Hay flowers relieve colds

Hay flowers as natural means of naturopathy against colds

20.02.2012

Hay flowers can relieve cold symptoms and also help against rheumatic pain, according to a recent release of the research group Klostermedizin at the University of Würzburg. The hay flowers therefore offer a good opportunity to act on a herbal basis for colds.

According to the research group Klostermedizin, the hay flowers (Floris graminis), for example, can be used in a so-called hay flower sack as a moist compress for colds. However, the mixture of flower parts, seeds, smaller leaves and stem pieces obtained from the hay harvest by multiple screening of the sweet grass flowers can also be used in the form of a bath for common cold and rheumatism, explained Johannes Gottfried Mayer of the research group Klostermedizin.

Ethereal oils of hay flowers relieve the cold symptoms
A 15-minute bath with the hay flower additive is sufficient, according to the expert, to effectively relieve the cold symptoms. Most suitable is a mixture of hay flowers from so-called "mountain hay with grass species such as foxtail grass, common smoky grass, common couch grass, Lieschgras, meadow fescue and flowers of clover species," explained Johannes Gottfried Mayer. The hay flowers can also be bundled in a small linen bag and used as a moist, hot compresses. According to Johannes Gottfried Mayer, "the essential oil and coumarins contained in the flowers have an extremely positive effect. The moist heat releases essential oils and coumarins, which "stimulate blood circulation" and "even affect internal organs," according to Mayer. Furthermore, the oils and coumarins have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help not only against the pain in the legs of a cold, but also against the inflamed joints in rheumatism, explained the expert. In addition, the ingredients of the hayflowers Mayer according to the overall nerve pathways alleviate pain.

Application of hay flower baths
The hay bags are available, for example, in the pharmacy or drugstore. However, a hay flower sack can also be made "by filling a linen sack with the hay flowers", explained Johannes Gottfried Mayer. To use the hay flower sack as a compress, place it in a pot and pour over boiling water. According to Johannes Gottfried Mayer, users should then let the bag "soak for 15 minutes, squeeze well, cool to about 42 degrees and wrap with a cloth". The thus prepared hay flower sack is laid with "the cloth on the aching area" and left there for at least half an hour "to act there, advises the expert of the research group Klostermedizin. For full bath use, boil 500 grams of hay flowers in three to four liters of water, then infuse for 30 minutes and add to the bathwater as an additive. "The bath time should be a maximum of 15 minutes, then bed rest is recommended", Mayer continues.

Hay flowers as a treatment method of naturopathy
The hay flowers have been known in naturopathy because of their positive effect on a wide variety of diseases. For example, hay flowers are also used for general strengthening of the immune system, for pain relief, for the treatment of kidney and bladder problems or for fever. The hay flower bath after the inventor of Kneipp medicine, priest Sebastian Kneipp, is also one of the more common naturopathic treatments for sciatic pain. In order to alleviate the sciatic pain but also other back pain, the hay flowers are added to a full bath according to the procedure described above, the water temperature should be approximately 37 degrees Celsius. However, use of hay flowers is not possible in all patients, as hay fever must be evaluated as a clear contraindication. Even with open injuries, acute inflammation and acute rheumatic spurts is to refrain from the use of hay flowers, the experts urge. Otherwise, however, the hay flowers are extremely versatile as a naturopathic home remedy from the field of phytotherapy (herbal medicine). (Fp)