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NATURAL CURES FOR THE COMMON COLD

At some point in all of our lives we experience the symptoms of a common cold. We sniffle, cough, sneeze and from time to time we feel congested. The average American endures two to six colds a year and, as of yet, there is no known cure. Many people are not aware of the natural cures that exist and the benefits that they can receive by using natural remedies.

Cough

A cough is the expulsion of air from the lungs swiftly and loudly, to keep the respiratory passages free of irritating material. Thyme, mint and eucalyptus are some herbs that can be used to get rid of the tickle in the back of your throat causing you to cough. You can get rid of it before it sets in by going to a near by herbalist and asking them to you make you up a bag with 40g of thyme, 40g of eucalyptus and 20g of mint. Infuse a spoonful of this magical mixture in boiling water and sip before going to bed. For stubborn coughs try inhaling eucalyptus oil. Boil a desert spoon of eucalyptus in some water. Then pour the mixture into a bowl and inhale the fumes. You can concentrate the effect by putting a towel over your head. You can use honey and anise to loosen chest congestion by combining them into a cough syrup.

Sore throat

A sore throat is inflammation of the tonsils, pharynx, or larynx characterized by pain in swallowing. Gargling salt water helps to kill the infection and Turmeric (Kunyit) - with its antiseptic properties, is also an effective remedy for throat irritation. Oregano oil is an extremely effective anti bacterial and anti fungle. Put a few drops of oregano oil on your tongue inhale and swallow.

Congestion

Congestion is an excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part or blood vessel. To clear a stuffy nose, equal parts of natural apple cider vinegar and water should be placed in a small pan on the stove, allowing it to boil slowly. When the fumes begin to rise from the pan, lean your head over it until the fumes are comfortably strong. Inhale for approximately 50 to 80 breaths. The nasal passages will shortly clear after having inhaled the vapor. This treatment is very effective in removing the congestion in the sinuses, together with any inflammation which may result from this excessive accumulation of mucous. Place 1 drop of oregano oil in 1 ounce of warm water. Make sure that the oil is dispersed. Place 1-2 drops of the mixture in each nostril and sniff. The mixture will burn for about 30 seconds. This will help to break up sinus congestion. Do this 3-4 times daily and before bed. Take a hot mustard foot bath as well to increase eliminations and reduce head and sinus congestion.

Fever

A fever is an abnormal condition of the body, characterized by undue rise in temperature, quickening of the pulse, and disturbance of various body functions. A high temperature often means your body needs urgent detoxing. You can purify your system regularly with dandelion, artichoke and thyme. Lime is one of many home remedies for the common cold. It is highly beneficial in all types of fevers. In acute stages when fever is present, the person should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, diluted (50-50) with water, plus herb teas. The proper treatment of colds is to encourage elimination through all channels, so that elimination through one channel does not become excessive. After the fever subsides, a low calorie raw fruit and vegetable diet can be eaten. This should include plenty of raw juices and herb teas, sweetened with a little honey. Some raw seeds and nuts can be eaten, but should be chewed well.

Immune Boosters

Your immune system is a diffuse, complex network of interacting cells, cell products, and cell-forming tissues that protects the body from pathogens and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris: the system includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and lymph tissue, stem cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphocytes. You can boost your immune system by taking plenty of vitamin C. Make sure that it is ascorbic acid. Capsules and liquid are best. Take up to bowel tolerance. Taking the recommended dosage on the bottle will not be enough—for preventative purposes, double or triple it. If sick, divide the dosage and take some every hour, up to 5 grams daily. Eat a clove of garlic every day. Garlic acts in the body as a natural antibiotic. You must smash the clove in order to realize the immune enhancing properties. Some other immune boosters are betaglucan and protolytic enzymes that work in the circulatory system to boost the natural immune fighting cells in killing germs, bacteria, and fungus in the body.

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This article is currently or was the subject of an 2008-03-18 educational assignment. Further details are available here.