Prevent and Cure the Common Cold |
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| See Common Cold Remedies for a detailed discussion and dose to use. | |
| Natural Remedy | What experts say about them |
| Vitamin C |
 (What's this?) |
| Zinc (Lozenges and nasal sprays) |
|
| Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) |
|
| Ginseng |  |
| Garlic | |
| Andrographis |
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| Propolis | |
| Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) |
 |
| Sage | |
| Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) |
|
| Elderberry |  |
| Cordyceps | |
| Goldenseal | |
| Oil of Oregano | |
| Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) |
|
| Peppermint Oil | Helpful |
| Eucalyptus Oil | Helpful |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Helpful |
| Probiotics | Helpful |
| Catnip | Helpful |
| Aniseed Blackberry Blueberry Borage seed oil Forsythia Honeysuckle Stinging nettle Yarrow |
Helpful |
| See Common Cold Remedies for a detailed discussion and dose to use. | |
Best Remedy for Cold and Flu Symptoms?
FluGo
is a homeopathic remedy that helps to relieve symptoms of the flu or
cold. It will reduce coughing, runny nose, fever, sore throat and
fatigue. It is a remedy that is registered with the FDA.
It uses ingredients that are officially listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.
The company is so confident you'll be pleased with the quality and effectiveness of the remedy that they offer a one year unconditional money back guarantee. You have nothing to lose except all your cold symptoms.
It uses ingredients that are officially listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.
The company is so confident you'll be pleased with the quality and effectiveness of the remedy that they offer a one year unconditional money back guarantee. You have nothing to lose except all your cold symptoms.
Facts and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Facts on the common cold
The cold virus
is highly contagious and easily spreads via the air. You
can "catch" the virus by breathing in contaminated air (which contains
the virus), touching a contaminated object or a handshake. The virus
enters your body via your eyes (tear ducts), nose or mouth. It then
attaches to the mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses.
Antibiotics will do nothing to help cure or treat the common cold; antibiotics kill bacteria only, not viruses. Most non-prescription over-the-counter "cold remedies" are designed to lessen the cold symptoms. They do not help prevent or cure the common cold.
Although anyone can catch the cold, young children (preschool and elementary school students) are more likely to get it. Indeed, as you get older and have more exposure to the cold virus, you actually develop some immunity to it.
Studies have shown that not everyone who is exposed to this virus will get symptoms of the cold or even catch the cold.
Antibiotics will do nothing to help cure or treat the common cold; antibiotics kill bacteria only, not viruses. Most non-prescription over-the-counter "cold remedies" are designed to lessen the cold symptoms. They do not help prevent or cure the common cold.
Although anyone can catch the cold, young children (preschool and elementary school students) are more likely to get it. Indeed, as you get older and have more exposure to the cold virus, you actually develop some immunity to it.
Studies have shown that not everyone who is exposed to this virus will get symptoms of the cold or even catch the cold.
What are some common symptoms of the common cold?
The symptoms
of the common cold can vary quite a bit from one person to
another. Usually these symptoms develop gradually (unlike the flu which
can develop suddenly and severely).
Most of these symptoms will disappear in 5-7 days although some symptoms, like the cough, can persist for up to 14 days. Most people make a complete recovery although some people may develop complications such as sinus infection, pneumonia, strep throat and bronchitis.
The following is a list of common symptoms people with the cold may experience:
Most of these symptoms will disappear in 5-7 days although some symptoms, like the cough, can persist for up to 14 days. Most people make a complete recovery although some people may develop complications such as sinus infection, pneumonia, strep throat and bronchitis.
The following is a list of common symptoms people with the cold may experience:
- tickle in the throat (or scratchy throat)
- body ache
- headache
- chills (mild)
- blocked eustachian (ear) tubes
- fatigue/weakness
- cough
- nasal congestion (stuff nose)
- nasal discharge (runny nose)
- mild fever
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- sore throat
- loss of appetite (mild)
Common cold vs. the flu (Influenza) - What are the differences?
The flu (influenza), also caused by a virus, can be a serious health condition as it can cause pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung-related conditions.| Common Cold Symptoms | Flu (Influenza) Symptoms |
| Weakness, sore throat, congestion and body aches/discomfort | Weakness, sore throat, congestion and body aches |
| Symptoms develop more gradually and are not as severe | Sudden onset of severe aching, pain and headaches |
| Usually there's no fever or that it's mild | High fever and chills |
| Mild fatigue; you can still "function",
although not as efficiently |
Severe fatigue and discomfort requiring bed rest. |
If you have flu symptoms, you should follow up with your family doctor, especially if you have a history of problems with your respiratory system.
How long do you remain contagious once you have it? What is the incubation period?
Once you catch
a cold and show symptoms, you will be contagious for the next two to
four days.
Symptoms can appear as fast as within 10 hours of catching the virus. The incubation period (when you don't have any symptoms) typically ranges from two to five days. In some individuals, the incubation period could be very long; they carry the virus but don't display any symptoms of the common cold.
Symptoms can appear as fast as within 10 hours of catching the virus. The incubation period (when you don't have any symptoms) typically ranges from two to five days. In some individuals, the incubation period could be very long; they carry the virus but don't display any symptoms of the common cold.
What else can I do to prevent catching or to get relief from the common cold?
-
Wash hands frequently and keep it away from eyes, nose and mouth.
-
Rest and get enough sleep.
-
Exercise regularly to maintain total body and immune health.
-
Control and reduce stress.
- Maintain a healthy diet consisting of more fruits and vegetables.
-
Chicken soap containing ginger, scallions and rice noodles is helpful in fighting the common cold.
-
Meditation may be helpful to regulate the immune system and reduce stress.
-
Salt water gargle helps with sore throat.
- Use a nasal lubricant gel to keep the nose moist and prevent irritation from frequent nose blowing.
-
Humidify the air with a humidifier to make your sore throat more comfortable.
-
Sneezing easily spreads the virus. Cover your mouth and nose and sneeze into a tissue or onto your shirt sleeve. Wash your hands right after. Sneeze towards to floor to avoid making the virus airborne.
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Don't share cups, knives, forks and spoons in the kitchen.
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Use separate face towels and hand towels.
-
Stay away from those with a cold when possible. Indeed, crowded living and working areas increases the chance that you might catch a cold.
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Disinfect your bathroom especially if someone in the house has a cold.
-
Sleep in a separate room if possible to avoid transmitting the virus to your spouse or children.
-
Wear a face mask (N95 type) if practical to avoid spreading the virus.
- Smoking increases the likelihood of getting a cold as it weakens the immune system.
What diet should I be on if I want to prevent or cure the common cold?
A healthy diet goes a long way to allow your body to fight off the common cold virus.Foods you
should eat more of...
- Water, lemon or herbal tea - prevents dehydration
- Fruits and vegetables
- Light meals are recommended
- Increase garlic, ginger and onions intake
Foods to avoid...
- Sugar - It negatively affects the immune system
- Avoid fruit juice as they are high in sugar content. You may dilute the juice first to reduce the amount of sugar you take in.
- Diary products - Milk and cheese may worsen congestion as they seem to promote mucus production.
Does getting wet or exposure of your body to cold weather cause the cold?
That's
a myth that's still floating around today. To get the cold, you
need to get the cold virus. No cold virus, no colds. It's that
simple.
However,
exposing your body to cold or damp weather does weaken your immune
system a bit. This may increase the chance that you might catch the
cold virus if it's floating around somewhere.
Ultimately, a healthy fully functioning immune system is the best way to prevent the common cold.
Ultimately, a healthy fully functioning immune system is the best way to prevent the common cold.
Related Topics and Resources
FluGo - Get Rid of Cold Symptoms Quickly
Review of Immune System Boosters - Remedies that Work
Vitamin C - What else does it work for other than the cold?
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