Herbal Remedies May Not Be the Cure for the Common Cold,

There’s more than prunes, oatmeal and canned tomatoes in your grandmother’s cupboard. Grandmothers really do know best when it comes to alleviating coughs, sniffles, teary eyes and headaches caused by the notorious common cold.

I remember my grandmother (God, rest her soul) giving my father a shot of whiskey to cure a coughing spell he had once. Although his eyes got red and watery, the coughing did stop. I have tried the whiskey cure before for sore throats and dry coughs, and it has helped; I do recommend having something in your stomach before throwing a whiskey shot back though!

My grandparents did not spend much on going to the doctor when they got a cold because most of their symptoms could be alleviated with herbs and veggies right from their garden or from a nearby market.

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Antibiotics do cure the common cold, and even your doctor will tell you this; however, a combination of garlic and Vitamin C taken at the first signs of a cold (you know that scratchy throat feeling or a migraine) can greatly reduce your symptoms as well as heal your body’s immune system naturally.

Raw garlic acts like an antibiotic and does not have those funny feeling side effects like other decongestants and prescription antibiotics. Besides, our bodies are becoming more immune to lab-created antibiotics which won’t help our cold symptoms or any other infection.

Herbal treatments and supplements are our best defense against the common cold. Have a few of the following in your cupboard for the next time you start feeling run down, have a scratchy throat or need a box of tissues for a runny nose. (Source: Natural Health, Nov. 2010)

Echinacea (ek a na sha) – Stimulates your body’s immune system. How to use: Buy as a liquid extract or capsule since the entire plant is both beneficial and medicinal to strengthen your immune system. Use five droppers of tincture (liquid) or 2 capsules at the onset of a cold, then 2 droppers or 2 capsules every 4 – 8 hours up to 24 hours. You make a hot tea with the liquid or add it to juice or water. If it’s too bitter add a little honey to sweeten.

Elderberry – This herb warms your body and has many anti-viral properties that reduce both flu and cold symptoms. How to use: Buy from a recognized natural health or whole foods store to find the best quality product. Follow the directions on the package at the onset of flu or cold symptoms. Can also be used in conjunction with other herbal supplements.

Garlic – Allicin (sounds like penicillin), the anti-bacterial compound forms in fresh raw garlic when it’s crushed, chopped or chewed and works similar to prescribed antibiotics, but without harming your immune system. How to use: Buy fresh garlic cloves, crush, slice, mince or chop and allow to sit for 10 minutes to maximize the allicin.

Then eat or put on toast (do not toast with the garlic otherwise it will lose its strength). You can also swallow since you don’t have to chew it to receive its potent power. You can do this several times a day to get the most effectiveness and reduces your cold symptoms much more quickly.

Ginger – Similar to Elderberry, Ginger also raises your body temperature to fight off viruses, and it has anti-flammatory and immune fighting properties. How to use: Chop ginger root and let simmer in water to make ginger tea for 10 minutes, strain, and add lemon and honey to taste. You can also buy ginger tea bags and 1 tea bag is good for at least 3 cups of tea.

Licorice – Also packed full of anti-viral properties which help lessen your cold symptoms and boost your antibodies. Good for sore throats. How to use: Licorice tea is the best way to treat colds, and you’ll often find it mixed with herbs because of its potency. Not recommended for those who have high-blood pressure. Drink up to 3 cups of licorice tea daily throughout the duration of a cold.

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