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When trying to diagnose respiratory troubles do not be fooled into thinking that the simplest remedies are the least beneficial. Today’s researchers have recently stated that the old wives' tales of hot chicken soup and almost anything containing garlic as effective treatments for cold symptoms. Some studies suggest that any inhaled steam is beneficial, so a cup of steaming herbal tea should not be dismissed as lacking preventive and restorative powers.
Also, do not dismiss persistent respiratory ailments as being too minor for expert diagnosis and advice.
The common cold has many old wives' remedies that produce results, such as making a sandwich of whole-wheat bread, raw yellow onion, a good half inch of horseradish, cheddar cheese, and brown mustard. A daily dose will prevent the common cold. There is the old wives' tale of 'feed a cold and starve a fever.' The remedy of steaming hot chicken soup seasoned with garlic has been used by many for ages.
The remedy that calls for the indigestion of raw garlic to stop a sneezing fit has worked well. Also eating a few cloves of garlic to fight an infection, then chewing parsley for the breath. If the garlic upsets the stomach fennel or ginger can be taken to settle the stomach. Using garlic, onions, thyme, sage and vitamin C regularly can help prevent colds and infections. Simple household tips such as letting dishes drip dry instead of wiping them with a towel can help prevent the spread of germs that cause colds. Washing your hands often and not sharing towels or bathroom cups also prevent the spread of the common cold.
Some old wives remedies for sore throats include drinking any type of hot liquid and sucking on horehound and zinc lozenges. Gargling with warm salt water and gargling with apple cider vinegar with salt and pepper added are great for the throat. In Germany, a cool sage tea gargle is used for sore throats. For hoarseness, apply garlic to the feet, this is said to draw the hoarseness to the feet and let out by the feet sweating. It has been recorded in some cases to work, but whether through the placebo effect or actual change is unknown.
Asthma was diagnosed and treated in days of old by what is known today is aromatherapy. Chamomile, which is a natural antihistamine, was used to aid in relieving asthma. Chamomile flowers were made into teas and decoct and drank or inhaled to relieve the symptoms. If asthma were allergy based, honey would be added to teas to build the immunity system. Grated horseradish was used to clear the sinuses and stimulate easier breathing. Bouquets of eucalyptus were inhaled for the menthol scent, which relieved breathing difficulties.
Old fashioned infusions, poultices and decocts were used to fight the toughest coughs. Infusions made with hyssop; anise, elder and goldenrod were used to reduce phlegm in the chest. Teas made of wild cherry, lemon and honey were also used to reduce phlegm in the chest and reduce coughing.
High body temperatures or alternating chills and fever are the body’s way of responding to infections. Warm chamomile tea and lemonade is used to reduce a fever. Earaches are offshoots of colds, flu or other congestion. An old wives' remedy which is a wise one is that placing a warm heating pad on a pillow will help ease mild earaches.
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