The Common Cold - How simple herbs and foods can help

Colds. We have all experienced them and often get them at least once a year. Despite of being perceived as a nuisance, colds fulfil an important function in our bodies. Every now and then our immune system needs a little challenge in order to maintain its flexibility, very much like our bodies needing some exercise on occasion for the same reason.

What is a cold?

Colds are self-limiting viral infections and last usually a maximum of one week unless a further infection develops on top of it. Generally colds are characterised by nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sore or 'scratchy' throat, headache and cough. Hoarseness, mild raised temperature, loss of taste and smell, mild burning of the eyes, and a feeling of pressure in the ears or sinuses due to obstruction and/or mucosal swelling may also occur.

Prevention

Though there is no clinically recognised preventative of colds, Echinacea, Garlic and Elderberries are valued by many, feeling that they do provide some protection, particularly for susceptible people, as well as being useful during an infection. Apart from supplementation with these herbs at this time of year, consideration should also be given to general lifestyle including a wholefood diet, plenty of fluids, regular exercise, stress reduction and of course clothing appropriate to the respective weather.

The diet should be wholesome, containing fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and nuts and seeds and ideally be from organic cultivation. These food types will provide many of the essential nutrients required to maintain health even during the change of season. Tea, coffee and refined carbohydrates (including sugars) should be avoided as they require many important nutrients for their metabolism thus taking them away from where those are needed. If you are prone to excess mucous and while experiencing a cold or sinusitis, cheese and dairy produce should also be avoided as they increase mucous production and essentially make the problem worse.

Home Remedies

Once a cold has started despite all efforts there are a number of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms using simple herbs out of your kitchen cupboard. One of the most important factors however is rest; you should seek to stay wrapped up and warm in your bed regardless of what your boss may think.

Elderflowers

Elderflowers used to be called the peasants’ medicine chest as its uses are so diverse. However, one of its main strengths lies in the treatment of upper respiratory infection such as the common cold and sinusitis. It is an anti-infective, anti-catarrhal and a useful anti-pyretic. This means that the flowers made into a tea will actively combat the intruding virus, reduce the production of catarrh and thus nose running. Should a fever be present, the hot tea will promote sweating and the reduction in temperature.

Thyme

Thyme can be found in everybodies kitchen cupboard but sadly its medicinal virtues are often neglected. It is powerfully anti-infective, both against viral and bacterial organisms, anti-catarrhal and assists expectoration. The latter is particularly of value when the cold has moved into the chest, making breathing or the bringing up of phlegm difficult. As Thyme makes mucous more liquid, expulsion of mucous from the lungs is made easier. For the same reason the herb is also useful when sinusitis or pressure in the sinuses or ears is a problem.

Sage

Sage is much talked about at present for its virtues in aiding memory and concentration as well as in relieving the hot flushes of the menopause. However; in addition Sage is a most valuable remedy when fighting of a cold. It is powerfully anti-infective, comparable to Thyme, and is strongly diaphoretic when taken as a hot tea. By encouraging sweating Sage lowers fevers at the same time as clearing the head, reducing any woolly feeling and headaches. The anti-infective properties can be particularly applied by using cool sage tea as a gargle to treat sore throats and even tonsilitis.

Garlic

Fresh Garlic should of course not be forgotten here. One of the most effective antibiotics and anti-infectives of the plant kingdom, it finds use whatever the problem. Garlic has a particular affinity to the respiratory system and can be used to treat colds, coughs and sinusitis quickly and effectively and can just be added to the food (but must be eaten raw). The only hesitation is the smell of course, but considering that when we are not feeling well we do not tend to want to be close to other people, it might be advantageous and possible to put that particular hurdle aside.

Final Word...

There are many herbs, foods and spices which help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. The above is intended to be a little reminder of the variety available and serve to empower you to seek out what would suit you best. So whether you decide on Elderflower, Garlic or even just a drop of Eucalyptus essential oil in the bath, be sure that first and foremost you are kind to and take good care of yourself.