|
|
Home Remedies for Common Cold
|
|
Although the common cold affects all parts of the body, it usually begins in the nose and throat. Colds are so common that we do not care for it but they can be serious. Most colds are due to virus infections of one type or another. Unfortunately, none of these viruses are susceptible to our present antibiotic medicines. Adenoviruses produce the more serious type of colds, and they are often followed by tonsillitis and sore throat even virus pneumonia, particularly in children. Sometimes the membranes of the eyes are also involved.
The common cold is the most prevalent of all diseases known to man. The average person seems to have two or three colds a year. The condition is highly contagious. When one member of the family has a cold, the others are very likely to have it within a few days.
What makes a person susceptible to a cold? Probably his lowered resistance is a chief factor. Allergic disorders of the nose and throat also make a person more susceptible to colds and other virus infections. Chilling of the body does seem to play a part, particularly in those whose resistance is already weak. Lack of sleep may be another factor.
Any person may carry the cold virus. However, children under six years of age seem readily to pass the infection from one to another, and soon all the family is involved. Colds are always more serious in the younger children.
Congestion of the nasal passages is usually the first sign of cold. The patient may have frequent sneezing and a severe headache. There may be a thin, watery discharge from the nose, requiring the use of many handkerchiefs. The eyes may be red or irritated. Usually there is some rise in temperature, preceded by chilly feelings. The patient may complain of a sore throat and have some difficulty in swallowing. Hoarseness, or laryngitis, indicates that the infection has reached the vocal cords, and the patient may now have to talk in whispers. Later there may be a deep cough, due to bronchitis. This is a much more complication.
Even though scientists claim there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural herbs and vitamin supplements that can be taken to fight against the cold virus.
- Vitamins are most helpful in fighting against the cold as well as other diseases. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is helpful in preventing the colds and it can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, some vegetables.
- Zinc is also helpful for cold that can cut colds short. When you first feel that you may be getting a cold, start taking zinc
- Garlic, as well as onion, is sometimes taken for the relief of congestion and minor infections.
- Horseradish is another herb that has an excellent property to treat sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections, reduces fever, and expels concentrations of mucus.
- Another effective remedy for sore throat is to gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water. Gargle several times a day.This is one of the useful home remedies for common cold.
- Echinacea is an herb that acts as nature's antibiotic. It helps to increase the body's immunity and thus helps in fighting against the infection and illness.
- Goldenseal is another herb that acts as a natural antibiotic, and can be taken to help fight against the cold.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to about 5 ml lukewarm water. Use this solution as a nasal drop. Use 1 to 2 drops in each nostril about 3 to 4 times daily. This is an effective home remedy for common cold.
- A ginger tea can be prepared by boiling ginger in normal tea. It gives relief to congested nose.
- For common cold treatment, drink a teaspoonful of ginger juice mixed with equal quantity of honey.
- Take hot water in a bowl and put some Thyme leaves. Inhale vapors by covering head with a towel.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of lemon juice, 1 shot of whiskey to a coffee cup. Fill the remainder of the coffee cup with steaming hot water, stir, and sip until cold is relieved. One of the useful home remedies for common cold.
- Make hot chicken soup with lots of garlic. Have when hot. It will help unclog nasal passage.
- Warm ¼ katori mustard; add 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic. Apply this on nose, chest and back. Cover up and sleep. This is also an effective home remedy for common cold.
- Boil half a bowl of water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the steam.
- Sage is used to cure sore throat, stuffed nose, gingivitis and coughs, is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Use as a gargle.
- Warm up coconut oil. Gently massage the coconut oil over the child’s chest for about 5 minutes. Repeat the same on the upper portion of the back. The massage should be given just before child goes to sleep.
- Avoid sugar (even natural sources) as it can impair immune function. Orange juice contains a much higher level of sugar than vitamin C. Therefore consuming lots of orange juice during a cold may do more harm than good.
- Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are the best, most available and most effective antiviral.
- Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu. Recent research indicates that elderberry fruit extract may de-activate cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating.
- A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will provide protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.
- Take 1 tbsp of fresh gooseberry juice with 1/2 tsp ginger. It is a very effective remedy. This can be taken regularly to prevent recurrence of cold. This is one of the important home remedies for common cold.
- For common cold treatment, a tablespoon of ajwain crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin kerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block.
- Boil 1 tbsp of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric. Add some sugar for taste. Drink this once a day for three days.
References:
The Editors of Time-Life Books. The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments. Alexandria, VA: Time Life, Inc., 1996.
Ayurveda: A Way of Life
|
|
|
|
|
MY CART 
CHECKOUT
