Natural Remedies Explored - Colds, Coughs and Flu

                                                                                         

Modern science has yet to come up with a cure for the common cold and I hate to disappoint you, but neither have I. However, I do have some tips for you:

The first step is to remove wheat and milk products from the diet (before you panic this is only a temporary measure). Why you ask? Because when you have a cold the body produces more mucus and you do not want to add to this by eating mucus producing foods. I know some of you will be skeptical, but what have you got to lose...just try it and see.

Also try adding garlic, onions, ginger, chillies, cloves and liquorice (not the sweets, but do not use liquorice if you have high blood pressure) to your diet, as they all act as decongestants.

The British Common Cold Research Unit discovered that zinc may help reduce the duration of a cold, but unfortunately not all over the counter products work. It's a case of see which one works for you.

I use FSC's zinc lozenges and they work for me. During the winter I take one a day, when I remember, usually in the evening. My reason for taking it then is that I will have come into contact with whatever bug is doing the rounds. The lozenge coats the lining of the throat and mouth and kills or at least controls the virus. It would seem sensible not to drink immediately after having sucked your lozenge. I find they are great for treating sore throats. One word of warning though. Most of the lozenges leave a chalky after taste for a short while. Apparently this indicates you either have or do not have a zinc deficiency, I can never remember which way round. Make sure you do not use too much zinc , because if you do it will affect the bodies chemical balance.

Andrographis is a highly recommended herbal remedy for coughs and colds. It reduces symptoms and the duration. Echinacea has not fared well in scientific studies, but some people swear by it and alternative medicine believes it strengthens the immune system. The following herbs you may have seen in my article about bronchitis, but they also have properties useful in fighting colds: coltsfoot, elderberry, elecampane, ephedra, eucalyptus, fenugreek, ginkgo, goldenseal, lobelia, mullein oil and reishi.

Please feel free to let me know of any useful aids you have come across in fighting these infection.

About the author:
Philip has years of experience in studying and using herbal and homeopathic remedies and wants to share his knowledge through his website and forum at:

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