Lifestyle (Home, Travel, Family),Uncategorized

How to Treat a Cold – Naturally

how to treat a cold naturally Now that my son has started pre-school we have been hit with several colds.  Since I’m still nursing I am particularly hesitant to take any conventional medications that might pass on to the baby or effect my milk supply.  I’ve compiled 5 of my favorite natural remedies for a cold.

Unfortunately a cold is a virus – so there’s no curing it – only treating the symptoms.    I cringe at the thought of a stuffy/runny nose, a nasally voice, and losing my sense of smell and taste.   These are tips I’ve learned along that way that have helped me lessen the severity of the colds I get and minimize the symptoms.

  1. ZINC!!!   I used to use Zycam but it’s full or artificial dyes and sugars.  If those things don’t scare you – keep it in your medicine cabinet.   Instead I stock these organic zinc lozenges in my bathroom so at the first sign of a scratchy throat or runny nose I start popping them every few hours.   I am CERTAIN zinc has lessened the duration and severity of my colds since I started using it.   They also make a syrup for kids that I cannot personally attest to but has very good reviews.  You want to have it in your house at all times so you can start it any time there are signs of a brewing cold.
  2. Garlic – raw garlic at that.   It has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties that have been well documented.  I’ve used it to treat mastitis and any time I am getting a cold I start this unpalatable routine.  Chop 3-4 cloves of garlic to expose the surface area and oils – then, down the hatch.   Raw garlic is spicy, you might want a chaser.  Do this daily until you are feeling better.
  3. Sweat – If you’re up to it – stay active – sweat helps release toxins.   When I have a cold or am hungover I drinks lots of extra water and sweat it out.   It sounds painful but you’ll feel better because of it.
  4. Hydrogen Peroxide in your ears: Do you get that itchy, full feeling in your ears with a cold?  I drop about 1/3 of a cap (from the bottle) of hydrogen peroxide into my ear with my head tilted horizontal.   Let the hydrogen peroxide bubble – when it’s done (a minute or so), tilt your head the other way and empty the hydrogen peroxide into a washcloth or paper towel.  Do this 2-3 times daily on each ear until you are feeling better.
  5. A nasal flush: Finally – when you’re sure you will be uninterrupted in the bathroom sneak in and flush out your sinuses.   This sinus rinse is like a pressurized Neti-Pot.  So much snot will come out and it will clear you up (at least briefly).  It helps clear some of the junk breeding in your sinuses.  It’s very gross to watch – so make sure you’re alone.
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