As the seasons begin to change, I see more and more of my clients and friends suffering from what seem like allergies or simply a cold. They do mimic each other very closely as I have learned personally as well. Mostly, a cold means: stop, get some rest, allow your body to heal and try some of these more holistic approaches for optimal health and wellness .By the way, these also work great for allergy symptoms as well.
Oil of Oregano-Take 1-2 drops of medical/food organic grade, once a day
Apple Cider Vinegar -mix with 2 Tbsp. of the vinegar with 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste), lemon juice (again, to taste) and a little hot water to dilute. This is a nice tea you can sip throughout the day.
Zinc lozenges- can soothe your scratchy throat and shorten the duration of your cold
Increase you Vitamin C intake - include oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, guavas, strawberries, dark leafy greens, papaya, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Increase your Vitamin D intake- This will reduce your risk of catching a cold in the first place. Sunlight and fish are great sources of D.
Honey-Add to your tea!!! Honey has antioxidants, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can also help boost the immune system and soothe sore throats and coughs.
Mentholated Salve-Menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor all have mild numbing ingredients that may help relieve the pain of a nose rubbed raw and help open up nasal passages.
Warm salt water- Gargle with this a number of times a day and it could give you some relieve to a sore throat.
Echinacea-A 2007 study out of the University of Connecticut found that supplementing with echinacea herb not only reduces your chances of developing a cold by more than 50 percent, but can also shorten the duration of cold symptoms by several days.
Coconut oil- Studies have shown that you if you take a tablespoon or two daily of extra virgin coconut oil, particularly at the onset of cold symptoms, it can effectively thwart the virus from taking hold and running its course.
Most importantly:
Eat lightly. Let your body's energy go toward eliminating the virus instead of digesting food.
Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, diluted vegetable juice, and soup.
Limit sugar intake. Sugar intake depresses the immune system
PLEASE BE AWARE: Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when used appropriately and at suggested doses. As with all medications, more is not better and overdosing can lead to serious illness.
