Natural Cold Remedies
The common cold is caused by one of hundreds of viruses. The virus produces an infection that causes the walls of your respiratory tract to swell and your body to produce excess mucus. This results in the typical symptoms of a cold: runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sinus pressure and fever. You don't have to resort to conventional medication to treat a cold--there are plenty of alternative, all-natural remedies that will treat your cold and leave you with few side effects.
Function
Natural cold remedies work with your body, rather than against it like conventional medication, to fight off a cold virus. Whereas conventional medicine's main goal is to eliminate symptoms, alternative remedies work to tackle the root of an illness. Some herbal remedies contain compounds that boost your immune system. One form of natural medication, homeopathy, lives by the philosophy "like cures like." Homeopathic remedies work like vaccines, except they're all-natural and nontoxic. Remedies consist of diluted natural substances that would cause the symptom you're trying to cure if used in large amounts. But, since you're taking such a small dose, the remedy stimulates your body's curative powers to treat the ailment.
Types
Echinacea is an herb used for hundreds of years by American Indians and has been known to fight viruses and activate the immune system due to its antibacterial properties. Take echinacea at the first signs of a cold or as an immune booster during cold season. Onion and garlic both have antibacterial properties as well. Garlic contains allicin, a potent antibiotic. Cook dishes with plenty of onion and garlic during cold season or when you come down with a virus.
You have to define your symptoms to pinpoint the homeopathic remedy you should take. Pulsatilla is taken if you have thick, bland, green or yellowish mucus. Belladonna is taken at the sudden onset of a cold.
Effects
Natural remedies have minimal side effects. Homeopathic remedies may initially reproduce symptoms, but this should subside. Speak to a certified homeopath if you're unsure which remedy is right for you.
Considerations
Use common-sense procedures to treat a cold. Blow your nose often to get rid of excess mucus--just make sure to blow gently. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to focus on fighting the virus. If you have a sore throat, you can gargle with salt water to moisten your bronchial tubes or use a humidifier. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and help detoxify your body. Sleeping with two pillows may seen awkward, but it helps drain nasal passages.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing a cold from happening in the first place will save you a lot of hassle. Since stress can weaken your immune system, develop healthy ways of dealing with daily stress, like getting regular exercise, doing yoga or meditation or consciously taking time out of your busy schedule to relax. Getting adequate sleep and having proper nutrition can boost your immune system to defend yourself from viruses. Probably the most effective way to prevent a cold is to properly wash your hands--and do it often--especially when returning from a public place. You can also use hand sanitizer for times when you aren't near a sink.
Tags: your body, immune system, remedies work, your immune, your immune system, antibacterial properties