Natural Prevention & Cures For Colds And Flu

In natural medicine, a cold is seen as the body's way of eliminating toxic wastes in the form of mucous discharge when other means have broken down, or when the whole eliminative system has been overloaded by faulty diet. We are much more susceptible to colds in winter, when we tend to eat heavier, starchier foods, fewer vegetables, fruit and salads; and when we're generally much less active. In this sub-healthy state - to which stress or unhappiness can contribute - viruses and bacteria breed freely, and a cold unchecked may lead to influenza, bronchitis, or even - in extreme cases - pneumonia.

At The First Sign Of A Cold:

At the very first sign of a cold you may just manage to thwart it by gently snuffing up your nostrils a mixture of warm water and lots of Lemon juice. If it's too late for prevention, herbal therapy follows classic sweat it out lines, aimed at eliminating toxins through your skin and other channels, and giving your body's immune system a healthy chance to fight back.

You can also try a Mustard footbath to be taken just before bedtime. Put a heaped tablespoonful of ordinary yellow mustard powder in a bucket or deep plastic bowl, add a tablespoon of household soda to soften the water, and pour in water to come above the ankles as hot as you can stand. Keep the feet immersed in it for at least 10 minutes, topping up with piping hot water from time to time. Towel the feet dry, pull on thick cotton socks, and go straight to bed.

Another herb that most people swear by is Echinacea. See the Echinacea page for details.

More Herbal Cold Remedies:

Hot Elder Flower tea, or Elder Flower mixed with Yarrow, are tried and trusted country remedies. Put a teaspoonful in a cup, cover with boiling water, and steep in a warm place for at least 20 minutes. Strain, add honey and drink as hot as possible before you go to sleep. Angelica can bring great relief to the cold sufferer, especially during the winter months.

Hot Ginger or Cinnamon tea will boost your circulation to help you throw the cold off fast: grate about an inch of fresh Ginger or put a small piece of Cinnamon Bark into a cupful of boiling water, and steep covered for 15 minutes. Hot lemon and Honey is another classic remedy - and you can add the Ginger or Cinnamon to it.

One of the most famous of all home herbal remedies, Composition Essence, formulated by dedicated herbalists from the nineteenth century, is made up of extracts of Oak, Poplar, Bayberry and Prickly Ash Barks, to refresh and dry up tender mucous membranes, with Cloves and Cayenne to boost circulation: it was taken at the first sign of acute illness or fever, or the common cold. Take a teaspoon of it in a glass of hot water, sweeten with honey, and drink it in bed, last thing at night, with the blankets piled on. The worst will be over by morning.

Steam inhalations with any of the following essential oils will help clear congested sinuses, and prevent a cold spreading down into your throat and lungs: Lavender, Lemon, Thyme, and Tea Tree.

Above:
Oil From The Tea Tree Plant Can Be Steamed And Inhaled To Relieve Congestion.

Natural Prevention & Cures For Colds:

Acupressure For Colds And Flu:

Acupressure is an alternative to acupuncture, that doesn't require needles. It can be an effective treatment for colds and flu. See the acupressure for colds section for details.

Juice Fasting For Colds & Flu:

Juice fasting can improve your immune system (and hence your resistance to colds and flu) by removing toxins from the body. See the juice fasting pages for more information.