How to avoid, tame and cure colds and flu

To be typically harmless, in terms of permanent damage, the common cold can sure make a person feel like they're dying. The stopped-up head, coughing and miserable flu-like symtoms are enough to make you scream. So, how do you fight that nasty flu bug? Here's how I fight mine and here's a clue...it isn't with prescription meds or OTC's.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Simply Saline
• Cayenne Capsules (40,000 units)
• Oscillococcinum
• Pure Oregano Oil
• Pure Olive Oil

1. That old ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. To prevent a cold, wash hands often and carry hand sanitizer with you every where you go. Get rid of any concerns about being thought germaphobic and start using that hand sanitizer on door knobs and door handles at crowded places like supermarkets and work sites.
2. Prevention is the best cure: Learn to recognize the first symptoms of cold and flu. The reason most of us have such a hard time getting rid of a cold is that we ignore the first warning signs. How many times have you noticed a slight itchiness in your throat or a very subtle itching or mild discomfort in your ears, and ignored it? Those are the body's vital first warning signs. Learn how to recognize them and you can avoid a lot of full-blown flu and cold situations in the future.
   
   So what are those early symptoms we should look for about 24 hours short of a full-blown problem?
   
   1. itchy throat (not necessarily painful at this point)
   2. itchy or irritated ears
   3. abnormal fatique (this is the one most often ignored but if you are more tired than normal in cold and flu season, notice if you also have itchy throat or ears. If so, proceed to steps 3-5. Don't wait for the cold to take hold.
   Flu prevention tips: www.askahealer.com/flu-prevention-tips.htm
3. Homeopathics: The first step I take toward zapping my own colds and flu depends on where I am in the cold and flu cycle. If I am wise enough to have just felt the first symptoms coming on, the first thing I do is take Oscillococcinum and continue to take it every few hours til symptoms subside. In addition, see step 4.
4. Cayenne Tea: Another step I take in my fight against colds and flu is to drink a cup of hot cayenne tea. Dr. Christopher, the father of herbalism, swore by this remedy for helping the body heal in many cases. Dr. Christopher used cayenne tea* to stop a heart attack on more than one occasion. I can't say I've used it for that but I can swear by cayenne tea for cold and flu relief. It feels a bit warm in the mouth but I actually find it pleasant.
   
   Take one 40,000 unit cayenne capsule and dissolve in hot water. Stir frequently in between sips to keep the cayenne from floating to the top and burning the mouth.
   
   I do this step whether I have a cold or just think I might be getting one. More on cayenne: www.askahealer.com/prevent-heart-attacks.htm
5. Marvelous Oregano: This step I also do regardless of where I am in the cold and flu cycle.
   
   Take a dollop of pure olive oil, about the size of a nickel.
   
   Add 3-4 drops of pure oregano oil.
   
   Mix well to avoid burning sensation on the skin.
   
   Apply around both ears and down side of neck, along lymph nodes.
   
   Note: Some may be more sensitive to oregano than others. Mixed well, it stings my skin a bit but that goes away in a few minutes. If it stings too much or too long, dilute with more oil.
   
   I have used this remedy so many times at night, before going to bed, and it almost always kicks a cold overnight for me.
6. Simply Saline: My final cold and flu prevention tool is simply saline. I use it regardless of where I am in the cycle but have found it particularly useful in very stubborn cases of head congestion.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the most prevalent health tips when fighting a cold is to take in more fluids. I agree with that but feel that water is the best fluid and that, rather than drinking large quantities, it's better to just have lukewarm or hot water by your bed and sip on it through the day or night. Ice water is a shock to the system and colds and flu already shock the system so why add more disturbance?
• As mentioned above, cayenne tea should be stirred in between sips to avoid burning the mouth and oregano oil should never be applied to the skin full strength. Also, you should always wash your hands thoroughly after using oregano oil because if you get it in your eyes, it will burn.
• If you are under a doctor's care for any known medical conditon or taking prescription drugs, you should check with your doctor before adding anything new, whether natural or over the counter remedies to avoid prescription drug interactions. See additional resources for more on prescription drug interactions.