Getting Rid of a Cold Using Home Remedies

The common cold is a major concern for people from all over the world and hence the need to look at different kinds of cold remedies. The average person will get between 2 and 4 colds in a year. It can also manifest together with a cough which with time can cause chest pains and a general discomfort. There are a number of remedies including medications, over-the-counter pills and medications. Most people prefer natural remedies to avoid the side effects of medications.

The most common signs of a cold include but not limited to runny nose, nasal congestion, mild or strong head ache, sneezing, coughing, fever watery eyes, and congestion. You should note that a good diet is vital to support the remedies.

Below are some of the proven cold remedies:

Zinc lozenges

Zinc is a vital mineral needed by over 300 body enzymes. It's abundant in foods like seafood, eggs, liver, and meat. Zinc can be gotten as lozenges in health shops. Research has indicated a high efficiency among those who took zinc 24 hrs after initial signs of the cold. It also impairs the ability of the virus to multiply.

Vitamin D

Of all people, those found with higher vitamin D levels are less susceptible to catching the cold. Apart from that, it's a common ingredient among remedies for colds.

Astralagus

A traditional Chinese root, astralagus has been proven to increase immunity to contracting colds and flu. It doubles up as an anti viral and anti oxidant that will provide relief to those with heart conditions. Health stores stock it in capsule and tea form. It also prevents colds before they occur. It also increases efficacy of other medication

Garlic

Popular home cure for a wide range of issues. It can be taken in soup, chewed or made as garlic juice. Its compound allicin has antiviral and fungal properties. Potency is at a maximum when the garlic is raw and fresh.

Vitamin C

It's a very popular cold remedy. It also protects from colds and ensures severity; occurrence and duration of colds are reduced dramatically. It should however be used in moderation as large amounts can cause diarrhea.

Honey

Probably the most used across various cultures around the world. Research has shown it reduces coughs among kids significantly and assists them to sleep well. It carries anti oxidant and antiseptic properties. It may however be unsafe in kids younger than a year old.

Echinacea

It's a very popular herb touted by herbalists as having the ability to cure and prevent colds. The suggested dosage is taking after every 3 hours for several days to alleviate all the symptoms.

Ginseng

There is a variety of ginseng for sale but the North American type has gotten a good reputation when it comes to healing and preventing colds. It has been noted that it could reduce the effect of medications like blood thinners, anti-psychotics and diabetes medications. People with hormone related conditions are advised to steer clear of Ginseng

Ginger

Its one of the most popular remedies for colds throughout the world. It treats runny noses, coughs, white tongue aches and general body aches. It can be brewed into a tea which is a popular cold management home remedy. You can add honey and lemon to soothe the throat. some people report disturbances like heartburn when used excessively so practice some moderation.

Elder berry

It has a long history in treating flu, colds and sinus infections. Its extracts have indicated ability to fight viruses. Its compounds strengthen the immune system while blocking flu infection at the same time. It is distributed as juice capsules or a syrup.

Eucalyptus steam inhale

Eucalyptus oil in boiling water provides steam that can help calm flu and cold symptoms. Cover your head with the steam under a blanket to reap the full benefits.

Lemon

Boil a glass of water and put in a fresh lemon. Lemon contains medicinal qualities and it can help you to get rid of cold.

Other remedies like the legendary chicken soup and broth have proven to have good levels of success in combating colds. You should be sure before you attempt any of the above of their compatibility with any drugs you are taking to avoid conflicts and side effects. The best thing would be to consult your doctor so he/she can advice you on the best remedy. You can use one or several of the above cold remedies for best results.

By Sammy JayJay

How to Use Honey to Help Fix Your Cold

Over the centuries, many cultures have used honey to treat colds, as well as upper respiratory ailments. In fact, a 2007 research study by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics reported that honey will help children suffering with colds to cough less and sleep better. Another study showed that eating honey every day will reduce the length of the common cold. In this study, individuals who were given two ounces of raw honey each day and it actually reduced the duration of their cold symptoms by two days.
Honey contains several antibacterial and antioxidant properties that work in helping individuals to recover faster from their colds. Raw honey was used in these studies, and it is the type to use instead of pasteurized honey because natural honey keeps its beneficial antibacterial properties. It's important to note that honey should never be given to children who are under the age of one year. Listed below are some quick and easy remedies on how to use honey to help fix your cold.
1. Honey and Lemon Tea - Perfect for soothing your cold!
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of raw honey
1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup of boiling water
Directions:
Add the lemon juice and honey to a mug or tea cup. Add boiling water and stir. Optional - add a half teaspoon of fresh ginger. This simple drink can be consumed as often as you like because all of the ingredients are natural. A variation to this recipe just uses the honey and water combination to make honey tea. You could also add honey to your favorite tea because it will make your tea more soothing to your throat.
2. Honey Gargle For Sore Throats - You'll get relief fast!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons of raw honey
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
1 cup of hot water
Mix all three ingredients together. You can gargle with this mixture several times a day to soothe your sore throat.
3. Honey and Lemon Cough Syrup - Tastes great!
Ingredients:
1 & 1/2 cups of raw honey
1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
Directions:
Mix together all of the ingredients and then heat the mixture until it is steaming, do not boil. Transfer the syrup to a clean jar when it has cooled down. Children can be given a tablespoon of this natural cough syrup as often as they need it because it contains no harmful chemicals.
4. Homemade Honey Cough Drops - Natural, sweet flavor that is very effective!
Ingredients:
1 cup of raw honey
1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder - optional
Boil the raw honey to 300 F degrees. Drop by 1/2 teaspoon amounts onto parchment paper or you could pour the mixture into small candy molds. Wait until it has completely cooled down before removing from the molds or parchment paper. Enjoy!
When you have a cold it is important to keep your body hydrated because this will help loosen the congestion that has been caused by the virus. Honey has proven it can strengthen the immune system so it should be part of your daily diet. It certainly makes sense to have a little raw honey every day because it will not only make you feel more energetic, but also help you to stay healthy.
By Laurel P Abell 

The Stomach Flu - Signs, Symptoms And Treatment

Viral gastroenteritis, also known as "the stomach flu", is a very common infection of the stomach and intestines. It is the second most common illness encountered in American families and causes approximately 50,000 hospitalizations per year. Viruses that are transferred from infected food to person and passed from person to person via contaminated silverware, food and water cause it. These viruses can be very contagious and "outbreaks" may occur if appropriate hand washing and sterilization does not occur in public facilities. Outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis are common in schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, jails, dormitories, and cruise ships.

The viruses which cause gastroenteritis are rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, saporvirus and astrovirus. Rotavirus is the most common virus implicated in this illness. It causes endemic gastroenteritis in infants and children. Norovirus (Norwalk virus) causes ninety percent of outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the U.S. Although "the stomach flu" implies the influenza virus is associated with this infection, it is not.

Viral gastroenteritis is characterized by intense muscle aches, cramps and chills which precede nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Vomiting and diarrhea usually temporarily relieve the nausea and pain. The vomit and diarrhea are usually non-bloody and the stool may lighten in color. People often feel fatigued and dehydrated because of the energy involved with clearing the infection from the body and losing fluid via vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms begin 1-2 days after becoming infected with the virus and last 1-10 days, depending on which virus is involved.

The treatment of viral gastroenteritis includes rest, analgesics and re-hydration. Tylenol may be used to treat fever and muscle cramps. The replenishment of fluids with water, electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration solutions (sugar and electrolytes) is essential to prevent dehydration. When replacing fluids, it is important to replace volume and electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, hydrogen and potassium. Water as hydration helps replace volume, but if too much is given without replacement of electrolytes, the relative concentration of these important ions decreases and metabolic/electrolyte imbalances occur in the body. Re-hydration should occur with electrolyte drinks to protect against hyponatremia. Most quality sports drinks will fill this requirement.

One should drink enough fluid to keep their mouth moist and their urine light yellow to clear. As the diarrhea and/or vomiting subsides, one may slowly introduce soft foods into the diet. Soft foods are jello, saltine crackers, pudding, rice, bread and soups without meats. It is important to watch for abdominal cramping, retching or liquid stools while trying to resume a normal diet, these symptoms could indicate the intestines are still inflamed from the infection and need more time to heal.

Adequate hydration is especially important in people who are young (infants), elderly, frail and immunocompromised their bodies are already stressed and gastroenteritis can take a huge toll on the body. These people are usually either dependent on others for fluid and food or have difficulty maintaining healthy nutrition. Vomiting and diarrhea may further deplete their bodies of already limited water and energy stores.

If dehydration occurs, the body's normal fluid balance is disturbed and potentially serious electrolyte (sodium, potassium, hydrogen, bicarbonate, and chloride) abnormalities can occur. When electrolyte abnormalities are severe and prolonged, the function of the nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal systems is compromised. Dehydration is characterized by fatigue, dry mouth, decreased urination, loose skin and lightheadedness (especially when changing from the laying to standing positions).

Although one may be tempted to use anti-diarrheal (Imodium) and anti-vomiting (Phenergan) medications, these types of medications are not recommended during this illness. Vomiting and diarrhea are the body's way of getting rid of the virus, and even though these symptoms are distressing and uncomfortable, it is important to allow the body's natural defense mechanism to function. The exception to this rule occurs when someone cannot hold down fluids and is dehydrated; the use of an anti-diarrheal medication can help the body restore its fluid balance.

Viral gastroenteritis can be prevented by thorough hand washing after eating and using the bathroom and wiping surfaces that have come in contact with infected food with disinfectant cleaners. Eating a balanced diet and taking supplements which boost the immune system can also prevent one from getting viral gastroenteritis.

Roger Hutchison

17 Tips And Remedies For Flu

The best medicine against the flu seems to vary so to speak. Some people think that some OTC medications is the best way to get relief. Other homeopathic remedies are those that work best. Still others believe that only your doctor can help you make the right choice.

If I talked to my husband will tell you that the best medicine against the flu is not getting the flu (hes not always the most useful). He talks smart because he is almost never sick. I'm very jealous of him. I think that genes must be better than mine because he does not eat healthily and do more exercise so I was sick more often than him.

I caught the flu almost every year. Ive tried OTC medicines, homeopathic remedies and some went to my doctor when I have bad case of flu.

Ive listed below some points in common and other not so common remedies for the flu. Some homeopathic remedies are other drugs involved are taking other prescription.

1) The first question is more of a suggestion to keep the patient rather than a resource, but I feel very well ITSA edge. Put your toothbrush in a cup with hydrogen peroxide to prevent the re-infected you (especially if you have a cold). Toothbrushes are a haven for germs and the hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria on your toothbrush. You can choose to brush your teeth every day of hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria that accumulate.

2) In addition to your toothbrush in a cup of hydrogen peroxide can put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ears. It can help kill flu (or cold) germs. Sometimes, hydrogen peroxide is a little irritated. The process is to put a few drops in one ear with a cotton swab or a Q-tip. After a few minutes, the excess liquid drain empties into a paper towel or Kleenex. Then do the same in the other ear. Repeat the process after an hour or two. Continue to repeat until the hydrogen peroxide bubble when it is not his position in the ear (usually after 2 or 3 times). Hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective if used as soon as possible after the illness.

3) elderberry extract can reduce the duration of the flu, according to studies conducted in Israel. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist for advice on how much and how often to take, and also to ensure that they do not interfere with other medications or supplements that May be already taken.

4) is another grass Bonesetter said to help reduce the intensity and duration of the flu. It is usually added to boiled water with honey and lemon (to make it easier to drink) and then taste. Again, check with your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist for the recommended dose.

5) Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic / natural product to help with the symptoms of flu body aches and pains, fever and chills. One of the reasons why it is so popular is that it does not cause drowsiness.

6) Naturoksinum is another natural resource of the flu. It was touted as being capable of reducing the severity of flu symptoms by half. One of the most popular remedies flu in France and is available for purchase in the United States.

7) Echinacea is another natural remedy for
influenza. Again, it is a herbal, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or herbalist to make sure it is safe for you to take and not to interfere with other medicines or supplements you take.

8) Tamiflu and Relenza are two drugs available to treat influenza. For drugs work better than two days must be taken with the onset of flu symptoms. Tamiflu and Relenza, work on prevention of influenza virus to infect cells of the body that are still in good health, and both work against influenza A and B.

9) Drink health juices such as mangosteen, noni, goji, aloe vera, or ACAI berry. Are not only great juices to drink if you have the flu, but can also help to prevent fruit juices because they are good people to promote an immune system. My choice of juice health juice mangosteen. Its taste and helps me feel better in general.

10) There are several products available for use in the bath or shower to help with their symptoms. Open bath for colds and flu is a product that you add to the bathwater. It is said to help relieve congestion, reduce physical pain and help relieve the chills associated with the flu. The makers of Sudafed offer a product called Shower Sudacare Corps. These are tablets that react with hot water to create vapors of eucalyptus, menthol and camphor, to contribute to the congestion.

11) nasal sprays to help relieve the symptoms of influenza are available on the counter. A product is called Flu Relief. Nasal Spray arent as popular as most other resources, because although many people dislike using nasal spray.

12) Fever, headache and muscle pain are the symptoms of flu. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both available on the counter can help alleviate pain.

13) A persistent cough May be present when a person has the flu. There are many more of the cough medicines, such as Robitussin (which has formulas of their products with flu symptoms), to help calm the cough associated with the flu.

14) Congestion is another symptom that a person can get with the flu. An oral decongestant can help loosen congestion. Once again, there are many products available on the fight against the flu with symptoms such as congestion. Vicks vapor rub can also help relieve congestion.

15) A sore throat can be another bothersome symptom of the flu. Throat lozenges or sprays can help with pain. I gargle with warm salt water every hour when my throat is sore. It is a cure for my mother when I was little. It worked for me, and always for me now.

16) The rest is a very important part of the fight against influenza. Your body needs rest to help fight against infections in the body. Therefore, in giving to this need in the door frame and rest. You tend to feel better faster if you do.

17) Drink plenty of fluids as you can when you have the flu. Avoid beverages with caffeine, caffeinated beverages, because they act as mild diuretics. The liquid water is the best, but can be difficult for someone who feels sick to drink enough. Other good choices are clear liquid juice, Gatorade (or any other sports drinks) as well as flavored water and Pedialyte. When I was a child has the flu, and my mother always gave me 7-up drink. I could drink without feeling sick to my stomach and taste good, I was able to drink enough to keep me from dehydrating.

Always remember that the flu (depending on what you have contracted the strain) can be fatal if not treated properly. Do not be afraid to contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to improve in a few days or if you are very serious.

Another thing to remember when you have the flu (or are sick with something else), it suffices to treat the symptoms you have. There are many more products available to treat the symptoms of flu. Many of those products relieve multiple symptoms. But sometimes you do not have all the symptoms of drug trafficking in particular. Look for products that treat the symptoms you have, but nothing more. You do not want too much from the drugs themselves.

Warning: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat illness and disease, it is not intended to provide medical care.

Ali khan