Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

Why do people still suffer so much from the common cold?  Hopefully this blog will help you better understand the nature of a cold and how you can better prevent and treat them.

A cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract.  Because it is a virus, a cold does not respond to antibiotics, which are only for bacterial infections.  There are several variations of virus than can cause a cold so it is hard to find a treatment in standard medicine which is usually targeting an individual virus.

Strictly speaking, the cold weather does not cause a cold.  But there are many stresses on the immune system in colder weather that may make you more susceptible.  For example, just the extra energy you must expend to stay warm may take energy away from your immune system.  Going in and out of the cold air requires more energy.  Being indoors or in enclosed spaces makes it easier to spread the virus.  If your immune system is weak anyway from poor nutrition, stress, or lack of exercise, this is even more of a problem.  I would say that this is the biggest problem.

The most important thing you can do to prevent a cold is to stay healthy.  As simple as that sounds, it really goes back to all the basics of good health that you have probably already heard about (but may not do :)).  Eating right, moderate exercise, chiropractic care, reducing stress, and avoidance of drugs and toxins will go a long way towards strengthening  your immune system.  Each item could have multiple blog posts or articles written about it.  Suffice it to say that doing those things is much more important than a miracle drug or herb to cure a cold.

But what if you already have a cold?  The following herbs and products have been found to be helpful.  Astragalus has been used for thousands of years to boost the immune system.  Andrographis paniculata does as well and has been found in at least one study to be effective at treating upper respiratory infections.  Cat's claw has both anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant properties.  Elderberry may be effective in treating colds and flu as it is loaded with antioxidants.  Eucalyptus oil is best used by putting a few drops in hot water and inhaling the steam.  Juice Plus is a supplement that combines many fruits and vegetables dried in capsule form.  The antioxidant powers appear to be quite high.

Again, the most important thing is to strengthen your immune system on a regular basis by healthful living.  I hope that this article has helped you think about some ways to begin or improve that process.