subject: My 7 favorite natural home remedies for combating the common cold [print this page] My 7 favorite natural home remedies for combating the common cold
It's that time of the year again when the common cold runs rampant through most homes. Here in Montana, the winter weather is quite cold and seems to last forever.
I almost never get sick but this year, I did find myself not feeling very well, so after being able to blast a cold in 2 days flat, I thought it may be helpful to share with you some of my favorite natural herbal remedies.
All advice should be used at your own risk, and disclaimers seem downright silly but you know the drill. I am not a doctor but I do believe that people who seek out doctors for day to day ailments die sooner than those of us who take responsibility for our own health.
Apple cider vinegar (AVC)
Apple cider vinegar dosages and recipes
The status quo seems to be 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day. For more severe conditions, try the recommended 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water 3x a day. Less vinegar, more water is an optimal way of taking apple cider vinegar daily unless you are treating an acute condition like acid reflux, cough, bronchitis or sore throat in which case a stronger solution of 2 TBS ACV to 8 OZ of water 3x per day recipe is suggested.
For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing, I suggest the following:
2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar
16 ounces of water
Sip throughout the day
I suggest 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water that you'll sip throughout the day, rather than drinking the whole mixture all at once 3 times a day. You will be keeping your pH in a constant alkalized state by sipping this highly diluted dosage.
If you drink a lot of water throughout the day, consider adding just a splash of apple cider vinegar each time you drink.
Be sure to rinse your mouth out after drinking vinegar as it can can erode the enamel on your teeth. Also try: Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and three tablespoons of clover honey in a glass of warm water.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll dosages and recipes
Found at your local health food store, Chlorophyll aids in draining the lymph system and carries away toxins from body cells. When an imbalance exists, sore tendons and joints, degenerative disease, etc. occur, there is a natural build-up of mucous in the lymph in that particular area. Chlorophyll will break down the mucous and allow it to drain. Chlorophyll is a powerful anti-toxin and may start an immediate reaction with toxins and mucus in the stomach and can cause nausea. Chlorophyll will bring toxins stored away in cells or fatty tissues into the bloodstream.
Start with a 1-ounce serving and work up. Drink on an empty stomach. Keep refrigerated and drink the same day.
Chlorophyll will stain your mouth green so be sure to brush your teeth after you drink it.
Echinacea/Goldenseal
Within an hour, I find amazing results from this mixture! and it is usually my personal first line of defense.
Echinacea/Goldenseal dosages and recipes
15 drops of Goldenseal in warm echinacea tea twice daily.
Precautions for use of Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a potent plant and must be used with care. You should not take on a daily basis for more than a week. Eating the fresh plant can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane. In high doses, goldenseal can irritate the skin, mouth , throat and vagina. If any inflammation develops, stop taking immediately. Goldenseal may cause nausea and diarrhea in which case, you should stop taking it immediately. do not use during pregnancy as it may stimulate the uterus. Do not use Goldenseal without consulting a a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, have had a stroke or have high blood pressure. It stimulates the heart muscle and the result is increased blood pressure. Do not give goldenseal to children under two and begin with small doses for children. High doses can interfere with vitamin b metabolism. Before using this potent herb, do your research and know the facts.
Cayenne pepper (Capsaicin)
Cayenne Pepper dosages and recipes
Cayenne brings more circulation to the area and helps draw away the infection.
Cayenne pepper (Capsaicin) is the probably one of the most useful and valuable herb in the herb family, not only for the entire digestive system but also for the heart and circulatory system. It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them.
Capsaicin acts as a decongestant, expectorant and pain reliever all at once.
Mix 1 teaspoon in some warm water, stir and drink quickly while still swirling. Cayenne does not disolve. I have found that the less water you use the easier it goes down and actually feels pretty good. If you find the after burn irritating, eat a carrot to neuturalize.
Sea Salt
First of all, it is important to note that if your salt is white, it is iodized and therefore not healthy for you. Whenever possible, avoid it at all cost. Please look for salt that is beige or pink and has specks in it. Once it has been iodized processed, it is poisonous to you. A little thinking and common sense is all it takes. The medical field will tell you to avoid salt all together, what they don't tell you is that it is iodized salt that is bad. Here's where the common sense comes in. When you go to the hospital, the very first thing they do is give you an IV of saline. Saline is unrefined sea salt. Think about it for about 2 seconds.
Sea salt can be used by mixing with warm water and used as a gargle or sipped but also as a foot or whole body bath soak to draw out toxins.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide dosages and recipes
Hydrogen Peroxide works because the rhinovirus which causes colds often times enters the body through the ear canals and the hydrogen peroxide kills the virus before your body gets infected.
Hydrogen peroxide only works if this method is applied on the day the onset signal is recognized or as early as possible once the onset signal is recognized. If you wait until the cold sets in the following day, it will have to run its course and which usually lasts seven to ten days.
Here is what to do when you get the cold onset signal. *Do not do this if you have a ruptured ear drum.
Obtain3% hydrogen peroxide
Tilt your head to one side and fill one ear canal completely with hydrogen peroxide.
Within a minute or two, it is probable that you'll notice bubbling in the ear. This indicates that the peroxide has found something that should not be there. Let the peroxide stay in the ear until it stops bubbling. If the bubbling has not stopped after five minutes, drain out the peroxide and refill the ear with fresh peroxide. When the bubbling has stopped, drain out the ear.
Repeat the procedure to the other ear.
Baking soda
Baking soda dosages and recipes
Baking soda works much the same way as apple cider vinegar in that it balances your pH system. Disease and infection cannot survive in a properly maintained balance.
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda in warm water making sure it is completely disolved and drink.
The same mixture can be applied to two seperate cotton balls or q-tips and used to clean out each nostril.
Add baking soda to either a foot bath or a full body bath soak.
