Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

Written by The Blue Heron Clinic

The arrival of cool weather brings to mind blazing fires, holiday cheer and, unfortunately, the arrival of the cold and flu season. Symptoms of the common cold include a sore or scratchy throat, congestion and runny nose. Flu symptoms are more severe and often include a high fever, body aches, sore throat and a nasty cough. There are numerous cold and flu medications available, but these come with side effects and some don't mix well with certain prescription drugs. Fortunately, there are natural cold and flu remedies that alleviate some of the most uncomfortable symptoms without unpleasant side effects.

Symptom - Stuffy Nose

One of the simplest ways to relieve a stuffy nose is to increase the amount of water you drink. This works by thinning the mucous that blocks nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. For more immediate relief, try using a neti pot. Neti pots resemble small tea pots and have a spout that allows you to introduce warm water into your nose. The water then travels through your sinuses, expelling excess mucous and making it easier to breathe.

Symptom - Cough

Relieve an annoying cough by sipping on tea with added honey. The warm tea soothes your throat while the honey coats it and calms your cough. Consider using a humidifier, especially when sleeping, which adds moisture to the air and soothes irritated breathing passages. Avoid consuming dairy products because they may thicken phlegm, causing coughs to linger and be more intense.

It may take more than two weeks for all symptoms of a cold or the flu to disappear. Most people lead busy lives and are anxious to get back to their normal routine as quickly as possible, but that's not necessarily the best. Getting plenty of rest, lots to drink and providing your body with nourishing foods will speed your recovery and help you to regain your strength more quickly. Chicken soup and foods containing garlic and onion are believed to have natural properties that help your body to defeat both colds and the flu.

Cold and Flu Prevention

It's impossible to completely avoid exposure to colds and flu, but there are common sense ways to help protect yourself. Always wash your hands before eating and avoid touching your face at all when in public. Clean door knobs, light switches, phones and faucets often, especially if someone in your office or home has recently experienced cold or flu symptoms. It's also important to take care of your health before you become sick. Getting enough rest and choosing healthy foods will give your body the strength it needs to resist illness.

Dealing with Cold & Flu Symptoms

Cold and flu symptoms are generally mild, but they can become serious or even life threatening in some cases. The elderly, very young and those with breathing problems or suppressed immune systems are most likely to develop complications. Colds can lead to sinus or bronchial infections that require antibiotics in order to heal. The flu may cause dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections or more severe symptoms, such as heart failure or infection of the nervous system. In these cases, prompt treatment with antibiotics and fever reducing medications is vital. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience rapid or difficult breathing, a fever of 104 degrees F or above or are unable to keep fluids down.

Natural cold and flu remedies can't cure the conditions, but they can relieve symptoms and help your body to defeat the illness so you can resume your normal activities more quickly. Treating symptoms naturally also reduces the risk of unexpected side effects and allows your body to heal without introducing potentially harmful medications.

 The Blue Heron Clinic provides Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine treatment and advice for people suffering from cold and flu symptoms