Common Cold Symptoms & Natural Treatment Sources

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract which may be caused by any one of up to 200 strains of virus. These are spread either by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed by others, or, more probably, by direct handto- hand contact with sufferers. When infection occurs, the walls of the respiratory tract swell and produce excess mucus, giving rise to the typical cold symptoms of stuffy or runny nose, throat discomfort, malaise, and occasional coughing. Colds can produce fevers of up to 102°F (39°C) in infants and children, but such fevers in adults indicate that the infection is probably influenza. The incubation period is from 1–3 days, after which symptoms occur, and most colds run their course in 3–10 days. Infants and elderly people are susceptible to complications such as sinusitis, ear inflammations, and pneumonia.

In conventional medicine, colds are treated with rest and fluids, in addition to antihistamines, decongestants, and cough medicines, as needed. Aspirin is recommended only when symptoms are severe, because it increases viral shedding and makes the sufferer more contagious. Vaccines are of little use in prevention because so many kinds of viruses are involved. Research suggests that interferon (a protein produced by animal cells when they are invaded by viruses, which is released into the bloodstream or intercellular f luid to induce healthy cells to manufacture an enzyme that counters the infection) could prevent the spread of colds and may prove useful to people at high risk of complications.

Symptoms 
• sneezing and runny nose
• mild fever
• headache
• coughing and a burning or sore throat
• catarrh

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
Brown 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds in a frying pan, then boil with 4 cups of water, with 4 slices of root ginger. Reduce to 2 cups of liquid, strain, and drink. Sunflower may be useful.

Chinese Herbalism 
Plantain seed, peppermint, mulberry, honeysuckle, and skullcap may be prescribed to address weakness of the Lung, Cold, and Wind.

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Barley water with lemon and honey will encourage healing and shorten the duration of a cold. Cinnamon is an excellent warming herb, and can be added to food and drinks, or as an oil to a vaporizer, to treat and prevent colds and flu. Fresh garlic, eaten daily, will discourage the onset of a cold. Garlic will also work to reduce fever. Honey, eaten fresh or added to herbal teas, will encourage healing and prevent secondary infections occurring. Steep lemons in hot water, and a little honey; drink regularly in the cold season, or during a cold, to restore yourself and prevent infection. This will also treat coughs. A mustard poultice on the chest or mustard added to a foot bath will act as a decongestant.

Herbalism 
Ginger promotes perspiration and helps soothe the throat. The herb echinacea will encourage immune response, and acts as a natural antibiotic. Peppermint helps to reduce the symptoms of a cold. Ginseng powder, added to any warming herbal tea, will boost the immune system and help the body to fight the infection.

Aromatherapy 
Tea tree and lemon oils help to fight infection. Massage, in a light carrier oil, into the chest and head, or place in the bath or a burner. Lavender oil in the bath will help you sleep, to aid recovery—particularly good if there is a cough. Eucalyptus oil can kill bacteria and soothe inflamed mucous membranes. 

Homeopathy
Aconite, in the first stage of a cold. Belladonna, for colds with a high temperature and great thirst. Mercurius, for colds that begin with a sore throat, with swollen glands. Gelsemium, for flu-like symptoms, weakness, and achiness. Allium, for streaming nose and eyes where the discharge makes the nose red raw. Pulsatilla, for runny nose with thick, yellow or green mucus. Nat. mur., for colds with a crop of cold sores; sneezing and watery eyes. Dulcamara, when the nose is stuffed up with catarrh in rainy or windy weather. Bryonia, if you feel like a bear with a sore head. 

Vitamins and Minerals
Citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, which will help the body to fight infection. Zinc is known to reduce the duration of a cold; suck a zinc lozenge at the first signs. Royal jelly acts as a tonic and an antiviral agent. Both ginger and coriander are useful in treating colds. To make a decoction, brown 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds. Once the seeds are browned, add 4 cups of water and bring to the boil. Add 4 slices of root ginger and reduce the liquid to 2 cups and strain. Drink to reduce a fever.