When dealing with a minor condition, such as the common cold, aid can be sought from different herbal remedies that are just as effective as when using conventional pharmaceutical medicines. Although not all herbal remedies have the same effect on a person's body, they all function in the same way and for the same purpose, which is to remedy your cold. In order to know what herbal remedies to use, you must first know what the effects are of the different herbal remedies that you intend on using.
The common cold usually stems from viral exposure thus there is no definite cure for it. The affected individual must rely on symptomatic treatment which aims to alleviate the symptoms and relieve the effects that come with the condition. Because the upper respiratory tract is inflamed and other parts affected as well like ears and sinuses, herbs act to minimize pain, swelling and mucus.
In addition, sneezing and coughing spreads the virus to others. The rhino virus, one of the viruses that causes common cold symptoms, can live for three hours on the skin and other surfaces. If you sneeze, wipe your nose or cough and then shake hands with someone, then that person may contract the virus. Likewise, if you touch a surface (answer the phone, open a door) anyone who comes along within the next three hours may contract the virus. If you do not want to take common cold remedies for yourself, think of others and do it for them.
Another way to cure the common cold is by drinking plenty of hot liquids. If you have the options of staying in bed when you experience your first cold symptoms, you should do so. While in bed drink plenty of hot liquids. This will cause your body to sweat and flush out some of the bacteria. Another proven product in curing the common cold is garlic. Many people will grind up some fresh garlic and place it on a sandwich when they experience the first symptoms of a cold.
The ginseng common cold remedies sold in department, drug and health food stores may contain any form of the plant. It is necessary to read the ingredients label to determine exactly which plant is included. Some of the over the counter remedies for common cold may list a proprietary blend or plant phenols, but if it is unclear which plants are used, it is best to avoid them. Natural does not always mean safe.
Honey and lemon tea? Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for proper immune system function. Herbal teas, made from mullein, sweetened with honey and lemon can be very soothing to the throat and can temporarily open clogged breathing passages. Horehound tea can also be used to relieve coughs. Green tea has been the subject of a number of studies and has been shown to effectively increase energy and metabolism. Honey should not be given to small children.
One of the most puzzling things about the common cold is that it shares symptoms with a number of other ailments. It is sometimes mistaken for the flu, strep throat, a sinus infection, or bronchitis, among other things. So how do you know when it's just a cold? Here is a list of symptoms:
* A hacking cough that produces phlegm * Sneezing * Stuffy or runny nose, with clear or white drainage * Sore throat * Possible mild chest discomfort * Mild fatigue
Cold symptoms usually come on gradually, often taking a few days to reach their peak. People with colds rarely run a fever, experience chills, or have a headache. Body aches may occur in some cases, but they are usually very mild compared to those experienced with the flu.
Colds usually last between 1 and 2 weeks. If you're lucky, yours could subside sooner. If a cold persists for more than 14 days, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. Even if your sickness started out as a cold, you could have developed a secondary infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
In some cases, you'll need to see a doctor sooner to check for more serious infections. If you have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more, discover blisters in your throat, or have yellow or green phlegm or nasal discharge, a visit with your physician is in order. These are all signs of more serious problems.
Treating a Cold
There is no cure for the common cold on the market at this time. But there are some products that are reported to reduce its duration and severity. Many cold sufferers use zinc to ease cold symptoms and get better faster. Herbal treatments include echinacea, chamomile, licorice and garlic. And over-the-counter remedies for specific symptoms, such as cough drops, nasal spray, and pain medicines, can make you feel better until the cold goes away on its own.
The common cold may not be cause for alarm, but it is definitely a nuisance. It can keep us out of work and school, and it can put a damper on our home and social lives. There is no magic bullet that will make a cold go away, but getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids will help our bodies fight it off more quickly.
Both John Adison & Dee Braun are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Adison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Skin Cream and Acne Treatment. Read about and. John Adison's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Dee Braun has sinced written about articles on various topics from Colon Cleanse, Acne Treatment and Wellness. Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more. Dee Braun's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.