Key Points at a Glance
- Whether it's "just" a cold or "full-blown" flu, viruses often knock us out for a few days.
- These symptoms are usually accompanied by physical complaints such as a cough, a runny nose, and hoarseness—and quite often a fever and headache as well.
- The headache, in particular, is often almost unbearable.
- But what remedies really help when it comes to relieving that throbbing headache?
The best remedy for the flu and a cold is to take a few days off. Only by staying in bed or on the couch can we recover from the unpleasant symptoms that everyone is familiar with. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fatigue and weakness. Quite a few people suffer from pounding headaches when they’re sick—and these often finish us off. But which remedies really work well for headaches?
Peace as the highest duty
There’s no denying that resting is the best way to recover. Chamomile tea with honey, plenty of fluids, preferably fruit, and your favorite comfort food also help us feel at least somewhat better when we’re sick. Add to that your favorite movie or the latest TV series streamed online, and you’re well-equipped to spend a few days in bed.
But what if throbbing or pounding headaches join the list of symptoms? Then we lose all interest in watching TV. We can’t concentrate on the plot, and even if we could, severe headaches often get worse when we stare at a screen. Either way, we want the headache to go away as quickly as possible. Otherwise, any illness quickly turns into a real ordeal.
What helps with headaches?
When you’re in a hurry—or when you’re sick and don’t have the energy to prepare Grandma’s home remedies—pain relievers and the like are the go-to options. These primarily work by thinning the blood, which improves blood circulation. As a rule, this can relieve the worst pain relatively quickly. The question, however, is how long the effect lasts.
Other remedies for headaches are often just as helpful, such as an eye mask or a roll-on to relieve this nuisance. These sticks contain essential oils that can be effective when applied to so-called acupressure points—such as the back of the neck, the temples, the forehead, or the eyebrows. Therapeutic oils work in a very similar way; simply apply them drop by drop to the relevant areas. Peppermint oil, for example, is particularly effective.
Old Home Remedies for Headaches When You Have the Flu
A steam bath is always a good way to relieve pressure in your head. If you add fresh chamomile or sea salt to the water, this pressure will ease—at least partially—and the headache will subside. Cold compresses on the back of the neck or forehead also help; they constrict the blood vessels and reduce the pressure. Fresh ginger tea often works wonders. And if the pain is throbbing, gently massaging your temples with one or two fingers is always worth a try.
Okay: Fresh air isn't really a home remedy, but it definitely helps. Just open the windows for a bit every now and then to ensure a steady supply of oxygen.
