A headache, scratchy throat and body aches are symptoms of one thing – a cold. The average person gets at least three colds each year. Antibiotics are not effective for the common cold. Over-the-counter treatments might give you temporary relief, but many have unpleasant side effects. Why not treat your cold naturally and organically? These tips will keep you comfortable until your body fights off the infection.
Drink up. Staying hydrated during a cold helps loosen and expel mucus. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water more than you normally would to flush your system. Warm tea opens clogged sinuses and soothes sore throats. Steer clear of dairy as it tends to encourage mucus production.
Relieve a sore throat. Soothe a scratchy throat by gargling with a half teaspoon of salt mixed in a glass of warm water. The salt water rinse helps flush the virus from your body. Local, raw honey also calms an itchy throat. Honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties which help boost the immune system.
Use nature’s medicine. Zinc is proven to shorten a cold by a day or two. Lozenges must have between 13 and 23 milligrams of zinc to be effective; adults don’t need more than 40 mg per day. Take one lozenge every three hours while you’re sick. Resist the urge to take more because zinc can depress your immune system. Vitamin C is an immune system booster. Add 500-2,000 mg per day to your diet by eating strawberries, dark leafy greens and Brussels sprouts.
Skip Sugar. It’s tempting to indulge in comfort food when you’re not feeling well. So while gelatin, pudding and ice cream might soothe your throat, the high sugar content can weaken your immune system. Find low sugar or sugar-free treats. Better yet, stick to unsweetened tea and warm soups.
Don’t forget your nose. A stuffy nose is more than just uncomfortable. Bacteria and viruses are hiding in those swollen nasal passages. Rinse your nose with saline spray or use a nasal irrigation system twice a day. Reduce swelling by using a cool-mist humidifier or taking a warm shower.
Get Some Rest. While it sounds cliché, you do need to rest when you’re not feeling well. Sleep strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight the infection. Take the time to get plenty of rest so your healthy, organic regimen can do its job.
Maintain your organic routine for a few days until the cold has run its course. Stay home from work if you can especially since you’re most contagious in the early days of a cold. Your friends and co-workers will thank you.