The Best Cold and Flu Remedies

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The Best Cold and Flu Remedies

 

Many different viruses cause colds. Colds and flu are the most common and communicable and spread easily between people. They are more likely to strike when a person's immune system is low. Sleeping, resting, plenty of clear fluids, and avoiding sugar will assist your immune system to recuperate. Vitamin C, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Garlic and Licorice root all help in fighting viruses and strengthening immunity. The common cold is an acute (short-term) viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that often causes runny nose, sore throat, and malaise. Sore throat is sometimes a symptom of a more serious condition distinct from the common cold (such as strep throat) that may require medical diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Colds can be spread through the air, such as when a person sneezes, or by contact with contaminated objects.

 

Herbs such as Garlic, raw or in tincture form, should be taken twice daily. Ginger is great for it's immunity-enhancing properties. Two doses daily. Licorice is anti viral, anti-inflammatory, soothes gastric mucous membranes. The root cleanses the colon, increases fluidity of mucous in the lungs and bronchial tubes.

 

Fresh pressed juice of the flowers of Echinacea (E. purpurea) preserved with alcohol and tinctures of root of echinacea (E. pallida) have been shown to reduce symptoms of the common cold. Echinacea (E. angustifolia) root tinctures in combination with Wild Indigo, Boneset, and Homeopathic Arnica have been shown to reduce symptoms of the common cold. The minimum effective amount of Echinacea tincture or juice that it is necessary to take is 3 ml three times per day. More (3–5 ml every twohours) is generally better and is safe, even for children. Encapsulated herbs may also be effective, generally 300–600 mg capsules three times per day are used. Recent studies indicate that regular use of Echinacea to prevent colds does not work. Therefore, it is currently recommended to limit use of echinacea to the onset of a cold and to use it for only 7 to 10 days consecutively.

 

In traditional herbal medicine, Goldenseal root is often taken with Echinacea. Two alkaloids in the root (berberine and canadine) have an anti-microbial and mild immune-stimulating effect. However, due to small amounts in the root, it is unlikely that these effects would occur. Goldenseal soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat, making it useful for those experiencing a sore throat with their cold. Goldenseal root should only be used for short periods of time, up to 7 consecutive days. Goldenseal root extract, capsules, or tablets are typically taken in amounts of 4–6 grams three times per day. Using Goldenseal powder as a tea or tincture may soothe a sore throat.

 

Herbal supplements can play a role in long-term attempts to strengthen the immune system and fight infections. Adaptogens, which include Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), Asian ginseng, Astragalus, and Schizandra, are thought to help keep various body systems—including the immune system—functioning optimally. Another immune stimulant, Boneset, helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold.

 

Elderberry has shown antiviral activity in laboratory tests, and thus may be useful for some people with common colds. Horseradish has antibiotic properties, which may account for its easing of throat and upper respiratory tract infections.

 

Herbs high in mucilage, such as Slippery Elm and Marshmallow, are often helpful for symptomatic relief of coughs and irritated throats. Mullein has expectorant and demulcent properties, which accounts for this herb's historical use as a remedy for the respiratory tract, particularly in cases of irritating coughs with bronchial congestion.

 

The resin of the herb Myrrh has been shown to kill various microbes and to stimulate macrophages (a type of white blood cell). Usnea has a traditional reputation as an antiseptic and was sometimes used for people with common colds.

 

Red Raspberry, Blackberry and Blueberry leaves contain astringent tannins that are helpful for soothing sore throats. Sage tea can be gargled to soothe a sore throat. Yarrow has been used for sore throats. All of these remedies are not supported by modern research at this time, but are traditionally used.

 

Wild Indigo also stimulates the immune system, which might account for its role against the common cold and flu. In combination with Echinacea, Boneset and Homeopathic Arnica, it has been shown to prevent and reduce symptoms of the common cold.

 

Eucalyptus oil is often used in a steam inhalation to help clear nasal and sinus congestion. It is said to function in a fashion similar to that of menthol by acting on receptors in the nasal mucosa, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of, for example, nasal congestion.

 

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.

 

The very fact that you have a cold in the first place may point to your eating "too congesting a diet" that puts a strain on your body's metabolism. Counteract it by eating fewer fatty foods, meat and milk products, and more fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Sip chicken soup. A long-time folk remedy is now a proven fact. A cup of hot chicken soup can help unclog your nasal passages. Researchers at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach found that hot chicken soup, either because of its aroma or its taste, "appears to possess an additional substance for increasing the flow of nasal mucus." These secretions—what comes out when you blow your nose or sneeze— serve a first line of defense in removing germs from your system, the researchers say.

 

In addition to eight glasses of water, clear juice, tea, and other mostly clear liquids are advised. This will replace important fluids lost during a cold and help flush out impurities that may be preying on your system.

 

Zinc lozenges can cut colds short, to an average of four days. Zinc can also dramatically reduce symptoms such as a dry, irritated throat.

 

At first onset, do a dropperful of Goldenseal and/or Echinacea directly in the mouth three to four times a day. **Do not take Goldenseal for more than seven days.***

 

Do 6,000- 10,000mg of vitamin C in divided doses.

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.Peacefulmind.comTherapies for healingmind, body, spirit

 

 

 

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

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