Natural Ways To Beat The Common Cold

You know the feeling. Maybe it starts with a slight headache, a scratchy throat or cold chill. Whatever the first sign is you know where it’s going, your fighting the cold. So what is your first reaction? Some might run out to stock up on cold medicine, cough drops, and aspirin. Then come home and put the Doctor on speed dial. But there are other options.

Now, before you have those first signs, is the time to plan how to beat the common cold. Cold viruses spread mainly from fall through the winter months. So now is the time to prepare. Below are 5 natural  ways to fight back. These are alternative methods that have been tried and proven to help.

1. DIET : Try eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and whole grains to build up your immune  system. Cut down on sugar, alcohol and dairy.

2. HERBS : Echinacea golden seal, and zinc may help calm a cold in 2 ways. The herbs can weaken a cold virus, and shorten the duration of the cold.

3. TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE : Try fighting the cold with Chinese acupressure points, without needles. Steps:    1. Sit in a comfortable position. 2. Bend the right elbow. 3. With the left thumb apply pressure to the top of the inside crease. 4. With the rest of the left hand cradle under the elbow. 5. Hold that for a minute or two. Then repeat on the other left elbow.

4. VITAMINS : Research has found that keeping your vitamin D  at  optimal levels may help fend off colds. Vitamin C may not prevent the cold, but by taking it at the onset of the cold you can ease the systems and even shorten the duration.

5. AROMATHERAPY : Eucalyptus can help breathing, congestion and cough. Try this, 1. Bring 8 cups of water just to a boil. 2. Remove from heat. 3.  Add 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil. 4.  Hold your head over the pan. 5. Make a tent with a towel to trap the steam. 6. Inhale for 5-10 minutes.

So the next time you feel a cold coming on, remember "you can fight back". There are many natural, alternative ways. The choice is yours.