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Alternative Common Cold Remedies
February 2010 - Sneezing, sniffing, blowing and coughing. These are classic warning signs your body is responding to an invasion of tiny organisms known as Rhinovirus.
The common cold usually begins as just a mild annoyance; a sore throat, sneezing and running nose. But then fever and fatigue strike; nasal secretions thicken and plug up the nose making it difficult to breathe, and tickle your throat causing an irritating cough. But potential sinus infection, middle ear infection, asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia are other serious conditions which may be triggered by this unwelcome infection.
All it takes is the virus coming into contact with an opening in the body such as the eyes, nose or mouth and the invasion will begin. Another way is by inhaling propelled droplets by an infected person who does not cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing. Though you are less likely to contract the virus this way, the knowledge will keep you one step ahead of those airborne microbes seeking new battlegrounds.
The most effective way to avoid spreading or contracting the virus is good personal hygiene. Keep your hands sterile by washing them regularly. Carry an anti-bacterial hand gel in your handbag or car and use after touching prime germ carriers like shopping trolleys and escalator hand rails. For kids it is a perfect way to sterilize little hands after playing in the park or with shared toys. Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue NOT your hands, and place immediately in a bin. Handkerchiefs only harbor bacteria, so avoid using one. Staying home from work or school will avoid infecting others.
Modern medicine offers some relief (but will not cure a cold) including; over-the-counter cold remedies which may help ease the symptoms, analgesics (like paracetamol), antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, expectorants, and throat lozenges. But there are some simple and alternative therapies which have been proven to work just as well...
Soothe it with soup:
Dr. Mum was right with this one. Soup (and for some reason particularly chicken soup) increases the flow of mucus. By making your nose run your natural response to blow your nose removes any lingering germs which may shorten the length of you suffering.
Drink plenty of fluids:
Staying hydrated is vital regardless whether you are ill or not. But the need to increase your liquid intake doubles when you are sick. 8 glasses of either water, juice, lemonade or soup make it easy to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of liquid also helps you banish your pesky virus. Washing down the mucus from your throat into your gut allows your powerful digestive acids to destroy the virus contained within it.
Vitamin C:
To build a healthy immune system Vitamin C should be taken daily, regardless whether or not you are suffering a cold. What makes Vitamin C so effective is its ability to revitalize white blood cells, strengthen them for attack and neutralize the virus.
Andrographis:
Sri Lankan and Chinese people have used the leaves, flowers and juice of the andrographis plant for its medicinal purposes for centuries. It is used to improve cardiovascular health, and may be able to stimulate the immune system, relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory infections, and reduce fever and pain. Possible side effects include vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, rash, and it may interact with certain prescription medicines. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking andrographis
Echinacea:
American Indians were the first to use this native plant to treat coughs, colds and other upper respiratory infections. The active ingredients may help to effectively reduce the severity and/or length of cold symptoms. Possible side effects include nausea, fever, constipation, allergic reaction and liver damage. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking Echinacea.
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Healthy Kiss
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