There are remedies to fight a cold that are natural and more affordable than pricey, over-the-counter medicines.
WPHL, Channel 17 in Philadelphia, offers a list of remedies to fight a cold that are natural and more affordable than pricey, over-the-counter medicines. They include:
Slippery elm — The inner bark of the slippery elm, when mixed with water, becomes a slick gel. This gel is rich with antioxidants and coats your throat, stomach lining and intestines.
Herbal tea — Making a tea from the herb echinacea may help fight the common cold. Goldenseal tea helps treat respiratory tract infections, eye infections and even yeast infections. Hot ginger or elderberry tea can help soothe a sore throat.
Honey — If you have a sore throat, try gargling with a honey mixture.
Nasal saline rinse — A natural nasal saline irrigates your nose and helps clear thick mucus and relieve sinus pressure.
Steam — Moisturize your nasal passages with steam. This will help alleviate pressure from your sinuses.
White and cider vinegar — Wearing a pair of cotton socks soaked in white vinegar is an old, natural remedy that is still used today to reduce a fever.
White willow — This is a natural anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing remedy.
Chicken noodle soup — This soup has been medically proven to help cure a cold or fever. It is most effective if the soup is made using the actual chicken bones in the broth.
Garlic — Here is one folk remedy to cure a cough or chest cold. Chop raw pieces of garlic and mix with olive oil. Let the mixture sit for one-half hour; then rub the mixture into the bottoms of your feet, and cover with socks. The garlic will be absorbed by your skin.
Ginseng — If taken as a daily supplement, ginseng can help cure a cold or the flu, as well as prevent future colds.
Sources: WPHL December 2010 and mercola.com December 22, 2010.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2011.
February 24, 2012
Colds, Health, Natural therapies