Monday, October 11, 2010

How To Naturally Stop The Common Cold, Flu, and Seasonal Allergy

The cold, the flu, and seasonal allergies usually enter the body through the sinuses as airborne particulates. Thus, the first thing you should do at the primary signs of illness (congestion and throat irritation) is use a "Netti" pot, otherwise known as a nasal irrigator. At any Walgreens, Rite-Aid, or Health Food Store, buy a high quality ceramic "Netti" pot, as the cheap plastic ones hold little water and are uncomfortable. Put in about a teaspoon of sea salt or non-iodized salt, and fill with luke warm water, stir with your finger so that you can feel the salt dissolve. Tilt your head horizontal and tilt the "Netti" pot into your top nostril. Letting the water drain through the bottom nostril, then repeat with the other side once the irrigator is empty. The key to success is to breathe through your mouth while you do this. Once you get used to it, it becomes easy.
The next important thing to do with colds, the flu, and allergies is to take frequent high doses of vitamin C. Chewable tablets are easy, but I also take Pine Needle Tea. I make pine needle tea by pulling or cutting off a 1 inch diameter bundle of pine needles. I then cut this bundle into 3/8" to 1/2" pieces with scissors into a cup and pour boiling water over them. I let this steep for 15 to 20 minutes and drink, making sure to not drink the pine needles. I also chew on one or two pine needles on and off throughout the day.

Water is the best medicine and most of us live in a state of  mild dehydration. Drinking alot of water is important in life and particularly during colds, flu, allergies, or any other ailment because it aids in the removal of toxins. Avoid cold water since the body must use energy to warm it up. Drinking herbal tea warms and hydrates the body, and a hotter than usual body kills many bacteria and viruses which cannot tolerate 2-3 degrees above normal body temperature (which is why the body develops a fever). Likewise, taking a hot bath helps with cold and influenza by warming the body above normal temperature. (Note: However, taking cold showers while the body is in a state of homeostasis (health) toughens and invigorates the body making us more resistant).

Echinacea is a common plant found throughout North America. It has long been noted as an important immuno-defense herb. Take echinacea tea or pills. Echinacea is most useful in the primary stages of colds, flues, or allergies but has limited effect if the ailment is in full force. In the later stages of colds and flu a lesser known herb should be taken with Echinacea...

And that herb is Goldenseal. Goldenseal helps shorten the duration of colds and flu after they already have a "foothold". I put a full dropper of Goldenseal tincture (found at your local Health Food Store) into an Echinacea tea and take three times a day.

But when rest is not an option and/or the above methods do not work I take "Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark Syrup" from Plantary Herbals. It is mixture of herbs, which tastes absolutely horrible, but works well.

Of course, preventing ailments by maintaining a healthy body is best. Eating healthy, getting outside, breathing deeply, meditating, taking cold showers, and living an active lifestyle are collective ways of having a resistant body.

Staying healthy is an important part of Thrivalism. 

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