The average person gets about two colds per year, and those pesky cold symptoms are just the body’s attempt to heal itself. For example, when there is a fever it is there for a reason - to help burn up the toxins and bacteria. In recent years it has been shown that people who take aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) suppress their ability to produce antibodies to destroy the cold virus. There are many natural approaches that work with, not against, the body’s attempt to heal, and can be safer as well. Here are some recommendations given by physicians who specialize in nutrition.

For a sore throat use this gargle mix: 2 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in one quart of warm water. Shake well before each use. Gargle several times using up to 1/2 cup of this mixture, and repeat as often as needed.

For a decongestant/mucolytic agent and bowel care: Lemon-ginger water: squeeze the juice of one large fresh lemon into a quart of water and add one tablespoon of freshly diced ginger root. Shake well each time before using. Drink 2-4 quarts per day. You may use heated lemon-ginger water with honey as a soothing tea for colds and coughs.

To moisturize, liquefy and clear mucus from nasal and sinus passages, use sterile, saline nasal spray or make your own.

Homemade nasal spray: Boil one cup of water. Cool, but while still warm add 1/4 tsp. salt and a pinch of soda (about 1/16 of a tsp.) to this cup of sterile water. When salt and soda are dissolved, pour solution into clean small bottles that have a dropper (many of us have leftover herbal tincture bottles). Lean head back, or lie down, and put 1-2 droppers full of the saline solution into each nostril 1-2 times a day as prevention, or 3-4 times a day if you have congestion problems. It is all right if the water runs out and you catch it with a tissue because the nostril has then been irrigated. Do a fresh batch as needed, at least every few weeks. To keep sinuses clear, avoid alcohol which can make mucous thicker.

It is important to use a vaporizer or humidifier during sleep for congestion and cough. Take a sauna, if available, and avoid dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, etc.) for 10+ days. Use soy milk, rice milk or almond milk products instead of those made from cow’s or goat’s milk.

When an individual has influenza (flu), antibiotics are not indicated because flu is a viral illness, not bacterial. The homeopathic, over-the-counter, flu remedy Oscillococcinum, should be taken at the onset of flu symptoms. This homeopathic remedy has been proven in clinical trials to be helpful, and is safe for children and adults.

Some find relief with one or more of the following natural antibiotics which many health food stores carry:

by June Russell - www.jrussellshealth.com/