actions to be taken in case the first symptoms of influenza or a cold appear. All these measures are aimed not only at relieving the unpleasant symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), but also at dealing with the underlying causes of their occurrence as quickly as possible.
This methodology has been developed and refined over several centuries and is considered one of the most effective folk methods of combating cold-related illnesses, including influenza.
Step 1. Hot bath
The body affected by a viral infection needs to replenish the energy lost in attempts to cope with the disease pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to take a hot bath. It should be noted that the water temperature should be moderately high (i.e., warm and pleasant), but should not lead to overheating of the body in any way. This procedure lasts from 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 2. Nasal irrigation and warming
Dealing with nasal congestion involves rinsing the nose with a saline solution. To prepare this solution, you will need half a liter of warm water (36-37 degrees Celsius) and a teaspoon of table salt (iodine-free). After dissolving the salt, you can irrigate the nose with the solution. To do this, tilt the body forward at about 80 degrees, turn it 45 degrees to the side, and lift the head upward. Then, pour the saline solution into one nostril while the other one drains. This should be done twice for each nostril, turning the body in the necessary direction each time. After this procedure, you can warm the nasal sinuses. To do this, heat a small amount of coarse salt, put it in a cloth bag (or a clean cotton sock), and apply it to the area above the bridge of the nose, holding it until completely cooled.
Step 3. Gargling
To gargle with a sore throat, you need to prepare a special solution. For this, you can dissolve half a teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in a glass of warm water, or prepare a solution of furacilin with a pinch of salt and 1 tablet of furacilin (0.1%) per half liter of water (boil the solution until the tablet is completely dissolved). Another effective folk remedy for gargling is calendula tincture (one tablespoon) diluted in a glass of warm water. The procedure is usually repeated at least 4-5 times a day.
Step 4. Inhalation
The folk method of performing this procedure involves using a large towel and a regular pot with a decoction of medicinal herbs heated in it. It is best to use eucalyptus, chamomile, oak bark, or sage for preparing the decoction. Leaning over the pot and covering yourself with the towel, you should inhale the steam first through your mouth and then through your nose. Exhale through the nose in both cases. One session involves approximately 50 inhalations through the mouth and the same through the nose. Caution should be exercised, as careless handling may cause burns to the mucous membrane. Another effective folk method of inhalation involves using Vietnamese balm “Zvezdochka.” For this procedure, pour a little water into a small pitcher, place a shot glass with the same amount of water in the center. After boiling, remove the pitcher from the heat, place it in front of you, and drop a matchstick-head-sized amount of balm into the shot glass. Covering yourself with a towel, you should inhale the steam until the water cools down. While doing inhalations, it’s also worth remembering about another proven folk remedy, such as a hot potato decoction.
Step 5. Warm drinks
When treating a cold or flu with folk methods, it is important to remember about such an effective remedy as warm drinks. It is best if it’s tea with raspberry, viburnum, black currant, or sea buckthorn. Warm milk with honey has also proven to be beneficial. Various herbal teas aimed at combating cold symptoms will also be effective.
Step 6. How to reduce fever
If the temperature has not reached 38 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended to lower it. A higher temperature can be reduced by rubbing the chest with fir oil ointment or by warming the feet in a basin with mustard dissolved in hot water.