The best home remedies for care
Gentle care with the power of nature
In everyday nursing care, it is often the small ailments that make the daily routine more difficult: a runny nose, joint pain or Sore throat. Although medication can provide quick relief, it can have side effects, especially for older or chronically ill people. That's why many people turn to tried-and-tested home remedies - and with good reason.
In this article, we will show you which home remedies can be used effectively in skincare, what you should look out for and how to use them safely. Regardless of whether you are a family caregiver or a professional carer - these simple applications can make everyday life noticeably easier.
Natural support in everyday care
Why home remedies are valuable
Home remedies are part of everyday life in many families - they connect generations and stand for trust in natural healing powers. Whether for minor ailments such as sore throats, joint tension or skin irritations: Natural applications with herbs, essential oils, heat or cold can provide gentle and effective support.
Especially in everyday care with older people or chronically ill relatives, home remedies are often more than just functional - they are a sign of affection, attention and care.
According to a representative survey by Apotheken Umschau (2023) set round 62% of people in Germany regularly rely on home remedies, especially for mild cold symptoms, skin problems and sleep disorders. In Austria, figures from the Statistik Austria Gesundheitsbericht that about 70% of over 60-year-olds initially rely on natural remedies such as teas, compresses or ointments for minor complaints - usually in combination with a medicine chest or traditional medicine.
Home remedies offer many advantages:
Especially in a care setting where time and emotional capacity are often scarce, simple rituals with home remedies can bring real relief. Preparing a cold tea, a warm lavender bath or a soothing chamomile compress - all of these can give structure to the day and deepen the caring relationship.
Nora's tip: Sometimes the most effective home remedy is not a plant, ointment or compress - but a person with time, heart and understanding. On noracares you will find exactly the right caregiver for your situation: reliable, empathetic, competent - and human. Good care starts with a real conversation - and that's exactly what noracares is made for.
When home remedies are not enough
Home remedies are a valuable part of everyday and complementary care. They alleviate many minor ailments and create emotional closeness. However, for more serious symptoms, warm compresses, teas or essential oils alone are not enough - medical support is then essential.
Just for people in need of care - whether at home or in care facilities - the state of their health can quickly deteriorate. Age-related pre-existing conditions, a weakened immune system or limited communication often make it even more difficult to assess the situation.
Warning signs where home remedies are not enough
Numbers that show how important fast response is
- According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is Every third hospitalization of over 65-year-olds in Germany is due to a delayed medical response to early symptoms - e.g. unrecognized fever or fever or a lack of medical care. e.g. unrecognized fever or silent inflammation.
- In Austria according to a Survey of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (2023) 48% of family caregivers report that they are sometimes unsure when home remedies are still sufficient - and when medical advice is needed.
- The care situation in rural areas is particularly critical: here, care households report that the hurdle of calling for medical help is often associated with uncertainty and accessibility problems.
Nora's advice for practice
Trust your gut feeling - but combine it with medical consultation. The following applies to older or chronically ill people in particular: It's better to act too early than too late.The safety and health of your loved ones comes first.
And: You don't have to decide everything on your own.Caregivers you know about noracares are often experienced in recognizing critical changes - and can help you not to miss the right time for a medical check-up.
What nurses are allowed to do - and what not
Legal bases in Germany and Austria
When caring for relatives, home remedies are often the first choice - they are gentle, natural and convey closeness. However, there are clear legal rules in the care sector regarding what carers are allowed to do - and what they are not allowed to do.
In Germany regulates the Pflegeberufegesetz (§4 PflBG) the competencies of nursing professionals. In Austria the professional license to operate is based on the Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegegesetz (GuKG). Both legislations make a clear distinction between medical treatment care (e.g. administration of medication) and . administration of medication) and nursing support measures (e.g. compresses, tea preparation). e.g. compresses, tea preparation).
Overview: What is allowed - and what is not?
Why this is so important
Especially in home care, home remedies quickly become a "matter of course". However, despite all the care they provide, caregivers must never make diagnoses or freely decide which complaints are treated with which remedies.
This requires medical clarity - not only legally, but also in terms of Patient safety.
Example from everyday life
Maria (71) lives with dementia with her daughter Anna in Linz. One Sunday morning, Anna notices that Maria is very restless, freezing and shivering slightly. She thinks about making her a warm chest compress with essential oil, as she knows it from her grandmother. The nurse on duty that day remains calm:
"I would dilute the oil very much - and only use it if there is no skin irritation. But: May I ask you to take the temperature first and contact the emergency medical service? It could also be an infection."
The temperature is 38.6 °C. After consulting the medical on-call service, Maria is given antipyretic medication - it turns out that the cause was a bladder infection. Without this clarification, there would have been a high risk of her condition worsening.
Conclusion from the story:
Home remedies such as compresses or herbal teas are valuable - but only if they are used responsibly. Professional care recognizes the limits and ensures that health is not endangered by well-intentioned measures.
Eight proven home remedies in care use
1. Sage tea for a sore throat
Sage has been an integral part of European herbal medicine for centuries. The essential oils it contains - especially thujone and cineole - have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent. Sage tea soothes irritated mucous membranes and can help to naturally soothe a mild sore throat.
Application: 1 tsp dried sage leaves with 250 ml not boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for approx. Cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then drink slowly or gargle lukewarm.
Note: Sage not at Epilepsy or use in high doses over a longer period of time - due to the thujone content.
2. Linden or elderflower tea for mild fever
Both flowers contain natural Flavonoids and mucilages, which have a they have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect. At the same time, they strengthen the circulation and promote well-being - ideal for mild infections or flu-like symptoms.
Application: pour hot water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, drink warm - sweeten with honey if necessary. Sweeten with honey if necessary.
Important: Do not use calf compresses if you have chills or a fever above 39 °C - medical assistance is required here.
3. Herbal baths for joint pain
Rosemary, lavender and arnica are among the classics for muscle and joint complaints. Their essential oils promote blood circulation, relax muscles and have a pain-relieving effect. Regular herbal baths can provide relief, especially for older people with osteoarthritis or tension.
Application: add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of cream or milk, add to the 37 °C warm bath water, bathe for max. Bathe for a maximum of 20 minutes
.Note:In case of cardiovascular diseases, please consult a doctor beforehand.
4. Potato wraps for muscle tension
Potatoes store heat for a particularly long time. When cooked and mashed, they release the heat slowly - this has a stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles and relieves pain. A simple but effective home remedy, especially for back pain, neck tension or sore muscles.
Application: Cook the potatoes until soft, mash, place in a clean cloth, allow to cool slightly and place on the affected area. Wrap time: approx. 20 minutes.
5. Chamomile steam bath for a blocked nose
Chamomile contains valuable active ingredients such as Bisabolol and Apigenin, the anti-inflammatory, soothing and expectorant effect. A steam bath can help to clear the airways and support the healing process for colds.
Application: pour 1 liter of hot water over 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers (or 2 tea bags), hold your head over the bowl, cover with a towel and inhale for approx. Inhale for approx. 10 minutes
.Note:Do not use in case of asthma or severe dizziness.
6. Curd compresses for swelling or inflammation
Quark contains lactic acid bacteria, protein and minerals, which when applied externally decongestant, anti-inflammatory and cooling effect. Particularly suitable for bruises, joint inflammation or sprains.
Application: Spread cool curd on a cotton cloth, place on the affected area and remove after approx. 30 minutes. Then dry the skin well.
7. Oatmeal baths for itchy or irritated skin
Oats contain beta-glucans and mucilage, the moisturizing, itch-relieving and skin-soothing effect. Particularly recommended for dry skin, eczema or Neurodermitis.
Application: Place 100 g of fine oat flakes in a cotton bag or socks in the warm bath water. Bathe for 15-20 minutes, then gently dab off - do not rub!
8. Honey for dry lips or small skin wounds
Honey, especially Manuka honey, is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. It helps to moisturize the skin and heal small cracks or abrasions more quickly.
Application: Apply a thin layer to the affected area, e.g. on dry lips or lips that are not dry. e.g. on dry lips or chapped fingers. Leave on and cover with a plaster if necessary.
Note: Please only use medically tested honey for open wounds.
Nora's tip: Home remedies work gently - and often develop their effect over time. That's why it's worth integrating small care rituals into your everyday life: A cup of tea in the afternoon, a warm foot bath or a relaxing wrap in the evening. These moments not only provide relief, but also closeness, warmth and care - an invaluable commodity, especially for older people.
Home remedies in care are much more than just old family recipes. They connect generations, strengthen trust between people in need of care and their relatives - and show that caring also starts with small gestures.
A warm herbal bath, a lovingly prepared tea or a soothing wrap can make everyday care noticeably easier - both physically and mentally. However, they are no substitute for a medical diagnosis or professional therapy. It is therefore important to use home remedies responsibly and in a coordinated manner - with consideration for the state of health and in consultation with specialists.
You don't have to decide or implement this on your own. On noracares you will find experienced caregivers who will put their heart and knowledge into your day-to-day care. Together, you can create rituals that are more than just care - they are closeness, security and humanity.
Care can be gentle. Care can be natural. And it can be a team effort - for you, your family and your:n relatives:n.
- Home remedies - Natural healing methods using herbal or simple ingredients, such as teas, wraps or e.g. teas, compresses or baths that can help with minor ailments - often passed down through generations.
- Essential Oils -Highly concentrated plant extracts, e.g. from lavender, rosemary, rosemary and lavender. e.g. from lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus. They have intensive effects, such as calming or stimulating blood circulation, and should always be used in highly diluted form.
- Pflegeberufegesetz (PflBG) - Legal basis in Germany that regulates the training and competencies of nursing professionals - including the permitted nursing measures.
- GuKG (Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegegesetz) - Austrian law that defines the professional rights, duties and responsibilities of caregivers - e.g. when medication may be administered. For example, when medication may be administered.
- Quarkwrap - A tried and tested household remedy: curd cheese is spread on a cloth and used as a cooling compress for swelling, bruises or inflamed joints.
- Camomile Steam Bath - An inhalation with chamomile flowers or tea, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes the mucous membranes and is used for congested airways.
- Beta-Glucans - Mucilage from oats, which is particularly useful for dry, irritated or itchy skin. They have a moisturizing and soothing effect - ideal for neurodermatitis or eczema.
- noracares - noracares is a platform where families can find suitable caregivers - directly, personally and easily. Caregivers can connect with families here to provide compassionate, flexible and worthy care - on an hourly or long-term basis, at home or as a supplement to family care.
