Natural Remedies for Common Cold Symptoms
No matter how you try to avoid it, winter brings along some sort of cold. This year it’s even more scary with H1N1 and even the regular strains of flu that are around. Each time my child gets the sniffles I often wonder if it is one of those. It’s good to know that it is likely not to be H1N1 but even with the common cold, relief can be fleeting.
If you are trying to avoid using cold medicines on the shelf, you can be feeling very perplexed. Some doctors give them for everything. Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections and not viral. Most viral infections have to run their course which is usually about 7 days. There are a few things you can do to help get through it.
- Nasal rinses with a neti pot and warm steam
- Drink warm decaf tea with honey and lemon
- Gargle with salt water if you have a sore throat
- Ludy’s Salabat made of ginger and raw sugar cane as a hot drink (Most Asian Markets have it)
- Oscillococcinum purchased at the health food store. This is a great homeopathic preparation.
- Warm bath with epsom salts (Organic if you can find it) and add 16 ounces of raw apple cider vinegar. The smell will be really strong so you can add a few essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
- A teaspoon every two hours of Garlic tinchure.
- Airborne works well.
- Drink lots of organic herbal teas.
- Chop up 3 garlic cloves and mix with honey. Take with water or herbal tea.
- Use a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide and wipe the nose area for everyone in your family. Adults can also gargle with it just be sure that you do not swallow it.
Remember to increase your vitamin C and drink lots of fluids. Adding a humidifer will decrease the congestion and help you sleep at night. And of course sleep is very important. We are all really busy and sometimes we neglect the fact that sleep helps us fight off infections as well. Take care of yourself this winter.
Photo Credit: Me’nthdogs on Flickr
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