Get Rid of Your Cold a Little Faster with Herbs
A few herbs that will help you kick that cold.
The rising cost of health care and a lack of insurance makes everyone reluctant to go to the doctor for little things like the sniffles, but as we all know those sniffles can sometimes become raging infections that force you into the doctor’s office. Some of us are also reluctant to take medications that can mask symptoms without really eliminating the cause. Masking symptons can sometimes cause us to overextend ourselves when we should be resting, or allow us to ignore our what the body really needs in order to get better.
Advice about herbal remedies and holistic methods is not always foolproof, and what works for some people not work for everyone, but there are a few staples that should be in every herbalist’s pantry to help you beat that cold.
You’ve heard this one before; echinacea. It is an immune system booster that will help you heal more quickly. I personally find it more effective when used in conjunction with other things, which I’ll mention a little later. Many will advocate the use of goldenseal echinacea. Goldenseal assists with breaking up mucus and contains a natural antibacterial agent called berberine which can prevent infection.I have spoken with some people who have a slight adverse reaction to goldenseal, so if you try it and it doesn’t agree with you, regular echinacea is still available.
If I am taking echinacea, chances are I am also taking grape seed extract, which the herbalist I consult says boosts the immune system as well. In addition, it has a benefit to heart health. Personally I find this far more effective than taking one or the other alone.
For cough and sore throat, you can take marshmallow. Not the fluffy white confection, but the marshmallow plant. It dries up mucus and reduces inflammation. I swear by this, and when allergy season hits, this stuff is like magic.
As with other health issues, there are some foods that can help you recover more quickly. Adding grape seed oil, ginger, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper and anise to meals can help. Most of the items on this list are spicy and may induce sweat. The sweating helps clear your system more quickly.
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