Laura Goldstein
Try this quick fix for a cold, allergy, or sinusitis
"My favorite home remedy for nasal congestion is horseradish," says Sanford Archer, M.D., associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Kentucky A.B. Chandler Medical Center in Lexington.
Dr. Archer recommends one or two quick sniffs of horseradish two or three times a day. Be sure to stay 4 to 6 inches from the jar, because the smell can be powerful, and don't breathe into the jar, which could contaminate it for others.
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Japanese horseradish, called wasabi, is a great home remedy for stuffy sinuses, says herbalist Christopher Hobbs, author of Herbal Remedies for Dummies (IDG, 1998). It is antibacterial and can ease sinus infections and colds. Try placing a 1/2-teaspoon-size ball on your tongue for a few seconds. Your clogged nose and sinuses should clear promptly!
When to see the doctor: If your congestion persists for more than 7 days, if greenish mucus or postnasal drip is present, or if you have facial pain or a toothache, see your doctor. You might have a sinus infection for which prescription medicines may be necessary.
Related information on Prevention.com:
Alternative practitioners emphasize that people get colds because their immune systems are weak. They point out that everyone is exposed to cold viruses, but not everyone gets every cold. The difference seems to be in the ability of the immune system to fight infection. Prevention focuses on strengthening the immune system by eating a healthy diet low in sugars and high in fresh fruits and vegetables, stress reduction, and getting regular moderate exercise.
Once cold symptoms appear, some naturopathic practitioners believe the symptoms should be allowed to run their course without interference. Others suggest the following:
- Inhaling a steaming mixture of lemon oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil (Melaleuca spp.). (Aromatherapy)
- Gargling with a mixture of water, salt, and turmeric powder or astringents such as alum, sumac, sage, and bayberry to ease a sore throat. (Ayurvedic medicine)
- Taking coneflower (Echinacea spp.) or goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Other useful herbs to reduce symptoms include yarrow (Achillea millefolium), eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), garlic (Allium sativum), and onions (Allium cepa). (Herbal)
- Microdoses of Viscue album, Natrum muriaticum, Allium cepa, or Nux vomica. (Homeopathy)
- Taking yin chiao (sometimes transliterated as yinquiao) tablets that contain honeysuckle and forsythia when symptoms appear. Natural herb loquat syrup for cough and sinus congestion and Chinese ephedra (ma-huang) for runny nose. (Chinese traditional medicine)
- The use of zinc lozenges every two hours along with high doses of vitamin C is suggested. Some practitioners also suggest eliminating dairy products for the duration of the cold. (Nutritional therapy).
The use of zinc lozenges may be moving toward acceptance by practitioners of traditional medicine. In 1996 the Cleveland Clinic tested zinc gluconate lozenges and found using zinc in the first 24 hours after cold symptoms occurred shortened the duration of symptoms. The mechanism by which zinc worked was not clear, but additional studies are underway.
Washing hands well and frequently, especially after touching the nose or before handling food
- Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing
- Disposing of used tissues properly
- Avoiding close contact with someone who has a cold during the first two to four days of their infection
- Not sharing food, eating utensils, or cups with anyone
- Avoiding crowded places where germs can spread
- Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep.
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http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/16/164.cfm
Moisturize your nose. Use a nonprescription nasal saline spray to keep your nasal membranes moist. Use the spray as often as you'd like.
Petroleum jelly is another good moisturizer, says Dr. Archer. "Put a ball of it on the tip of your finger. Then scrape your finger against your nostrils so that the Vaseline goes into your nose. The trick is to do this without inserting your finger. Do this three or four times a day.
When applying moisturizers, be careful not to inhale a gob. Vaseline or any other petroleum-based moisturizer can cause a form of pneumonia if it gets inside your lungs, warns Susan R. Wynn, M.D., an allergist in private practice with Fort Worth Allergy and Asthma Associates in Texas.
Humidify the air. A humidifier or vaporizer is an excellent idea, both for your bedroom and your office, says Dr. Josephson. However, says Dr. Friedman, daily and thorough cleaning of those devices is critical so that there is no buildup of molds.
Drink plenty of water. Keep a healthy level of moisture in your nose (and throughout your body) by drinking at least six glasses of water a day, says Dr. Friedman.
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http://va.essortment.com/remediesrespira_rkus.htm
This article gives some old folklore remedies for common respiratory problems.
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When trying to diagnose respiratory troubles do not be fooled into thinking that the simplest remedies are the least beneficial. Today’s researchers have recently stated that the old wives' tales of hot chicken soup and almost anything containing garlic as effective treatments for cold symptoms. Some studies suggest that any inhaled steam is beneficial, so a cup of steaming herbal tea should not be dismissed as lacking preventive and restorative powers.
Also, do not dismiss persistent respiratory ailments as being too minor for expert diagnosis and advice.
The common cold has many old wives' remedies that produce results, such as making a sandwich of whole-wheat bread, raw yellow onion, a good half inch of horseradish, cheddar cheese, and brown mustard. A daily dose will prevent the common cold. There is the old wives' tale of 'feed a cold and starve a fever.' The remedy of steaming hot chicken soup seasoned with garlic has been used by many for ages.
The remedy that calls for the indigestion of raw garlic to stop a sneezing fit has worked well. Also eating a few cloves of garlic to fight an infection, then chewing parsley for the breath. If the garlic upsets the stomach fennel or ginger can be taken to settle the stomach. Using garlic, onions, thyme, sage and vitamin C regularly can help prevent colds and infections. Simple household tips such as letting dishes drip dry instead of wiping them with a towel can help prevent the spread of germs that cause colds. Washing your hands often and not sharing towels or bathroom cups also prevent the spread of the common cold.
Some old wives remedies for sore throats include drinking any type of hot liquid and sucking on horehound and zinc lozenges. Gargling with warm salt water and gargling with apple cider vinegar with salt and pepper added are great for the throat. In Germany, a cool sage tea gargle is used for sore throats. For hoarseness, apply garlic to the feet, this is said to draw the hoarseness to the feet and let out by the feet sweating. It has been recorded in some cases to work, but whether through the placebo effect or actual change is unknown.
Asthma was diagnosed and treated in days of old by what is known today is aromatherapy. Chamomile, which is a natural antihistamine, was used to aid in relieving asthma. Chamomile flowers were made into teas and decoct and drank or inhaled to relieve the symptoms. If asthma were allergy based, honey would be added to teas to build the immunity system. Grated horseradish was used to clear the sinuses and stimulate easier breathing. Bouquets of eucalyptus were inhaled for the menthol scent, which relieved breathing difficulties.
Old fashioned infusions, poultices and decocts were used to fight the toughest coughs. Infusions made with hyssop; anise, elder and goldenrod were used to reduce phlegm in the chest. Teas made of wild cherry, lemon and honey were also used to reduce phlegm in the chest and reduce coughing.
High body temperatures or alternating chills and fever are the body’s way of responding to infections. Warm chamomile tea and lemonade is used to reduce a fever. Earaches are offshoots of colds, flu or other congestion. An old wives' remedy which is a wise one is that placing a warm heating pad on a pillow will help ease mild earaches. |
There are more than 150 viruses that can cause colds, these viruses infect the upper respiratory tract and they thrive in cold temperature, there for is very common to catch a cold during fall or winter. Some times colds are mistaken for Flu, but there are very distinct differences between the two, Flu is a lot more severe with fever that ranges from 102 to 104 F. while in colds is very rear to develop a fever. Colds last for about a week or so, but if treated in the early stages it can be reduced to a few days.
In the United States $1 billion a year are wasted in nonprescription drugs for colds and coughs but often this medicines do not help the cold itself but the symptoms which are necessary tools for the body to heal itself. An example would be, taking an analgesic for pain and fever such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, colds develop very little fever if any, a higher fever may be indication of a more serious problem, taking these products can mask this condition. When our nose runs, is because the body is creating mucus, a secretion that traps the virus and expels it from the body, by taking an antihistamine we decrease this secretion thus keeping the virus inside. Natural remedies help the immune system fight the virus, vitamins help boost our defenses, and herbs help reduce pain etc.
We recommend: At the first sign of a cold:
Take Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges this can help stop the cold from going through the entire process. (More Info)
Take Echinacea and goldenseal extracts. These boost the immune system. (More Info)
Put eucalyptus oil in 2 cups of boiling water and breath in the steam, this helps with congestion.
Native Americans use Hyssop in tea form as an expectorant and to fight viruses.
Gargle: A mix of water and pure tea tree oil this helps sore throats.
Drink chicken broth and potato peeling broth.
Do not use handkerchiefs, use paper tissues and flush them after use, the cold virus lives for several hours, thus increasing the risk of re infecting yourself.
Wash your hands frequently, this reduces the chances of re infecting yourself and others.
Other homeopathic remedies are: Belladonna; Arsenicum; Aconite; Antimonium tartaricum.
Take echinacea this herb is antiviral and antibacterial, speeds healing, boost the immune
system.(More Info)
Horseradish is another herb that many use in the kitchen but it also has excellent properties to treat sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections, reduces fever, and expels concentrations of mucus.
Use kava kava as a gargle for soothing and analgesic pain relief. Helps insomnia cause by coughing and sore throat. (More Info)
Myrrh is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, very powerful and excellent for chronic sore throats. It acts also as an expectorant and decongestant. It helps cure gum disease.
In Europe is common to see singers use oregano oil to fight respiratory allergies, laryngitis and sore throat, for it's antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Sage is used to cure sore throat, stuffed nose, gingivitis and coughs, is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Use as a gargle.
Wild indigo is an antiviral and antibiotic for infections, it stimulates the immune system, and cures chronic sore throats.
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