Herbs Common Cold

What is Common cold?

Common Cold is a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs). It is sometime believed in the general public that they will never find a cure for the common cold. According to another definition, acute viral nasopharyngitis, often known as the common cold, is a mild viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory system (nose and throat). A person may suffer from a common fold several times in a year. A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so.

Herbs and suplements for Cold and Flu Care

Echinacea is the most well known herbal cure for the common cold. It supports the immune system and increases the production and activity of white blood cells, lymphocytes and macrophages (cells of the immune system). Echinacea can be taken both to prevent a cold and to treat one. Many companies make echinacea glycerites which are suitable for children.

Horehound - expectorant also mildly sedative, the candies make a good cough drop if you don't mind the taste or put one of the candies in a cup of one of the other herb teas.

Garlic is another cure for the common cold that has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Louis Pasteur confirmed its anti-bacterial action in 1858. Many people eat a raw clove of garlic a day to help support their cardiovascular system. Due to its heavy odor, many people prefer taking garlic capsules. The active part of garlic is allicin, which unfortunately is destroyed by cooking.

THYME Relieves sore throat and reduces mucus in nasal passages.

ASTRAGALUS Boosts immune system, protects nasal passages from rhinoviruses.

Boneset - given the name because it cured "break bone fever" aka pleurisy (reputed to assist inducing sweat and therefore reducing fever)

Chamomile - before bed, sleep, sore throa and steam is good for nasal passages too. It is also an anti-inflammatory.

Licorice root works both by supporting the immune system and by directly inhibiting various viruses. It reduces throat irritations, lung congestion, and is used for coughs and bronchial problems. Licorice produces a protective lining for the stomach, making it a useful remedy in inflammatory stomach conditions. Licorice is one of the most prescribed herbs in Europe for the treatment of colds and flu.

ELDERBERRY Helps break a fever, promotes perspiration, antioxidant.

EPHEDRA Relieves congestion, soothes cough, decreases risk of asthma attack.

For inhalation of steam: mix eucalyptus, thyme, scotch pine and chamomile

Simple Herbal Home Remedies for Common Cold

• Use camphor water as a chest and throat rub. Avoid getting it near the eyes.
• Ginger tea or a teaspoonful lf ginger juice taken with equal quantity of honey brings relief for the common cold.

Common Cold treatment using Lemon

Lemon is the most important among the many home remedies for common cold. It is beneficial in all types of cold with fever. Vitamin C-rich lemon juice increases body resistance, decreases toxicity and reduces the duration of the illness. One lemon should be diluted in a glass of warm water, and a teaspoon of honey should be added to it. This should be taken once or twice daily.

Another herbal remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water. Gargle several times a day. The salt helps to relieve that uncomfortable burning in your throat. Natural zinc lozenges are another one of nature's sore throat-fighters, and can be purchased at your local health food store.

Dietaries for Common Cold

Vitamins are probably the best addition you can take every day to help your immunity system ward off colds as well as other illnesses. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, can be taken as a nutritional supplement, and it can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, some vegetables, and rose hips. Vitamins A and E are especially helpful in the immunity system also.

Home Remedies for Stuffy Nose

Inhale turmeric fumes, for this tie some turmeric in a clean cloth and light it. Boil some water and allow it to cool, now add ¼ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2 to 3 drops of this solution in your both the nostrils before meals and going to bed. Mix natural apple cider vinegar and water in equal parts. Boil this solution in a pan, when the fumes rises lean over the pan and inhale the fumes. Prepare a solution using 4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and Pine Essential Oil, 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil and 7 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Inhale vapors of this solution by putting it on a cotton ball or an aromatherapy diffuser.