Natural Cold Remedies
There's hardly a human alive on this world that has not experienced the common cold. Of course, with over hundred different cold viruses this is to be expected! Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and other symptoms of this annoying problem can make life miserable.
As for its treatment, it can be summed up thus, 'if you take medicine for cold, you'll be cured within seven days, and if you don't, you'll be cured within a week!' In other words, this illness has to run its full course and the medication may or may not prove effective.
Defining common cold
Simply stated, common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose. That's why when you get it; your sinuses, ears and bronchial tubes also get affected. Cold viruses can only multiply when they are inside living cells. Outside they cannot multiply, but the infection can still be passed on.
This illness can also cause cough, hoarseness, headache, fever, chill and a state of not feeling too well. The symptoms of common cold may resemble that of influenza, but are milder. Influenza typically causes muscle aches, fever and a more severe cough.
Common cold lasts for about a week, with mild condition lasting up to two to three days and severe conditions, up to two weeks. At an average, adults fall victim to this illness only two to three times a year, whereas children, six to ten times.
Natural remedy for the common cold
It'd sound strange, but the most common illness in the world has no cure. However, you can try out some excellent herbs for natural home cold remedy. Let's see what they’re:
a. Cayenne(Capsicum sp): Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are proven antiviral and most effective against cold. However, your stomach needs to tolerate the chilies to treat your virus infection! So, get into the habit of eating more chilies to develop better tolerance.
b. Echinacea (Echinacea sp): This is the best herb to take during the early stages of cold. Although, it's not an antibiotic and doesn't kill germs, it stimulates the production of white blood cells, which fight off the virus.
c. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Elderberry has been used for centuries as a (natural remedy for cold and flu). It de-activates cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating. It’s best taken at the first signs of a cold.
d. Garlic (Allium sativum): This truly natural antibiotic destroys foreign bacteria with the help of a substance called allicin. Garlic is best when fresh.
e. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): Ginger, either freshly grated or powdered, taken as a tea induces sweating and elimination. It boosts the immune system and respiration. It provides relief for virtually all cold symptoms, like fever, sinus congestion, sore throat, stomachache and nausea.
f. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Hyssop has some properties that make it valuable in treating colds.
g. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon Balm is often found in cold formulas for feverish conditions. It’s an excellent remedy to take in the wake of a cold to nurture the nervous system and to expel feelings of lethargy. It’s best used when fresh.
h. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): Peppermint is most effective for colds and flu. It should preferably be used fresh.
i. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is one of the best herbs for dealing with fevers. For colds, it is best combined with other herbs, such as peppermint and elderberry. Yarrow is easy to grow and plants are freely available.
If you’ve a healthy, functioning immune system, your cold should not last more than three or four days. But, there’s no harm in taking natural remedies to alleviate your problem. But, take these natural herbal remedies after consulting your physician.
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