It appears that the flu season is gone, but now we deal with the colds and allergies that come with spring. If your nose is stuffed up, or if you can’t get any rest because you cough all night long, you don’t need to grab prescription pills for relief. There are many natural cold remedies that doctors say will ease your symptoms right away. You can find these remedies in your local grocery or health food store to keep on hand when you catch a cold, or even for when you feel you are coming down with a cold to knock it out quickly.
Zinc Lozenges – The mineral, zinc, is linked to decreasing viruses by enhancing the immune system. It blocks the virus by stopping its cell growth in the respiratory system. Lozenges are suggested over zinc tablets, because the lozenges go straight to the respiratory system through the throat and mouth to kill the virus faster. According to a Cleveland Clinic study, people who use 6 to 8 zinc lozenges per day lessened the length of their colds by 3 days.
Echinacea – Many of us have grown cone flowers our gardens, but this pretty purple flowering herb is also great for fighting colds. The University of Connecticut conducted a study that’s results show that this herb can reduce catching a cold by 58%, and reduce the length of a cold by almost 2 days. It is most effective for prevention, and is suggested that you take it for 3 weeks, stop for 1 week, and then repeat during cold and flu season.
Honey – Made from the pollen of flowers and saliva of bees, honey is full of antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and boosts the immune system. Honey can reduce coughs by 40%, and reduce the possibility of a secondary infection caused by coughs. Add 2 tablespoons to a cup of warm tea. Do not give honey to infants and young children, however, because their immune systems may not yet be strong enough to ward off the botulism spores that are sometimes present in honey.
Ginger Tea – This knobby root can relieve pain, kill viruses, and reduce inflammation due to the ginerols it contains. It will give relief to stomach pain and ease vomiting, as well as help with a sore throat. Ginger tea is good because it is also a way to get much needed fluids when you are sick. Use 2 teaspoons to a cup of water allowing it to steep for 2 minutes for a cup of tea, and drink the tea 3 times a day.
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