Can you imagine a runny nose that doesn't require any medication – just a good cup of coffee?
Recently, one of my patients told me about her runny nose episodes that occur when there is a sudden change in temperature – for example, when she enters a warm room from the street. She claims that a cup of coffee helps her in such cases – the runny nose "magically" disappears.
What kind of runny nose is this and how can a hot drink cure it, the patient asked me?
Most likely, this is one of the variants of vasomotor rhinitis – the so-called cold runny nose. In general, vasomotor rhinitis can be different – there are cold, medication, endocrine, it can even develop in response to certain products. In my patient's case, it is associated with a sudden change in temperature and a neuro-reflex effect on the nasal cavity. This is an individual peculiarity of the body – the nervous system is too sensitive to changes in air temperature.
Why does coffee help with a cold runny nose?
Caffeine is able to provoke the release of the hormone adrenaline into the blood, which in turn leads not only to an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, but also to the constriction of blood vessels. In fact, this effect is similar to that of vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
In case of a runny nose caused by temperature fluctuations, it is also useful to train the vessels located in the nasal cavity. In addition, experts recommend a contrast shower for the face – wash first with cold and then hot water. You can also use pharmacy sprays with hypertonic solution to rinse the nose – unlike drops, they are not addictive.
Can you drink coffee when you have a cold or a flu?
You can drink coffee when you have a cold or flu only if the temperature does not rise above 38 degrees. But when the peak of the disease passes, and the temperature drops, you can again brew yourself a cup, and it will even be useful.
All useful properties have only freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee, which has not yet lost its active substances. It is better to brew it not strong, you can add various spices or even prepare a special "anti-cold" coffee.
- Coffee with cinnamon: especially useful if you need to restore strength after the recession of high fever or at the beginning of the disease, when you only feel fever and sore throat.
- Coffee with cardamom: cardamom is an almost obligatory component of most cough mixtures. It not only has a positive effect on the heart, but also increases the tone of the whole body.
- Coffee with anise: anise is familiar to many from childhood, simply because it is included in most cough mixtures. Anise soothes coughs, relieves hoarseness and can even bring back the voice.
- Coffee with lemon and honey: helps to relieve facial swelling, clear the respiratory tract and strengthen the immune system. The drink should be not strong, and lemon and honey are added to a warm, but not hot drink.
We hope that colds and flu will pass you by this winter. If you still can't protect yourself from getting sick, at least enjoy a cup of fresh coffee!