The Stall Street Journal

A Publication of the Regis University Life Directions Wellness Program

Quiet your Cold Naturally

Along with the season of fall coming to an end and winter on its way, comes the first cold of the season. What do you do when you come down with a hacking cough? Over the counter syrups and suppressants only reduce the symptoms and can be harmful if overused. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viral ones, and can weaken your immune system making you more susceptible to illness. Try a natural treatment with your next set of symptoms.

Natural Cough suppressants are usually a good start and contain zinc, vitamin C, other nutrients that have been proven to lessen cold symptoms.

Cayenne is a pepper that can be used for seasoning foods or treating colds. It is high in vitamin C and lessens sore throats when used as an antiseptic gargle. It is a decongestant, an anti-inflammatory, it breaks up mucus, and induces fever (which helps to kill virus and eliminate waste).

Garlic is a natural antibiotic, anti-viral, diaphoretic remedy. It is effective for treating respiratory infections, bronchitis, whooping cough, colds, flu and it prevents infection.

Ginger lessens nausea, headache, flu, pain, coughing, fever, and inflammation. Rosemary soothes the aches and pains associated with the flu, is an antiseptic, calms the digestive tract, aids the nervous system, and lessens depression which often accompanies illness.

Zinc and Selenium improve immunity and shorten the duration of a cold and cough.

Vitamin C reduces the multiplication of germs in the body during sickness. Marshmallow and licorice can soften and release mucus in the respiratory tract.

In addition to these natural cold remedies remember to include protein and fluids in your diet when you are ill. Limit dairy products because they produce extra mucus in your body. Try a steam bath with some eucalyptus oil to break up mucus in your throat and nose. Next time you just don’t seem to be feeling any better after a couple days of that over the counter cough syrup or want to try a new way to cure the common cold, incorporate one of these substances into your get-better treatment and you’ll be glad that you did.

Source: LetsLive October 2000

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