Colds and flu are both viral infections that often occur in the winter when we are stressed out and stuck inside with lots of people and germs. Viruses enter the body through the respiratory tract and attach to cells lining the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Exposure to cold, damp, wind, and rapid temperature change can make us more susceptible to viruses. Colds manifest slowly with cough, nasal congestion, and sore throat, usually without fever. Flu comes on more suddenly with fever, sore muscles, fatigue, and cough. These ailments can last from a few days to about a week, but they can progress into bronchitis, strep throat, or asthma if not properly treated. The sooner one takes action against infection, the easier to minimize its effects. Let’s look at some natural remedies you can use to combat colds, flu, and related illnesses.
HERBS FOR COLDS AND FLU
Herbs can help fight infection by stimulating white blood cell production and through their direct antiseptic properties. Many herbs help relieve colds and flu:
Echinacea root stimulates immune-supporting white blood cells, T cells, macrophage, and interferon activity. If you take echinacea at the first sign of a cold, it can ease symptoms according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Therapy in 2004.
When high fever is of concern, boneset is an important immune stimulant and one of the most effective herbs for colds and flu. This is due to its diaphoretic properties, which means it promotes sweating and the release of toxins. It is extremely bitter, so it is best taken as a tincture or in capsule form.
Yarrow leaf and flower also reduce fever through diaphoresis and are antiseptic. Peppermint leaf promotes sweating, has antiviral properties, and is gentle enough for children. When nausea accompanies an illness, ginger root, known as the warming herb, warms chills, fights infection, and alleviates stomach distress. Peppermint is also beneficial, being both antiviral and a digestive aid.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons (13 ml) of honey in 1 cup (235 ml) of hot water and drink three times daily to break up mucus congestion. Diluted lemon in hot water or berry juices can help relieve fever. These have antimicrobial properties and help to thin mucus secretions.
Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C, warms chills, and decreases congestion. Garlic dilates bronchioles, decreasing congestion and chest colds, and is considered an herbal antibiotic. Thyme leaf expels phlegm and relieves congestion. It is antiseptic and an immune stimulant. You can look for teas, tinctures, or capsules at natural food stores that offer combinations of these herbs, or you can make your own remedies (see ″Preparations 101″).
With acute conditions such as colds and flu, take a dose of your herbal remedy every couple of hours (when not sleeping), decreasing the dosage as you improve.
CHINESE REMEDIES FOR COLDS AND FLU Chinese patent formulas, prepackaged herbal combinations that have long traditions of use, can also be effective in treating colds and flu. Yin Chiao is used at the onset of infection to combat fever, sore muscles, chills, dry cough, and sore throat. Gan Mao Ling is used to combat cold and flu symptoms of fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and muscular stiffness. These remedies come in pill form. Follow the directions on the labels as pill size can vary greatly.
VITAMINS FOR COLDS AND FLU Many people find vitamin C stimulates antibody response. You can take 1,000 mg up to three times daily to shorten the duration of a cold, though it does not necessarily prevent a cold from occurring. This is confirmed by over 30 studies that were analyzed by the Cochrane Database Systematic Review in 2004.
Zinc, especially in the form of lozenges, helps prevent viral replication of the cold virus in the throat by stimulating T cell response. Research at Dartmouth College showed that when people took a zinc lozenge every two hours, it shortened sick time to an average of four days. Stay under 50 mg daily unless recommended by a competent health-care practitioner.
HOMEOPATHIC RELIEF FOR COLDS AND FLU Homeopathic remedies also help colds and flu. Anas barbariae is a homeopathic remedy used for the onset of flu symptoms, nasal discharge or congestion, chills, ear pain, and frontal sinus pain. It is available in health food stores under the name of Oscillococcinum. You can also consult with a homeopath or select the remedy that most closely resembles your symptoms. Homeopathic remedies are usually taken as three to four pellets under the tongue three times daily.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Elderberry can minimize the duration of flu symptoms including catarrh, chills, headache, and respiratory infection. According to a 2004 study published in The Journal of International Medical Research, when people were given elderberry syrup, (the brand name is Sambucol), 90 percent felt better after just three days! Elderberry syrup is also delicious! Take a dose every couple of hours you are awake when fighting something off. Decrease as you improve.
FOOD DO’S AND DON’TS FOR COLDS AND FLU
Foods beneficial during illness include chicken soup or miso-vegetable soup. The heat, garlic, and onions (use plenty) help break up congestion. Applesauce with cinnamon is easy to digest and cinnamon has antimicrobial properties. Pureed or baked winter squash and sweet potatoes are easy to eat when you need some nourishment but have no appetite. They are rich in beta-carotene, which helps strengthen the mucus membranes of the lungs. Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, mustard greens, parsnips, and turnips are antioxidant rich. Drink honey-sweetened lemonade as it is high in vitamin C.
SOOTHING PRACTICES FOR COLDS AND FLU Soaking in a hot bath to which 1 cup (225 g) of Epsom salts and 7 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus or ginger has been added can promote sweating and the release of toxins. This can be done while sipping some diaphoretic herbs such as elderflower and ginger. After, dress warmly and rest.
During recovery time, rent some funny movies. Laughter can help boost immunity. Take time to rest. Be grateful that your body is telling you to slow down and take better care of yourself.
Skip This!
Drinking lots of fruit juices can cause sugar overload, and the acidity of orange and grapefruit juice may further irritate a sore throat. Minimize dairy and wheat products for a few days to curb mucus production.
AROMATHERAPY FOR COLDS AND FLU An aromatherapy diffuser can prevent other household members from getting sick and clear the congested person’s sinuses. Essential oils to use include eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, and tea tree. A diffuser creates a fine mist of antimicrobial molecules in the air, which get inhaled.
This How To Cure The Flu & Colds article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
