How to Cure a Cold With Natural Remedies

Curing a cold is relatively simple. Your body is going to work very hard to rid itself of the offending virus in spite of you. By giving your body what it needs to help it do its job, you can keep the misery of a cold to a minimum, and may even prevent the infection from taking hold. Early signs of a cold are runny nose or nasal congestion, sore or hoarse throat, digestive problems and fatigue. If you suspect that you may be coming down with a cold, being proactive early can reverse the symptoms within a day.

Things You'll Need

• Organic vhicken (with bones)
• Garlic
• Onions
• Parsley
• Fresh fruit juices
• Herbal teas
• Lemon
• Honey

Instructions

1. Make sure that you begin nurturing your body at the first signs of a cold. Rest is the most important. If you work, it is wise to take a sick day, even if the symptoms are minor. This will prevent the spread of the cold to your co-workers (which they will appreciate) and will give your body a headstart at fighting the cold virus. In addition, being proactive early in the stage of the illness can prevent a long and lengthy recovery. Symptoms can resolve within a day or two.

2. Having the ingredients on hand for chicken soup--an age-old remedy for the common cold--is helpful. Chicken parts with the bone, garlic, onions and parsley can be combined with water or vegetable broth and simmered to make chicken broth or soup. The active ingredients in this soup have been shown to improve symptoms of the common cold and physicians are advised now to recommend chicken soup for patients who exhibit cold symptoms. Antibiotics for cold treatment is generally not recommended.

3. Drink plenty of broths and clear soups, fruit juices and herbal teas. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which cause stress on the body. If you are having fever, aches or pains, and feel fatigued, bed rest is advised. Drink plenty of fluids and keep solid foods to a minimum. The less the body has to work at digestion, the more reserves it has to fight the cold.

4. Take a glass of lemon and honey at least twice a day. Even better, make hot lemonade with brandy for a nighttime cocktail. This concoction induces sleep and allows the body to cleanse itself. It is particularly soothing for sore throat. Heat 2 cups of water and add the juice of 2 lemons. Add 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of brandy (this is optional). Drink while warm.

5. 

   Take advantage of the time that you are recuperating from a cold to relax your mind and body. Zoning out once in awhile from the stresses of everyday life is beneficial. In the absence of a fever, taking a hot bath helps the body to relax and steam helps decongest nasal passages. If you have essential oils of rosemary or eucalyptus, adding a few drops to the bath water is therapeutic. With the right frame of mind, you may even enjoy the unwelcome break of catching a cold.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know that you have been exposed to the common cold, you can begin this regimen even before you come down with symptoms. This protocol is really a help to your body's detoxification process, and even if you get a cold, it's possible that your body will rid itself of the virus before you ever get symptoms.

• Having a willing partner or helper to nurture you during your sickness is always a delight.

• Generally, over the counter cold and flu remedies relieve the symptoms but do not help your body fight the cold virus. It's always best to support your body's efforts in healing than interfering with it, which can sometimes lead to more serious illness.

• If you have these symptoms accompanying your cold, you may consider that a more serious illness is taking hold: high fever and/or chills, body aches and pains, weakness, decreased level of consciousness, dizziness, severe headache and neck pain. Consult your physician.