What is known as the common cold is actually one of over 200 possible viruses. The average adult gets two to three colds per year. Most people have suffered from the stuffy noses, runny noses, and sore throats that go along with the cold season. Since colds are causes by viruses, they must simply be allowed to run their course. There are some options that can help you get through the symptoms, though.
Over the counter medications
Most cold medications are “shotgun” remedies containing up to seven different drugs. This approach is a waste of consumers’ money and can lead to many unwanted side effects. In fact, antihistamines as a treatment for colds have been found to be no more effective than placebo medications, and they are notorious for causing drowsiness and decreased alertness. Better are medications that target only the symptoms you have when you have them, and the dose can be adjusted to match the severity of the symptom.
As for coughs, it is not always good to “suppress” them. Coughing is our bodies’ natural way of clearing secretions and getting rid of irritants and foreign matter.
Oral decongestants have systemic effects; instead of targeting the area of the symptom, they target the entire body. Nasal sprays, on the other hand, act locally, but more than three days of usage can cause “rebound congestion,” making the problem worse. Instead, try making your own nasal saline. Mix ¼ tsp. table salt with 1 cup of warm water. Use an eyedropper to administer it in your nose, 4-5 drops 6 times daily.
Throat lozenges soothe the throat by creating another stimulus for your throat tissues. Zinc is now being included in many of them. Zinc attaches to the same receptors in the throat as cold viruses, so the virus doesn’t have anywhere to go.
Natural Options
Contrary to popular belief, colds are not caused by cold weather, drafts, or being wet. Instead, we get them more in the winter because of indoor crowding. The main route of transmission is shaking hands, not kissing (actually, saliva has very few cold viruses in it.) To combat this, make sure you wash your hands often, especially if someone in your household is sick. Use tissues instead of hankies, since cold germs can’t live as long on them. Keep your fingers away from your nose and eyes.
Next, visit your chiropractor. Adjusting your spine will help your immune system work at its optimum and fight the virus harder and faster. It will also aid lymphatic drainage. He or she can also work on acupressure points to help your sinuses drain.
Exercise is another option. It raises your body temperature, thereby creating a hostile environment that the virus cannot live in.
Increase your water intake to help flush your symptom. Also increase your intake of Vitamin C and B complex, which both help the immune system do its job.
Air pollution and smoking (second hand as well) decrease the mucociliary activity in your nose and lungs, so make sure you are staying in clean air.
Herbal Options
Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Do not use it for more than 6-8 weeks, though, as your immune system will become over stimulated.
Mullein and licorice root (not Twizzlers!) are both expectorants and demulcents, and work well for chronic respiratory infections.
Menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils help congestion when inhaled. For the first thirty minutes after inhalation, you may feel more congested, but afterward you will feel improved airflow. They can be inhaled by being simmered in a pot of water, put in a steam vaporizer, in a hot bath, or by putting a few drops on your pillowcase before sleeping.
Dr. Heller is a chiropractor with additional education and training in strength and conditioning, both for athletes and non-athletes. Her post-graduate education has focused on extremity injuries, women's health, and nutrition. She also has extensive experience in teaching aquatic exercise classes. http://www.healthritellc.com