A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract; symptoms often include sneezing, coughs, sore throat, runny nose and lethargy. It is more common to catch a cold during the winter months, but it may be caught at any time of the year.
Symptoms
A runny nose, beginning with clear mucus that develops into thicker, green mucus as the cold progresses
blocked nose
sore throat
sneezing
a cough (chesty and tickly)
People with a cold may also suffer from a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days and gradually get better after a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks.
Causes
Colds are spread through the air (via sneezing or air conditioning), or it may be spread through contact with contaminated objects such as doorknobs, cups etc.
Your body is at more risk of catching colds etc when your immune defences are low. There are many factors that can lower your immune defences, such as stress, working long hours, eating a poor diet, inadequate sleep patterns or some nutritional practitioners believe food allergies or intolerances will weaken one’s immune system.
Some things to consider
Dependant on the severity of the cold, symptoms will often last for up to 7 days. Should it last any longer, or if it sits on the chest, be advised to consult doctor;
Most cough remedies will contain alcohol, so these will be unsuitable for those with certain religious beliefs or those that have an intolerance to alcohol;
If suffering from autoimmune disorders such as AIDS, you would be advised to seek medical attention, as some of the herbs recommended may conflict against medication;
Those with upper respiratory conditions such as Asthma, Bronchitis etc should always consult doctor before using alternative remedies;
If cold is accompanied by fever, medical attention should be sought if symptoms last for more than 24 hrs;
If pregnant, on medication or suffering from a medical condition, always consult GP prior to using any of the following remedies.
Products that may help
Herbs
Echinacea capsules are a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and influenza type infections. This is based on traditional use only.
Garlic stops micro-organisms (such as bacteria) from reproducing. Therefore, it has been used as an antiseptic and antibacterial. It has been used effectively to prevent or treat respiratory infections (such as Bronchitis), urinary tract infections, sinusitis, fungal infections and the common cold.
Astragalus in relation to low immunity
Chamomile Tea in relation to digestive disturbance
Eyebright may help with water eyes conditions
Fenugreek in relation to digestive system, may soothe and coat the stomach (demulcent)
Ginkgo could help maintain circulation
Ginger may help with nausea and stimulate digestion in cases of poor appetite
Goldenseal may help fight the virus and has a drying effect on mucous membranes
Horse Chestnut for circulatory system support
Liquorice may act as a natural antibacterial and antiviral agent and have an expectorant action (helps to expel mucus)
Peppermint Oil may help loosen and break up phlegm, active ingredient is menthol
Peppermint tea may help reducing fever and soothe digestion
Propolis for general wellbeing and immunity reported having anti-viral properties
Siberian Ginseng in relation to lack of energy and stamina
Marshmallow soothes inflamed mucous membranes, useful for coughs colds and sore \ throats
St John’s Wort in cases of low moods and mild anxiety
Lozenges may ease a tickly cough
Elderberry thought to be expectorant, immune boosting and anti-inflammatory
Stinging nettle reported to be expectorant and have anti-viral properties
bromelain may help suppress tickly coughs
Supplements
Acidophilus Intestinal bacteria consume dietary fibre and metabolise it into acids that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. Acidophilus can promote the body’s friendly bacteria, which helps to fight infection and diseases.
Vitamin A contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. This makes it a popular supplement for those looking to ward of colds, flu and other infections. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (they line organs and tracts within your body) which may help build resistance to respiratory diseases and shorten the duration of diseases.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Several studies agree that taking Vitamin C at the onset of a cold can lessen the symptoms and duration of the cold. Recommend 1000 – 20oomg daily at the first signs of a cold. It appears to work by elevating levels of interferon, while also raising the activity of key immune cells. Interferons are key proteins that respond to bacteria and viruses and trigger the immune response. One study on individuals engaged in heavy exercise showed a reduction in cold risk of around 50% when supplemented with around 1ooomg of Vitamin C daily.
Zinc Lozenges and Tablets Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. This makes it a popular supplement for those looking to ward of colds, flu and other infections. Many people use Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges at the very first sign of a cold, in the belief that they act directly on the throat to help prevent it spreading.
Aromatherapy:
Eucalyptus Oil-decongestant
Peppermint oil-decongestant
Rosemary Oil-uplifting
Tea Tree Oil-anti-bacterial
1-2 drops into a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over head and around the bowl to catch the steam.
5-6 drops in a bath of warm water.
3-4 drops mixed with a base oil for massage.
Aromatherapy oils must not be used undiluted on the skin or taken internally.
Recommended lifestyle changes
All forms of sugar should be omitted from the diet, as they interfere with white blood cells and inhibit them from destroying bacteria;
Alcohol interferes with the body’s natural immune defences;
A diet high in fats will interfere with the body’s natural immune defences;
If suffering from a build-up of mucus (nasal or chest), mucus forming foods should be avoided, these include dairy, starches, salt and white flour products;
