Self-treatment recommendations

• If the cough does not "loosen" or if thick mucus forms, you should use an expectorant containing the active ingredient acetylcysteine, for example. However, plant-based products containing ivy, ribwort or mallow are also suitable. Expectorants liquefy the mucus, so that it is easier to dislodge and cough up.
• Cough suppressants suppress the urge to cough. This can be particularly useful if you have a dry, irritable cough before bedtime. During the day, you can soothe the urge to cough by sucking lozenges, for example which contain sage. As a rule, there is no point in combining expectorants and cough suppressants.

• Lozenges or sprays can alleviate swallowing difficulties due to their local anaesthetic effect. In addition, plant-based sweets – containing sage, thyme, Icelandic moss or Ems mineral salts, for example – may be helpful.

• Steam inhalation (max. 45°C!): Inhaling steam helps to liquefy and dissolve secretions and reduce swelling of the nasal mucous membranes. Herbs (e.g. chamomile and thyme) or essential oils (e.g. eucalyptus or peppermint oil) can be added. Adults should inhale two to five times a day for five to ten minutes. Attention: Infants and children under two years of age must not inhale steam or use essential oils.
• Nasal sprays or drops containing the active ingredients xylometazoline or oxymetazoline can reduce swelling of the mucous membranes and relieve the feeling that your nose is blocked. However, they should be used no more than two to three times a day and for a maximum of five to seven days. You should try to use products which do not contain preservatives
• Sea water or isotonic saltwater solutions can be used in the form of sprays and rinses to cleanse and moisten the nasal mucous membranes

As a matter of principle, an elevated body temperature means that the body's defences have been activated. It does not necessarily have to be reduced. However, if you find that you can't sleep, reducing your fever may lead to improved sleep.
Please note: Fever-reducing medications can sometimes lead to heavy sweating. You should therefore put on sweat-absorbent clothing and avoid draughts.

• Drugs which contain paracetamol are the best way to lower an elevated temperature or fever (by a maximum of 0.5 to 1°C), relieve pain and feelings of pressure in the head, and reduce aches and pains.
• Cold teas containing lime blossoms or elderberry blossoms can encourage sweating and lower the body temperature.
• At night you should wear thin, sweat-absorbing pyjamas and use a thin bedspread if you have a high temperature or fever. The room temperature should not be too high, and the air should not be too dry (see general measures).
• A few drops of products containing peppermint oil can be applied to the forehead and temples and may help to relieve headaches.