There are a number of traditional natural remedies that have proven effective over time for the symptoms associated with colds and allergy or hay fever. These come without dangerous side effects that often accompany drug remedies.
Once cold or flu viruses invade your body, they immediately start multiplying. Unless your immune system is strong enough to put a quick stop to them, you become ill. Since there is no cure for the cold, it is best to keep your immune system in top shape to prevent one.
When it comes to allergies (hay fever), your body is producing histamines in response to something which has gotten into your system. These histamines cause inflammation. People often have reactions to some foods, in addition to the usual atmospheric pollen.
Specific Cold/Allergy Treatments
Below are listed only a few natural treatments to try for bothersome symptoms of flu or allergies. You may have to try more than one to determine what might work for you.
- Mint is best known for aiding digestion. However, it is also used in many sprays for relief of sore throats, colds, coughs and other respiratory problems.
- Onions are high in the flavonoid quercetin, which is known to have antihistamine properties that help soothe the inflammation.
- Oregano was used long ago as a treatment for coughs and asthma.
- Sinus washes have long been not only a preventative, but a treatment as well. There are sprays, but you can also purchase various apparatuses (i.e., a neti pot) or the NeilMed system, both of which come with premixed powder. You can also use a tsp of salt or sea salt in 8 oz. of water.
- Salmon, with its omega-3 fats, might help fight breathing problems from asthma.
- Hot tea contains the aforementioned quercetin as well as theophylline, which is helpful for breaking up congestion.
- Yogurt surprisingly might help stop the virus assault since the healthy bacteria, Lactobacillus reuteri, appears to keep the invaders from binding to your tissues. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find real yogurt with live cultures in it today so you may have to do some searching.
- Red wine is noted for being heart healthy, mainly due to the polyphenol resveratrol, but it also seems to prevent replication of the influenza virus. Naturally, you should only drink small amounts. Also be aware that it contains histamine and therefore would not be recommended for those who already have hay fever.
See article for specific helpful fruits.
Try Natural Remedies First
Many of these products can act as preventatives as well as relieving symptoms (i.e., sinus wash). As with all things ingested, moderation is key, as well as keeping your doctor informed. Because everyone reacts differently, what works for one person may not for another. Be your own healthcare advocate and listen to your body.
References:
Grotto, David. 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life. Bantam Dell, 2007
Yeager, Selene; Editors of Prevention. The Doctors Book of Food Remedies. Rodale, Inc., 2007
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
