Difference between revisions of "Get Rid of a Cold Without Medicine"
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| − | The common cold is usually caused by a type of virus, called rhinovirus. This virus causes upper respiratory infections (URIs) most commonly, but can also cause lower respiratory infections and sometimes pneumonia. Rhinoviruses are most prevalent March through October and have a short incubation period of usually 12-72 hours after exposure to the virus.<ref>http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview </ref> Natural treatments for a cold take advantage of the idea that your immune system is best situated to kill off rhinoviruses. While there is no cure for the common cold, the goal of a natural treatment is to support the immune system with the help of various natural sources, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/commoncold.html</ref> | + | The common cold is usually caused by a type of virus, called rhinovirus. This virus causes upper respiratory infections (URIs) most commonly, but can also cause lower respiratory infections and sometimes pneumonia. Rhinoviruses are most prevalent March through October and have a short incubation period of usually 12-72 hours after exposure to the virus.<ref name="rf1">http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview </ref> Natural treatments for a cold take advantage of the idea that your immune system is best situated to kill off rhinoviruses. While there is no cure for the common cold, the goal of a natural treatment is to support the immune system with the help of various natural sources, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals.<ref name="rf2">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/commoncold.html</ref> |
[[Category:Colds and Viruses]] | [[Category:Colds and Viruses]] | ||
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#Get plenty of rest. Take a day off from work if you can and get some sleep. Working while sick may draw out your illness. You will get better faster and you won’t put your co-workers at risk of catching your cold if you stay home to recuperate. | #Get plenty of rest. Take a day off from work if you can and get some sleep. Working while sick may draw out your illness. You will get better faster and you won’t put your co-workers at risk of catching your cold if you stay home to recuperate. | ||
#*Keep your kids home from school as well if they catch a cold. Their teacher and all the other kids' parents will appreciate it! | #*Keep your kids home from school as well if they catch a cold. Their teacher and all the other kids' parents will appreciate it! | ||
| − | #Drink plenty of fluids.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/health-tip/art-20048631</ref> These fluids should be water, juices, tea, or clear chicken or vegetable broths. Chicken soup ''is'' actually very good for the common cold! | + | #Drink plenty of fluids.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/health-tip/art-20048631</ref> These fluids should be water, juices, tea, or clear chicken or vegetable broths. Chicken soup ''is'' actually very good for the common cold! |
#*Be sure to drink lots of water. This bit of advice applies all the time, but even more when you have a cold. At a minimum, try to drink eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water a day. | #*Be sure to drink lots of water. This bit of advice applies all the time, but even more when you have a cold. At a minimum, try to drink eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water a day. | ||
#*Coffee, alcohol, sugary "juices," and soda will actually dehydrate you. | #*Coffee, alcohol, sugary "juices," and soda will actually dehydrate you. | ||
#*Peppermint and green tea are full of great antioxidants and help to open passages. You can add honey to soothe a sore throat. | #*Peppermint and green tea are full of great antioxidants and help to open passages. You can add honey to soothe a sore throat. | ||
#Try to eat, even though your appetite is probably very low. Veggies and fruits are always good for you, especially things with Vitamin C like broccoli, oranges, strawberries, spinach, and peppers. Soup and meal replacement shakes are also good, but anything you can keep down is a bonus. | #Try to eat, even though your appetite is probably very low. Veggies and fruits are always good for you, especially things with Vitamin C like broccoli, oranges, strawberries, spinach, and peppers. Soup and meal replacement shakes are also good, but anything you can keep down is a bonus. | ||
| − | #Assess whether you need to see a doctor. Most of the time, there is no need to see a physician. If, however, you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/</ref> | + | #Assess whether you need to see a doctor. Most of the time, there is no need to see a physician. If, however, you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor:<ref name="rf4">http://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/</ref> |
#*A fever with a temperature higher than 100.4 °F (40 °C). If your child is younger than 6 months old and has a fever, call your doctor. For children of any age, if the fever is 104 °F (40 °C) or greater, call your physician. | #*A fever with a temperature higher than 100.4 °F (40 °C). If your child is younger than 6 months old and has a fever, call your doctor. For children of any age, if the fever is 104 °F (40 °C) or greater, call your physician. | ||
#*If the symptoms last more than 10 days. | #*If the symptoms last more than 10 days. | ||
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===Treating Specific Symptoms of a Cold=== | ===Treating Specific Symptoms of a Cold=== | ||
| − | #Treat individual symptoms. Some symptoms of a cold should be addressed, and treated, individually. While the general natural treatments will help, there are other things you can do to alleviate individual symptoms. Symptoms of the common cold can include: <ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/basics/complications/con-20019062</ref> | + | #Treat individual symptoms. Some symptoms of a cold should be addressed, and treated, individually. While the general natural treatments will help, there are other things you can do to alleviate individual symptoms. Symptoms of the common cold can include: <ref name="rf5">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/basics/complications/con-20019062</ref> |
#*Nasal dryness or irritation is often the first symptom. | #*Nasal dryness or irritation is often the first symptom. | ||
#*Sore throat or an irritated, itchy throat is another common first symptom. | #*Sore throat or an irritated, itchy throat is another common first symptom. | ||
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#*If you are concerned about strep throat, a cough indicates that you do not have strep. | #*If you are concerned about strep throat, a cough indicates that you do not have strep. | ||
#Treat a sore throat. For a general sore throat, gargle with warm salt water to kill bacteria. You can add one drop of tea tree oil to a warm salt water gargle, if available. This will help to kill bacteria in the throat. | #Treat a sore throat. For a general sore throat, gargle with warm salt water to kill bacteria. You can add one drop of tea tree oil to a warm salt water gargle, if available. This will help to kill bacteria in the throat. | ||
| − | #Treat additional illnesses that could exacerbate your cold symptoms. The common cold can be complicated by ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), chronic bronchitis (lung inflammation with congestion and coughing) and worsening of asthma symptoms.<ref | + | #Treat additional illnesses that could exacerbate your cold symptoms. The common cold can be complicated by ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), chronic bronchitis (lung inflammation with congestion and coughing) and worsening of asthma symptoms.<ref name="rf5" /> If you have a combination of illnesses, it may be best to consult with a doctor to get the treatment you need. |
===Using Herbs to Fight Off a Cold=== | ===Using Herbs to Fight Off a Cold=== | ||
| − | #Use echinacea at the first sign of symptoms. Echinacea tea is best used early to help deal with some of the early cold symptoms. Echinacea has been shown to reduce the symptoms and the duration of colds.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17597571</ref> | + | #Use echinacea at the first sign of symptoms. Echinacea tea is best used early to help deal with some of the early cold symptoms. Echinacea has been shown to reduce the symptoms and the duration of colds.<ref name="rf6">http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17597571</ref> |
#*Echinacea rarely causes any adverse effects, but in rare cases some people can have allergic reactions, such as nausea and headaches. | #*Echinacea rarely causes any adverse effects, but in rare cases some people can have allergic reactions, such as nausea and headaches. | ||
| − | #Add garlic to your diet. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been used for thousands of years to reduce the severity of colds by boosting the immune system.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22280901</ref> Take garlic as a supplement (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and use garlic in all your cooking. | + | #Add garlic to your diet. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been used for thousands of years to reduce the severity of colds by boosting the immune system.<ref name="rf8">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22280901</ref> Take garlic as a supplement (according to manufacturer’s instructions) and use garlic in all your cooking. |
#*An easy way to take garlic while you have a cold is to add one to two cloves to your chicken soup! | #*An easy way to take garlic while you have a cold is to add one to two cloves to your chicken soup! | ||
| − | #Drink elderberry tea. Elderberry tea is a long-standing remedy for colds. Elderberry is an effective immune-modulating herb with antiviral properties.<ref>Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6.</ref> | + | #Drink elderberry tea. Elderberry tea is a long-standing remedy for colds. Elderberry is an effective immune-modulating herb with antiviral properties.<ref name="rf9">Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6.</ref> |
| − | #Eat ginger. Ginger is a warming herb and is safe for pregnant women and children when taken as a tea. Ginger also has antiviral properties that can help relieve your cold.<ref>Imanishi, N., Andoh, T., Mantani, N., Sakai, S., Terasawa, K., Shimada, Y., Sato, M., Katada, Y., Ueda, K., and Ochiai, H. Macrophage-mediated inhibitory effect of Zingiber officinale Rosc, a traditional oriental herbal medicine, on the growth of influenza A/Aichi/2/68 virus. Am.J Chin Med 2006;34(1):157-169.</ref> | + | #Eat ginger. Ginger is a warming herb and is safe for pregnant women and children when taken as a tea. Ginger also has antiviral properties that can help relieve your cold.<ref name="rf10">Imanishi, N., Andoh, T., Mantani, N., Sakai, S., Terasawa, K., Shimada, Y., Sato, M., Katada, Y., Ueda, K., and Ochiai, H. Macrophage-mediated inhibitory effect of Zingiber officinale Rosc, a traditional oriental herbal medicine, on the growth of influenza A/Aichi/2/68 virus. Am.J Chin Med 2006;34(1):157-169.</ref> |
===Eating Right to Treat Your Cold=== | ===Eating Right to Treat Your Cold=== | ||
#Eat small, nutritious meals. Try to eat small amounts of solid and easily digestible food and eat more frequently. You want to provide a constant supply of energy so that the immune system has all the necessary components to do its job. | #Eat small, nutritious meals. Try to eat small amounts of solid and easily digestible food and eat more frequently. You want to provide a constant supply of energy so that the immune system has all the necessary components to do its job. | ||
| − | #Eat a balanced diet. You want to include quality protein such as fish and skinless poultry as well as complex carbohydrates. Some examples of the best foods to eat are:<ref>http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/what-eat-when-sick</ref> | + | #Eat a balanced diet. You want to include quality protein such as fish and skinless poultry as well as complex carbohydrates. Some examples of the best foods to eat are:<ref name="rf11">http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/what-eat-when-sick</ref> |
#*Breakfast: Egg and mushroom omelet. Eggs contain zinc — zinc can help boost the immune system. They also contain protein that tends to be easily digestible for most people. Mushrooms contain glucans that boost the immune system. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can help break up the mucus and increase drainage. | #*Breakfast: Egg and mushroom omelet. Eggs contain zinc — zinc can help boost the immune system. They also contain protein that tends to be easily digestible for most people. Mushrooms contain glucans that boost the immune system. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can help break up the mucus and increase drainage. | ||
#*Have yogurt as a snack or for lunch. The active cultures can boost your gut bacteria and boost your immune system at the same time. | #*Have yogurt as a snack or for lunch. The active cultures can boost your gut bacteria and boost your immune system at the same time. | ||
#*Eat foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Foods that fit the bill include red peppers, oranges, berries, and leafy green vegetables. You can also include foods rich in beta-carotenes and vitamin A. These include carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. | #*Eat foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Foods that fit the bill include red peppers, oranges, berries, and leafy green vegetables. You can also include foods rich in beta-carotenes and vitamin A. These include carrots, squash and sweet potatoes. | ||
#*Eat chicken soup! Keep it light with brown rice and a few vegetables. | #*Eat chicken soup! Keep it light with brown rice and a few vegetables. | ||
| − | #Drink plenty of liquid. Drink water, water, and then more water. You can add honey and lemon (another source of Vitamin C), and warm up the water. Green tea contains antioxidants and fruit juices contain vitamins, minerals and can provide a quick “pick-me-up."<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22869830</ref> You can also drink chicken broth. | + | #Drink plenty of liquid. Drink water, water, and then more water. You can add honey and lemon (another source of Vitamin C), and warm up the water. Green tea contains antioxidants and fruit juices contain vitamins, minerals and can provide a quick “pick-me-up."<ref name="rf12">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22869830</ref> You can also drink chicken broth. |
| − | #Add vitamins and minerals to your diet. If you cannot get all the essential vitamins and minerals from the foods you are eating, you may need to supplement your diet. Harvard Health Systems newsletter recommends the following vitamins and minerals to help boost your immune system:<ref>http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system</ref> | + | #Add vitamins and minerals to your diet. If you cannot get all the essential vitamins and minerals from the foods you are eating, you may need to supplement your diet. Harvard Health Systems newsletter recommends the following vitamins and minerals to help boost your immune system:<ref name="rf13">http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system</ref> |
#*Vitamin A. You can find Vitamin A in dark, leafy greens, plus carrots, fish, and tropical fruits. | #*Vitamin A. You can find Vitamin A in dark, leafy greens, plus carrots, fish, and tropical fruits. | ||
#*B complex vitamins — specifically, riboflavin and Vitamin B6 have been shown to boost the immune system. Leafy green vegetables are good sources of B vitamins. | #*B complex vitamins — specifically, riboflavin and Vitamin B6 have been shown to boost the immune system. Leafy green vegetables are good sources of B vitamins. | ||
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#Pour the solution into the spray bottle. Pour the rest of the solution into a covered container and refrigerate. Remember to warm up the refrigerated solution before using it though! After two days, throw out any unused solution. | #Pour the solution into the spray bottle. Pour the rest of the solution into a covered container and refrigerate. Remember to warm up the refrigerated solution before using it though! After two days, throw out any unused solution. | ||
#Spray one or two squirts into each nostril as needed. Some of the solution will probably go down the back of your throat. Be sure to have a towel or tissue on hand to deal with drainage. | #Spray one or two squirts into each nostril as needed. Some of the solution will probably go down the back of your throat. Be sure to have a towel or tissue on hand to deal with drainage. | ||
| − | #Apply the nasal spray to infants or small children with a rubber bulb. For infants and small children, apply the nasal spray by placing the tip of the bulb over one nostril (avoid touching the inside of the nostril at all if possible), give one or two small squirts, and wait 2-3 minutes. Then tilt the baby’s head back slightly and use the soft, rubber-bulb syringe to gently remove nasal secretions.<ref>http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/suctioning-the-nose-with-a-bulb-syringe</ref> | + | #Apply the nasal spray to infants or small children with a rubber bulb. For infants and small children, apply the nasal spray by placing the tip of the bulb over one nostril (avoid touching the inside of the nostril at all if possible), give one or two small squirts, and wait 2-3 minutes. Then tilt the baby’s head back slightly and use the soft, rubber-bulb syringe to gently remove nasal secretions.<ref name="rf14">http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/suctioning-the-nose-with-a-bulb-syringe</ref> |
#*Don’t squeeze the bulb too much. | #*Don’t squeeze the bulb too much. | ||
#*Gently suction out the solution by squeezing the bulb, placing the tip slightly into the nostril, and then releasing the bulb. | #*Gently suction out the solution by squeezing the bulb, placing the tip slightly into the nostril, and then releasing the bulb. | ||
| − | #*Avoid touching the inside of the nostril if you can, though this may be difficult with a squirming baby. Wipe the bulb off on a tissue and discard the tissue. Use a new tissue for each nostril, as you are trying to minimize any contamination and to minimize the spread of an infection. Wash your hands before and after each treatment.<ref | + | #*Avoid touching the inside of the nostril if you can, though this may be difficult with a squirming baby. Wipe the bulb off on a tissue and discard the tissue. Use a new tissue for each nostril, as you are trying to minimize any contamination and to minimize the spread of an infection. Wash your hands before and after each treatment.<ref name="rf5" /><ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #*Repeat this only two to three times a day. If your baby squirms too much, relax and just try again later. Remember to be very gentle!<ref>http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-or-nasal-aspirator-to-clear-a-stuf_482.bc</ref> For older children, you can repeat the process four to five times a day | + | #*Repeat this only two to three times a day. If your baby squirms too much, relax and just try again later. Remember to be very gentle!<ref name="rf15">http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-or-nasal-aspirator-to-clear-a-stuf_482.bc</ref> For older children, you can repeat the process four to five times a day |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
