Natural Cures for the Common Cold and Flu? You Bet!

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA  – According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), roughly one billion cases of the common cold are contracted each year in America, in addition to tens of millions of cases of the flu. Rather than head off to the family doctor and shell out money on medical bills and deductibles, many people will be searching for natural ways to help rid themselves of the viruses on their own. And the good news is that those ways do exist and have a good track record of working to ease and help eliminate the symptoms of both illnesses.
“Many people are turning to alternative therapies, especially when they get a cold or the flu,” says Gina Kopera, author of the book “Cure Yourself Naturally: What To Do When Your Doctor Cannot Heal You.” She is also a certified master herbalist and owner of Gina’s Corner Healing Herbs and Supplements (www.ginascorner.com). “And there is no reason why they should not. There are many potent herbs and other natural routes to wellness that are faster and lasting.”
For those looking to fight off the common cold and influenza this year, natural solutions are around. The NIH reports that Echinacea, Vitamin C and Zinc are natural options to start with. Echinacea is helpful in boosting the immune system and combating both colds and the flu, as well as sore throats. Additional powerful ways you can help address these illnesses include:
·        Number one is to get the colon moving, that is the first area to shut down anytime someone gets sick whether it be the a cold to a serious diseases.
·        Cayenne is an excellent herb to speed up healing, it creates circulation. When an area is ill there is a lack of circulation. Very high in Vitamin C, too. A drop of cayenne tincture on the tonsils will take the pain away and reduce fever immediately. Just repeat as necessary.
·        Eat cloves of fresh garlic minimum 3 times a day. Garlic is anti everything: antibiotic, antifungal, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiseptic.
·        Hydrotherapy- There is much power in this treatment; do not sell this short. Alternate hot and cold water in your shower; if you have access to a sauna, then it will be extremely beneficial, as well. Do this daily to promote more circulation.
·        Get plenty of rest when you are not feeling well. Many people make matters worse by continuing to push forward with their daily plans, rather than giving their body time to rest and recuperate.
·        Drink hot fluids, such as peppermint tea, which is a great treatment for chills and fevers, and symptoms of cold and flu. Peppermint possesses strong astringent and decongestant actions, which can help in relieving stuffiness, catarrh and it is soothing to aching muscles.
·        Sweat baths with stimulating herbs, such as cayenne, ginger and mustard will help to create circulation, pull out toxins and help open up your breathing passages.
·        If you are congested, prop your head up higher than usual when you go to bed. This will make breathing easier and will help you feel somewhat better.
·        Drink a gallon of distilled water each day, this will grab and flush out inorganic minerals and salt
“The first thing people do when they get a cold or the flu is either reach for over-the-counter medications or call the doctor,” adds Kopera. “This is not necessarily going to get you on the fast track to feeling better plus causes many other health problems down the line. You are better off addressing the symptoms yourself and relying on natural solutions.”