Cold Season Remedies
As the temperature drops, our bodies become less resistant to cold viruses,
which cause coughs, runny noses, sore throats and influenza type symptoms.
Many people are unwilling to put up with these irritations and search
for the miracle drug or herb that will suppress the symtoms, enabling
them to carry on as normal. Holistic remedies work in a different way.
Although herbs are very effective at alleviating symptoms, it is also
important to make sure that you get a good rest and nourish yourself with
fresh and home cooked foods. Contracting a virus is a sign that we need
to slow down - be sure to have early nights and take things easy during
the day. Rest is one of the main ways in which we can strengthen our immunity.
Fluids: It is important that you drink a lot of fluid during
a cold. Drinking a sufficient amount enables your immune system to work
more effectvely, a dehydrated body is a haven for viruses. Water and herbal
tea are the best drinks to take, room temperature freshly pressed juices
of lemon, carrot or apple are also good. Adding boiling
water to lemon juice will destroy most of the vitamin C content, add lukewarm
water instead. Try to have a homemade soup or broth for at least one meal
of the day.
Cold Busting Foods: Garlic helps to reduce excess catarrh,
eat at least two raw cloves a day (have on toast or stir into food at
the end of cooking) or take a garlic supplement. Shitake mushrooms
help to boost immunity. Onions and ginger are also good
ingredients. If you like spicy food then cayenne pepper is very
beneficial.
Vitamin C Rich Foods: Vitamin C has been shown to be effective
at reducing the length of colds. Foods such as kiwi, guava, green
pepper and potatoes in their skins are particularly rich. Use
the freshest vegetables and cook very lightly as Vitamin C content decreases
with age and heat. Vitamin C is generally recommended at very high doses
for allieviating cold symptoms. The Haelan Centre does not endorse high
dose vitamin therapy. Foods
state vitamins have a much greater bioavailability and so lower doses
are more effective. If you wish to take a supplement the optimum dose
is 250mg of Food State Vitamin C 3 times a day for the average
adult (this is the equivalent of about 3 grams of ordinary vitamin C).
Beta carotene rich foods, such as the red, orange and yellow fruits
and vegetables red pepper, carrot, squash
and dark green leafy vegetables e.g. parsley, kale, watercress,
savoy cabbage and seaweed help the functioning of the immune
system, they are also rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.
Zinc rich Foods: many people are deficient in this mineral, which
helps to shorten the life of colds. Sources include pumpkin seeds,
eggs, brewers yeast and alfalfa sprouts.
Fruits (cooked, dried or raw) are also helpful: try apples,
dates, figs and berries of all kinds.
Grains that are recommended for excess mucus include millet
and barley.
Try to avoid wheat as this can increase mucus production, substitute with
small amounts of spelt or rye.
Immune Boosting Nutritional Formulas: To ensure maximum absorption
of nutrients and to ensure against deficiency in general it is a good
idea to take a daily multivitamin and mineral. Even if you take
no other nutrients, it is well worth taking this. Years of intensive farming
have stripped the soil of many nutrients, coupled with longer storage
times and more consumption of fast foods, this means that our diet these
days tends to be lower in nutrients than that of our ancestor's.
Dairy: all dairy produce is mucus forming. Goats, sheep,
rice, oat and soya milk products are preferable to
cow's milk products, which should be avoided totally. Eat dairy in small
quantities, if at all, while you have a cold.
Avoid sugar: Avoid refined sugar, sweetened foods and sugar rich
drinks, even pre-prepared fruit juices (fresh homemade juices diluted
with water are fine in moderation). Sugar inhibits the ability of white
blood cells to fight infection. Good quality Manuka honey is beneficial,
but don't stir into hot drinks - heat destroys the beneficial ingredients.
Avoid wheat: Check how you react when eating wheat products. Wheat
allergy symptoms include excess cattarh, asthma and itchiness (itchy throat,
scalp and skin irritation).
Avoid processed foods: avoid pre-packaged foods that contain
additives you would not use in your own cooking, (E numbers for example).
Avoid Alcohol: alcohol is mucus forming, yet a small hot toddy
will not cause too much of a problem if you are accustomed to alcohol.
Add hot water to a shot of whiskey or brandy with some whole cloves
and a slice of ginger. Allow to cool a little and then add the
juice of a fresh lemon and some manuka honey. Serve with
a cinnamon stick, if liked.
Tea and coffee: substitute your usual cuppa with herbal
teas that will help to relieve your symtoms.
Herbal remedies for the cold season
| Important Note: If you:
- are pregnant, breast feeding or plan to become
pregnant
- have a long standing illness
- have undiagnosed health problems
- are on medication, even the contraceptive
pill
it is always best to seek advice from a professional
health practitioner before taking herbs or supplements. If taken
as directed, herbal and homeopathic remedies are very safe, but
they are powerful medicines. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
When self-prescribing, be aware that you are responsible for your
own actions, watch carefully how you react to the remedies. If you
notice any adverse reaction, stop taking the remedy and seek professional
advice. See also
. |
We are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to herbs to tackle colds,
coughs and flu. Yet it is important to note that it is actually beneficial
for the body to go through the whole process of having a cold once or
twice a year. It can be likened to a seasonal detox and an excercise for
the immune system.
If you are generally in good spirits and in good health, allow yourself
to be ill, rest and follow the dietary recommendations
and herbal tea recommendations given below. This is an inexpensive and
effective method of treating light colds, which is gentle on your body
and allows it the time it needs to rest and relax.
For recurrent colds, additional immune system support may be needed, you
may consider taking a course of treatment to strengthen you immune system.
See immune strengthening herbal tonics. Also look
carefully at your lifestyle and eating habits to see if these are contributing
to your health problem.
Lastly for those who cannot afford to be ill because of work or other
commitments, try the cold busting remedies.
Remember to book some time off soon to rest and recuperate, colds can
be the body's way or telling you that you need to slow down and take a
break.
For heavy or persistant colds, teas should be taken in conjunction with
other more potent remedies (see next section).
Be aware that peppermint tea should not be taken alongside homeopathic
remedies.
Some good blends of the loose herbs follow (mix equal quantities and take
1 teaspoon per cup):
Sage, Thyme and Liquorice - Amazingly effective sore throat buster
Mullein, Comfrey, Coltsfoot and Hyssop - A general cough remedy
Elderflower Tea (3 parts) Plantain Leaf (1 part) - an ideal drink
for children from 2 years onward, as a supportive help for congestion
and runny noses, a pinch of liquorice or may be added for soothing sore
throat and to sweeten slightly bitter flavour. Dilute normal strength
tea with cool filtered water for children under 3. For children under
2 give elderflower tea diluted half tea, half water.
Lemon Balm Tea an anti-viral and gently relaxing tea may be drunk
freely by people of all ages.
Elderflower, Peppermint, Yarrow - a traditional remedy for colds with
a raised temperature and runny nose.
Rosemary, St. Johns Wort, Gingko - an uplifting tea to banish winter
blues and chills add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth. Helps to improve
circulation.
Alternatively we have a large range of teas suitable for colds in tea
bags. The Yogi Tea range includes Cold Season Tea, Throat Comfort
tea and Breathe Deep Tea. Their spicy flavours will appeal to those
who might not like other herbal teas. All teas may be flavoured with honey
(Manuka honey is particularly good) although the healing action of honey
is affected by stirring into hot water; stir in once the tea has cooled
down.
If you are experiencing repeated colds or you cannot afford to fall ill,
the following herbs will be of use.
Astralagus although not recommended for acute infections, astralagus
may be helpful in improving the immune system of people who suffer from
one cold after another. It is safe to take throughout the whole cold season.
Lemon Balm - best taken as a tincture or tea. Lemon Balm is ideal
for those who suffer from cold sores throughout the winter, it also has
relaxing properties. Take three times a day, every day. It can also be
applied to the blister topically; (tea tree oil is also good applied with
a cotton bud.) Avoid continued use of lemon balm if you have an underactive
thyroid.
St. John's Wort - a valuable herb during the winter months, as
well as exerting an anti-depressant and nerve relaxing effect it also
works as an anti-viral. It is an ideal herb for overworked, stressed people
with a tendency to feeling down in the dumps due to low light levels in
the winter. St. John's Wort works to improve liver function, it is contra-indicated
if you are on the Pill or certain other types of medication, see leaflet
available in store for more details.
Schizandra - also a liver tonic herb with a milder anti-depressant
effect, this Chinese tonic herb is also used to strengthen the immune
system.
Siberian Ginseng - an adaptogenic herb which can help the body
cope with stress. It has been shown to enhance mental and physical performance.
It also strengthens the immune system thus helping to work against cold
viruses. Not suitable for use during acute infections. Do not use continuously;
take for six weeks then have a break of two weeks. Siberian Ginseng can
be taken in this way throughout the cold season.
Cat's Claw - a powerful, fast acting cold remedy which may also
have anti-inflammatory properties making it a good choice for those with
joint pain. Not suitable for those who are pregnant or planning to become
pregnant.
Echinacea is a very effective herbal remedy for colds. The herb
enhances the body's ability to attack viruses and bacteria - the cause
of cold symptoms. It is an ideal herb to choose as a preventative if you
are prone to acute infections such as ear infection, bronchitis, tonsillitis
etc.
Bioforce's Echinacea or Viridian Echinacea is suitable for
this type of usage. If you already have a cold, higher doses are necessary
to make a real difference. We recommend Kiwi Herbs Echinacea, which
gives practitioner strength doses on the label, and is very potent. The
tongue tingles for about two minutes after taking the tincture. That is
the sign of a strong Echinacea! Taking this Echinacea at doses of 1-2ml
about 3-6 times a day can stop a cold in its tracks, if you catch it early
enough. Don't forget to also rest, drink plenty of fluids and follow our
dietary guidelines.
Elderberry is another lesser-known herbal remedy for colds. It
has antiviral properties and helps to reduce excess catarrh. It is more
suitable once the cold has already taken hold. Taken regularly while you
have the symptoms, it can shorten the life of a cold quite dramatically.
We do not sell the most popular elderberry preparations as they contain
either sugar or artificial sweeteners. A great alternative is the Fluid
Extract of Elderberry from Nature's Answer, which is naturally
sweet as it is contained in a base of coconut glycerine. It contains no
alcohol and is suitable for children. We also recommend Higher Nature's
Elderberry and Echinacea capsules.
Propolis is a suitable herb where a sore throat is the main symptom
of the cold. It can be taken on it's own or in a formula such as Comvita's
Propolis Elixir.
Plantain is useful if there is sinus congestion, excess mucus or
ear problems associated eith the cold. Take either the Schonenburger
Fresh Juice or Bioforce tincture.
Oregon Grape Root is an environmentally sound alternative to Goldenseal
it helps to dry up mucus, is antibacterial and also stimulates digestive
secretions.
Herbetom Pulm is a good choice where there is wheezing or asthma
aggrevated by the cold. It is gentle and effective and may be used alongside
conventional asthma medication, dosages are given for children from age
3 onwards.
Children's Colds
Children can catch colds more frequently than adults as they are in
close contact with other children at school, playgroup or nursery. It
is healthy for children to catch a few of colds a year, as this challenges
and exercises their developing immune systems. If it seems that one cold
leads to another, or they are passed back and forth in the family, or
if secondary ear or chest infections frequently occur, then giving a children's
Echinacea is appropriate. Try Kiwi herbs Children's Echinacea suitable
from 1 year or Bioforce's Children's Echinacea Complex, suitable
from 2 years. This Complex also contains Plantain, which helps to cut
catarrh; it is also useful for ear problems associated with excess catarrh.
For teas suitable for children, see the Herbal tea
section. Make sure that the child is eating plenty of foods in the beneficial
foods section. If they are off their food, or generally fussy, it
is well worth supplementing with Floradix Kindervital, a vitamin
rich tonic for children which is suitable from 6 month onwards, or Nature's
Own Children's Multivitamins and Minerals in powder or tablet form.
Children over 6 can take the excellent Nature C, natural source vitamin
C tablets from Bioforce. Children and infants can also be treated using
homepathic medicine, yet if they have recurrent
colds, secondary infections or other chronic illness it is advisable to
see a homeopath. New Era do a range of tissue salts expecially
for infants and children which include a mix for colds and coughs and
a mix for sinus congestion. These are very safe and easy to use.
Homeopathic medicines for the cold season
Homeopathy treats the individual
person as opposed to looking at just the physical symptoms. To be sure
a remedy is the right one for you, it might be necessary to visit a homeopath.
If you wish to treat yourself, try to match the emotional as well as physical
symptoms given for each remedy. You may find that symptoms get slightly
worse before they improve - this is a good sign. If in doubt, consult
a homeopath. Whilst taking homeopathic remedies, do not drink strong
coffee or eat anything with a strong peppermint flavour. Take the remedies
in a clean mouth, 15 mins away from food or drink apart from water. The
following lists are not exhaustive, for more information see a homeopath.
Take in the 6c or 30c potency, as directed on the label (30c is more potent).
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Aconite |
Where there is burning smarting, dryness with tingling
in the throat, which is very red. Use where there is a sudden onset
after exposure to cold weather. Hurts to swallow. |
| Belladonna |
Typical scarlet fever throat; dry and burning. The tonsils
are inflamed and bright red. Sufferer is averse to taking fluids.
There is usually red-hot face and skin. Thirsty, desires lemonade. |
| Gelsemium |
Difficulty in swallowing, cold shivers up and down spine.
Worse for damp weather. Absence of thirst. Aching and weakness. |
| Hepar Sulph |
Tonsils inflamed, hard and swollen. White spots on the
tonsils. Stitching pain extending to the ears. Painful glands, possible
fever with red face and little thirst. |
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Aconite |
Constant short, dry cough with feeling of suffocation.
Hard dry ringing cough, which is brought on by or worse for cold.
Worse at night. |
| Ars. Alb. |
Wheezing respiration, much frothy phlegm, cannot breathe
fully or freely. Worse after midnight. Very restless and anxious.
Marked weakness and exhaustion. Worse for lying down. |
| Bryonia |
Hard dry spasmodic cough, shakes the whole body. Associated
with stitches and soreness in the chest. Bursting headache. Onset
from dry cold weather. Worse for: coming into a warm room; slightest
movement; after eating and drinking. |
| Drosera |
Crawling in larynx, which provokes coughing. Violent
tickling in the larynx, which wakes the sufferer from sleep. Spasmodic
cough until sufferer retches or vomits. Cough from deep down in the
chest provoking pain and sufferer holds chest until cough stops. Cough
worse at night. |
| Nux. Vom. |
Violent cough with bursting headache. Horse dry throat.
Sensation as if something was torn in the chest by the cough. |
| Pulsatilla |
Loose cough in the morning and dry in the evening. Must
sit up in bed to gain relief. Phlegm thick and green. Worse in warm
room; for lying down and in the evening. |
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Aconite |
Useful for most colds in the early stages, it can nip
them in the bud. |
| Allium cepa |
With sneezing and watering of eyes and runny nose. |
| Ars Alb |
With watery catarrh and sore nostrils. Nose colds which
descend to the chest. Cold sores in the nose. |
| Gelsemium |
When the onset is rapid, with chills running up and
down the spine. Aching in all limbs with typical 'flu like symptoms.
Weak and droopy. |
| Hep. Sulph. |
In later stages when the catarrh is thick and yellow. |
| Merc. Sol. |
With much sweating, salivation and thick catarrh. Worse
for both extremes of temperature. Foul taste in the mouth. Tongue
flabby, shows imprint of teeth. Smelly breath. |
| Nux Vom. |
From exposure to dry cold. Much sneezing and stuffed
up at night. Streams in a warm room, better out of doors. Extremely
chilly, cannot get warm. Cold and hot in turns. Fit of sneezing after
meals. |
| Phosphorus |
Begins in chest or thoat; tight feeling in the chest.
Hacking cough. |
| Pulsatilla |
Persistant cold. Thick yellow, bland discharge. Better
for being outdoors. if a child, likes to be carried. |
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Ars. Alb. |
Copious burning clear watery discharge with chilliness. |
| Calc. Carb. |
Nostrils sore and ulcerated. Yellow discharge. Good
for catarrh in older people. |
| Pulsatilla |
Discharge clear yellow or green. Worse in evening or
night; stuffy rooms; for lying down. Clears with fresh air. |
| Remedy |
Indications |
| Aconite |
Pain at the root of the nose. |
| Phos. |
Bad catarrh. Bleeding from the nose when blown. Sneezing
worse for odours and smoke. |
| Pulsatilla |
Blocked right nostril. Pressing pain at the root of
the nose. |
| Kali Bich |
Stingy, sticky, thick yellow/green discharge. |
| Silica |
Sensitive nasal bones. |
Essential oils that are suitable for colds include: Pine (strengthening,
clearing and antiseptic); Eucalyptus Globulus (clearing
and cooling)- choose the gentler Eucalyptus Radiata for children
or asthmatics; Cedarwood (good for chesty conditions); Niaouli
(particularly good for sinus congestion); Rosemary (uplifting,
clearing, good for aches of 'flu). Ravansara is a powferful anti-viral
oil. Orange can be used to lift the spirits (it is good mixed with
geranium). Lemon and thyme oils are excellent for
sore throats.
The oils may be used in burners, baths and massage oils or a few drops
may be inhaled from a tissue. See the instruction leaflet inside individual
bottles for more information.
For sinus congestion: try adding one drop of Niaouli to
5ml of base oil and massaging into the sinus areas on either side of the
nose, the forehead and where the back of the head meets the neck.
For sore throats: use 3 drops of lemon and 1 drop of thyme
to 10ml of base oil. Rub into the throat and chest.
Children's Night Time Easy Breathing: (For children over 6 months)
Put one drop of Eucalyptus Radiata in a bowl of steaming water
in a safe place in a child's room. One drop of Eucalyptus Radiata
per 5ml Weleda baby oil can be rubbed into the chest and back before
bedtime (for babies under 12 months use 1 drop per 10ml).
Reviving Warming bath (adults): 4 drops of Rosemary: 1 drop
of Ginger; 1 drop of Black Pepper added to a warm bath.
Bath Blend for Colds: 2 drops Thyme; 2 drops of Tea Tree; 1 Drop
Eucalyptus; 3 drops Lemon. Blend in a teaspoon of base oil before adding
to the bath.
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