Here we provide some practical advice helping to alleviate and possibly prevent further symptoms of the common cold.
Drink of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids, for example herbal tea with lemon juice and honey. This will help thin the mucus making it easier to expel.
Go slow on the milk. Reducing or stopping during a cold. Dairy stimulates the production of mucus, especially in those who are sensitive to it.
Rest is very important when you’re sick. Illness is your body’s message, it needs some time, so listen and let it recover.
Stimulate Your Immune System
Oysters are high in zinc, a mineral that is vital for immune function. It assists your T cells to recognise foreign invaders.
Yogurt and kefir contain micro-organisms called probiotics and will increase the body’s white blood cells to protect against infections and harmful bacteria.
Oregano is one of the best herbs for a cold. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory that contains phenolic acids, flavonoids and colour compounds that increase resistance and boosts immunity.
Vitamin D helps the immune system respond to viruses and diseases
Control Infection
Lemon: When the body is sick it is usually too acidic. If you know this is the case, squeeze a piece of lemon into a cup of water or tea every few hours. Lemon juice helps to alkalinise the body.
Garlic is great at treating sore throats and infections. Crush five cloves and mix with half a cup of honey. Let it sit for a couple of hours (it will become runny and thin) and take teaspoonfuls as needed.
Cinnamon is another natural antibiotic. It is rich in compounds that inhibit bacterial growth and strengthen resistance. Add it to your food or drinks to boost your immune system.
Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin, which has strong cold and flu fighting properties. Stir a teaspoon into a glass of water or use it in your cooking.
Cayenne pepper Take a teaspoon of pepper in a glass of water immediately you feel a cold or sore throat coming on. Its strong stimulatory effect can be enough to knock a cold out in the early stages.
Break up Mucus
Chicken soup, homemade from scratch (yum!), contains a natural amino acid called cysteine that thins the mucus, allowing you to expel it more easily.
Spices, especially the hotter ones used in curries, also thin mucus so it can be expelled easily. Ground fenugreek seed for example will cause your nose to run, as does chilli, black pepper, and other ‘hot’ seasonings.
Soothe those Symptoms
Honey and lemon soothe the mucous membranes of the throat and have an antibacterial effect – raw honey is best. Research shows that children who take a spoonful of honey before bed cough less and sleep better than those who take over-the-counter products for coughs and colds. Adding a little lemon to the honey will increase its anti-microbial effect. Honey and lemon can also be combined with hot water to make a soothing tea.
Ginger is a stimulant that will also warm you if you’re feeling chilled with your cold. It’s best used fresh rather than as a powder so peel and grate a small piece of ginger root and place in a cup of boiling water. Allowed it to steep for five minutes, sweeten with honey if desired and sip whenever needed.
Herbal teas such as oregano, sage and thyme also relieve the symptoms of a cold. Add a teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and sweeten the liquid with honey if desired, then cool and store in the fridge. Take a teaspoon every hour as needed for a day or two.
Peppermint can clear blocked noses and sinuses. Enjoy it as a stimulating tea or add some teabags of it to your bath.
Vinegar can also ease congestion. Place some heated vinegar in a small bowl and gently inhale its vapours.
