The common cold is a contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by any of more than a hundred different viruses. A cold usually lasts only three to four days and causes sneezing, congestion, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and general achiness: Influenza is also caused by a virus but is a more virulent infection. Flu symptoms are similar to cold symptoms and, in addition, include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and weakness. Both colds and flus can be complicated by secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia or sinusitis. Natural remedies, bed rest, and plenty of fluids will ease the symptoms of and speed recovery from both conditions. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Many people are not hungry when sick with a cold or the flu because the body is focusing its energies on healing and the elimination of toxins rather than on digestion. Avoid heavy, fatty foods that take a lot of energy to digest and that contribute to the formation of mucus (especially high-fat dairy foods) in favor of light, easily digested foods such as steamed vegetables and well-cooked grains. Hot, pungent foods such as chili peppers, horseradish root, and garlic will help expel mucus. Chicken soup, the traditional folk remedy for colds, has garnered scientific support in recent years for its positive effects on the respiratory system. Drinking plenty of warm liquids such as herbal teas and vegetable broths will help prevent dehydration (especially important if a fever is involved) and relieve congestion. Supplements that play a role in combating colds and flus include: vitamin C with mixed bioflavonoids, 500-1,000 mg every two hours (or to bowel tolerance) from the first sign of a cold or flu: to prevent colds and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms zinc lozenges, 23 mg of zinc gluconate every two hours for up to twelve hours, for up to one week: to boost immunity and inhibit viruses in the throat Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: to strengthen the immune system, kill viruses, and help heal the respiratory tract BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Herbs help relieve cold and flu symptoms in a variety of ways: by increasing sweating (thus ridding the body of toxins and lowering fever), removing mucus from the respiratory system, and boosting the immune system. Use any of the following herbs at the first sign of a cold and continue throughout the duration of symptoms: echinacea, 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture or 500-1,000 mg of freeze-dried root three to four times daily: for its immune system-boosting and antibiotic properties garlic, one to two raw cloves or three capsules three times a day: for its antiviral and antimicrobial effects yarrow, elderflower, peppermint, or ginger, singly or in combination, 1 cup of tea three to four times daily: when taken as a hot tea, promotes sweating, thereby lowering a fever; also relieves digestive upsets associated with the flu goldenseal or barberry root, two capsules or 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three to four times a day: both herbs contain a potent natural antibiotic; also helps dry up excessive mucus secretions elecampagne, mullein, or licorice, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or 1 cup of tea three times a day: to promote the expulsion of mucus; when made into a tea, the mucilagenous properties soothe irritated respiratory tissues. Gargling is an effective way to use herbs to heal a sore throat. Brew a strong herbal tea or combine a 1/2 teaspoon of tincture with 4 ounces of warm water to make a gargling solution. Gargle every half-hour, using any of the following antibacterial and antiseptic herbs: myrrh tincture echinacea tincture or tea sage tea thyme tea Other methods of using herbs to soothe a sore throat include sucking on herbal lozenges made from slippery elm, or spraying the back of the throat with goldenseal or myrrh tincture diluted with an equal amount of water. BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies used to treat colds and flus, depending on the specific symptoms, include: Aconite: for the early stages of a cold that comes on suddenly Belladonna: for cold or flu with fever and a hot, flushed face; also for a sore throat that feels hot and dry Hepar sulph.: for a sore throat that feels scratchy or is sensitive to touch Oscillococcinum: if taken when symptoms first appear, may help abort the flu Pulsatilla: for a runny nose with thick, yellow-green mucus Combination remedies for cold and flu symptoms include these single remedies as well as others such as Euphrasia, Bryonia, Allium cepa, Lachesis, or Gelsemium. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils for combating colds and flus include massage (especially to the chest and upper back), baths, gargles, and inhalations. Use any of the following essential oils: eucalyptus: antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant sage: antimicrobial, antiseptic, expectorant tea tree: immunostimulant, expectorant, antiviral. (Use caution when using as a massage oil or in the bath, as tea tree oil may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.) PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use