Advice: Our Body > Respiratory system

Respiratory system

Common Cold
The common cold is among the most widespread diseases. Around 200 different common cold viruses are responsible for this condition. A banal cold can easily become a bad cold. The swollen nasal mucous membrane and increased secretion production can trigger a growing infection. Pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis) can provide relieve. In its homeopathic form it can be used to treat a variety of colds even in infants.

A.Vogel recommends:

Be proactive and adopt appropriate measures (a diet rich in fresh food and resistance boosting activities such as taking saunas and practicing sports) to get your immune system ready for winter.
Support your immune system through the use of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and natural vitamin C.

Sinusitis
The anatomical particularity of the sinuses makes them susceptible to secretion accumulation, especially when the nasal passages are stuffed because of swelling of the mucous membranes. This secretion blockage can quickly lead to sinusitis. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) can be helpful. It reduces swelling in the mucous membrane and regulates mucous production.

A.Vogel recommends:

Support your immune system through the use of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and natural vitamin C.
Use a humidifier during the winter heating period. Encrusted mucous can be loosened by rinsing with a physiological (= 0.9% NaCl) sea salt solution.
Infrared light heat therapy and herbal steam inhalation can be used as supportive treatments.
In the case of chronic sinus problems try to restrict the dietary intake of animal protein until recovery.

Sore Throat / Pharyngitis
A sore throat is often indicative of bronchitis in its early stages. If it appears in association with a cold, repeated gargling with echinacea can mobilize the throat’s immune response and stop the progression of the infection.

A.Vogel recommends:

Old man’s beard (Usnea barbata) is a plant with mucous membrane soothing and antiseptic properties that relieves sore throat symptoms.
It is important to have an internal and external heat source (warm beverages and a wool scarf). Cold food and beverages are to be proscribed.

Bronchitis / Cough / Expectoration
Cough and expectoration are symptoms of a cold that has already infected the bronchi.
Bronchitis at first manifests itself as a chesty cough. As the infection run its course the cough is accompanied by expectoration. Plants can be useful in effectively treating the various states of bronchitis. In the case of cough that persists for several days, and in the presence of fever or chest pains there is a risk that the lungs and pleura may have been attained. In this case consult a physician immediately.

A.Vogel recommends:
Plant remedies such as:

Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) which soooths spasmodic cough.
Spruce buds (Sumitates piceae abietis) which contain substances that act both as antiseptics/antibacterials and mucous clearers. It is effective for mucous producing and dry coughs.
Ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) which contains enveloping mucilage and is therefore particularly useful for dry, irritable cough.
Ivy (Hedera helix) which can dilute mucous and helps with cough with thick mucous and cough without expectoration.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus). Their antibiotic properties also make them effective bacterial growth inhibitors. They support local immune responses.

It is also important to:

Support your immune system through the use of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and natural vitamin C.
Keep your air passages warm, and in the wintertime do not sleep with your window open.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Use a humidifier during the winter heating period.

Hay Fever / Allergic Rhinitis
Hay fever is an exaggerated immune system reaction to grass pollen and other plant growth.
Among the most common causes of hay fever are hazelnut, willow, alder, birch, poplar as well as various grasses and cereals. These provoke a hypersensitivity reaction in the nasal mucous membrane and conjunctiva. Other agents can also provoke this. The increased incidence of hay fever illness is, among other things, related to an overburdened immune system and air pollution.

A.Vogel recommends:

Butterbur helps controls allergic reactions in the nose and eyes. Scientific research has shown it to be as effective as the usual antihistamine treatment, yet without their side effects.
The combination of various plants in a homeopathic preparation has proven useful in treating hay fever complications. Thryallis (Galphimia glauca) is mainly effective for allergic symptoms in the respiratory tract and the conjunctiva.
Many people benefit from a preventive treatment as of January/February consisting of a stinging nettle-calcium complex and local blossom honey. An old household remedy consists of stimulating the skin with fresh stinging nettles in the spring.

Measures to be taken during the airborne pollen season:

Pollen concentration is at its lowest during rain or shortly afterwards, which makes this the best time for your outdoor activities.
When outdoors protect your eyes with glasses.
Sleep with windows closed and briefly air out your home, ideally when there is no wind.