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It seems that it is always cold and flu season. Even in summer, we are not safe! Since no one has discovered a cure to the common cold, we are forced to use many over the counter aids that are filled with chemicals and harmful stimulants. Well, here are some good old-fashioned remedies and also some little known herbal concoctions for the common cold.
How can I prevent colds or the flu?
1. Well, prevention is key to steering clear of whatever bug is out there, but many of us do not do many of the things that our doctors tell us to do. Taking a daily multi-vitamin, vitamin C, and Echinacea. Echinacea is a natural antibiotic that can be found in any health food store. Taken in liquid or capsule form, a daily dose of this may help you fight off infection and sickness. Check with your doctor before using echinacea.
2. Get a flu shot! This is one of the most important things that you can do, especially for people that have a weakened immune system, are over age 60, or have other health problems that the flu virus could make even worse.
3. Get plenty of rest and eat a balanced diet.
What do I do if I feel a cold starting?
As soon as you think you have a tickle in your throat or a sniffle of any kind, take increased amounts of Vitamin C. Many people take Echinacea to prevent colds. There is much controversy over both Echinacea and Goldenseal right now. A German study recently said that it is not a preventative measure that people should depend on to fight off a cold.
Here is what the latest study on both Echinacea and Goldenseal showed:
"Despite widespread use, the efficacy of Echinacea products is controversial," reported Dr. Dieter Melchart of the Center for Complementary Medicine Research in Munich, Germany, and his colleagues are the doctors who are claiming that Echinacea and Goldenseal are not of benefit in preventing the common cold. This medial study is published in the November/December issue of the Archives of Family Medicine.
Some people got a phony pill or placebo and some people got the real Echinacea. There wasn't a difference between the control groups in terms of how long they went without colds or how many colds they got. The researchers concluded that no evidence that these herbs actually prevent colds. The difference that existed between the group that took placebos and the group that took Echinacea was not significant. This study showed that extracts of Echinacea root, a popular alternative remedy, is no better than a placebo at preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, a study suggests.
So, for the time being, we should stick to double or tripe doses of vitamin C when fighting off an impending cold. Drinking plenty of orange juice, a good source that is high in vitamin c, is another great idea for fighting off a cold.
Haven't people used Echinacea to fight off colds for hundreds of years?
Yes, they have. This study proved that it didn't prevent colds. The study never proved that it wasn't helpful in treating colds. Here is a recipe for making your own cold remedy. This is especially good if you have a high fever. This strengthens the immune system, helping you to fight off infection. Many people refer to this as a "purifier" for colds and infections.
2 ounces Echinacea powder
1 ounce Yellow dock powder
1 ounce Goldenseal powder
1/2 ounce Ginseng powder
Mix the powders and pour into a size 00 gelatin capsule. This mixture has been used for many years to fight colds. You should not take them for more than 10 days.
Whether you want to prevent a cold, or treat one, remember to always use common sense and to check with your doctor before trying any herbal or homemade remedy.
Sources:
The Natural Formula: Book for Home and Garden by Dan Wallace
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