Cold bath

Colds occur more than average in the transitional seasons and in winter. The first signs of this are cold hands and feet, a tingling sensation in the nose and a scratchy throat. In order to effectively counter the worst consequences in advance, it is advisable to use a Cold bath to take.

What is a cold bath?

Such a bath either only consists of bath water at 35 to 38 ° C or contains bath additives. They are different essential oils that complement each other in their effects, such as eucalyptus, mountain pine, spruce needle, thyme and peppermint oil, menthol, camphor and arnica. A cold bath is recommended as soon as the user notices the first symptoms. Because if the flu-like infection has already occurred, the patient should not take a cold bath more often than every 2nd or 3rd day.

In the health baths, a distinction is made between full, partial and alternating baths based on the Kneipp method. In a full bath, the patient's entire body is covered with water up to the neck. In the partial bath, the cold person uses either a three-quarter bath or a sufficiently large foot bath. If the patient uses the Kneipp alternating baths, he fills one tub with cold water and the other with warm water and the essential oils. Then he alternately dips the left arm / foot and then the right arm / foot for a few minutes each.

Function, effect & goals

Cold baths prevent colds and alleviate the symptoms of the sick if they already have a cold. The user lets in bath water at the recommended temperature and adds the cold bath mixture from the pharmacy or health food store according to the dosage instructions. He stays in the water for 10 to 20 minutes, then dries himself off and then wraps himself warm in blankets. Resting after the cold bath is important so that the weakened body can recover.

People with circulatory problems are best left in the bath water for 10 minutes. The warm bath water warms the body, which is no longer properly supplied with blood at the beginning of the illness, so that the viruses and bacteria cannot attach themselves to the mucous membranes and spread in the body as quickly. The effect that stimulates blood circulation is further enhanced by the essential oils contained in the bath additive. Smooth muscles relax through the warmth and the medicinal plant oils. The initially common body aches are alleviated. The rise in body temperature also increases general well-being.

The essential oils are not only absorbed through the skin, but also through the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. You get better blood circulation and can effectively fight the attack of invading pathogens. The warm water vapor additionally moisturizes the nasal mucous membrane. The inhaled active ingredients of the essential oils reach the bronchi via the nose and throat. There they strengthen the movement of the cilia and thus promote the defense against pathogens. Some of the oils contained in cold baths are also bronchiolytic: They promote the expulsion of the mucus contaminated with pathogens from the bronchi. Coughing up clears the bronchi. The cold can finally breathe freely again.

Eucalyptus oil and camphor not only promote the coughing up of tough bronchial secretions. They have a decongestant effect on the mucous membrane of the nose. The nose becomes free so that the patient can breathe better. Thyme oil also has a spasmolytic effect: the bronchi, which are tense from the constant coughing, calm down again. The addition of arnica in the cold bath relieves tension: head and body aches are relieved. In addition, cold baths promote sleep and support the self-healing powers of the attacked body.

Risks, side effects & dangers

Despite all the positive effects, cold baths are not necessarily advisable for all people with flu-like infections. If the cold is accompanied by a fever, the patient must not bathe under any circumstances, as the warm bath water puts too much strain on the weakened circulation. People with particularly sensitive airways should not use essential oils, only bathe in warm water. In addition, some users have an allergic reaction to certain active ingredients contained in the medicinal oils.

This is particularly the case with the delta-3-carene found in softwood oils. It is therefore best for allergy sufferers to bathe in water without bath additives. It is tricky that some of the cold bath additives contain fragrances such as lime and linalool, which are not specified on the list of ingredients and which are considered allergens. The water temperature can also be risky for those suffering from a flu-like infection: Even if the manufacturer recommends a higher temperature, the bath water should only be as warm as he himself feels comfortable. The same applies to the duration of the cold bath. If the bather stays longer in the water than is good for him, circulatory problems can occur. The blood vessels expand due to the heat.

The blood pressure falls. People who suffer from heart failure, high blood pressure, widespread skin diseases, open wounds, asthma or weak veins should under no circumstances take a cold bath. The cold bath enriched with essential oils is not suitable for toddlers under 2 years of age: camphor and menthol can trigger a larynx cramp in them, which often leads to suffocation. Occasionally, when using cold baths, side effects such as itchy skin, reddening of the skin, and more rarely diarrhea, nausea and vomiting occur. An intensification of the coughing stimulus and bronchospasm are occasionally observed. Interactions with other agents are not known when used as intended and with the appropriate dosage.