As early as 1798, Johann Christoph Adelung defined the sweat bath as a hot bath that purifies the body's juices and is used against flu-like infections, as well as to keep muscles, joints and breathing healthy and to strengthen the immune system.
Nowadays known as sauna, the hot pleasure is becoming more and more popular. Sauna huts are now available in a wide variety of designs and for any use. The traditional wooden construction in the form of a hut with an integrated sauna heater is certainly the most widespread.
At a room temperature of 80°C to 130°C, the sauna is said to have almost magical powers. From muscular and psychological relaxation to physical edification and anti-wrinkle effects, sauna is one of the just-do-it applications for the coming months. By raising our body temperature, the sauna causes our body to think we have a fever, which in counter-effect causes our immune cells to work at full speed and provide a fair amount of defense against infections, giving the autumnal cough and cold season no chance to attack. The so-called infusion - the crowning glory of the whole thing - provides a brief increase in humidity and thus intensifies the heat experience. Usually the infusion water is enriched with some drops of ethereal oil and creates thus pleasant room smells and well-being.
BUT: If the flu has already broken out or the infection is acute, you should avoid the sauna!!!
Over the years, the sweat bath has been adapted to human needs and a wide variety of sauna variants have appeared on the market. The Finnish log cabin sauna, which is usually found in public baths, is also available for home use with models in cabin form, which find space in the home bathroom.
For those who don't like it quite so hot, steam saunas are recommended. Here, the temperatures range between 40°C and 60°C and a humidity of approx. 50 percent ensures heart- and circulation-friendly sweating.
After 8 to 15 minutes sauna stay a short cooling down phase follows in the fresh air, with which the lung can take up oxygen particularly well and the airways cool down faster. This is followed by ...not only for the adrenaline level...a cold bath or shower or - wonderful in winter - a round of rolling in the snow. Finally, wrap up warm and take a 15-minute rest and recovery break.
As a rule, repeat the whole procedure two or three times, and if possible, at least once a week...so that they are still cough and cold free tomorrow.