Stay healthy during the cold season
Colds and respiratory diseases are at their peak in winter. In addition to the flu and flu-like infections, the coronavirus has also become established in Europe. The main route of transmission for these diseases is droplet infections. In these times, it is important to strengthen the immune system and do a lot of good for yourself. Our immune system normally protects us from viruses and bacteria. To further support the body's own defenses, you should strengthen your immune system with a healthy lifestyle.
How to strengthen your immune system:
- a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
- little sugar, animal fat and dairy products
- get enough sleep
- drink at least 2 litres of water a day (e.g. with the addition of ginger and lemon)
- little stress
- do not smoke
- regular sauna sessions
Essential oils as helpers against viruses and bacteria
Essential oils are tiny drops of oil produced by plants. They can be contained in flowers, seeds, fruit peel, leaves, roots, resins, bark or even wood. Plants need a lot of light and warmth in order to produce essential oils. This is why many plants from which essential oils are extracted are found in warmer regions. Alternatively, the essential oils of some plants are released by touching or crushing parts of the plant. Essential oils act via the skin and/or the respiratory tract. Due to their nature, they are particularly well absorbed by the skin or mucous membranes, e.g. via bath additives or body oils. When inhaled, they reach the lungs and thus enter the circulation via the blood and influence our entire organism. The nose is directly connected to the limbic system, which controls our emotions and the autonomic nervous system. Depending on the fragrance inhaled, certain substances are released there that can affect our feelings, our sense of well-being and even our perception of pain. Bacteria and viruses react sensitively to some of the ingredients in essential oils, making them useful as a prophylactic against them, e.g. the thymol in thyme oil or the limonene in citrus fruits.
The right indoor climate during the cold season
Coughing and sneezing produce relatively large droplets in which the viruses are initially trapped. If the room air is very dry, the water evaporates and the remaining tiny droplets can be easily inhaled. In a warm and humid room climate, these droplets fall to the floor more quickly. It is therefore essential to counteract dry heating air. As an alternative to a humidifier, you can simply place a bowl of water on the radiator. The heat will cause the water to evaporate and humidify the air. If necessary, you can drip our sauna products with natural essential oils into the water. We recommend 1-2 drops per 100ml.
The right hand hygiene
In addition to the usual sneezing and coughing etiquette, hand hygiene is extremely important. Many pathogens, whether flu viruses, coronaviruses, gastrointestinal viruses or bacteria, can be removed by washing your hands thoroughly with standard soap. It is not enough to just briefly run your hands under the tap. Make sure you soap your hands completely, including the backs of your hands, fingernails and the spaces between your fingers. You should wash your hands for 20 to 30 seconds to really remove all viruses and bacteria. The temperature of the water does not matter. Then dry your hands thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Disinfectant is generally not necessary.
However, frequent hand washing removes oil and moisture from the skin, which often leads to dry and cracked hands. We therefore recommend regularly moisturising your hands in addition to hand hygiene. Moisturising and moisturising hand creams can help you get through the period of frequent hand washing. Dresdner Essenz hand creams contain valuable and proven natural care ingredients for a pleasant feeling on the skin.