Coughs and Colds

As you are probably all aware, because I have moaned so much about it, I have been suffering with a cold and cough over the last couple of weeks. So I thought that I would have a look at a few favourite remedies. My own view is to look at things that will stimulate the immune system instead of just ‘fighting’ the symptoms. I am always wary of antibiotics because they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, which means that you can then be susceptible to something else.

Echinacea
Echinacea can be found in either liquid or tablet form. Take early to prevent infection, preferably at the beginning of the winter before the colds or take it with the first symptoms of infection. This can prevent it from taking hold.
Once an infection has invaded the body Echinacea can help to shorten the recovery time.

Vitamin C
Scientifically controlled studies using vitamin C for colds show that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. The vitamin may be useful for allergy control for the same reason: It may reduce histamine levels. By giving the immune system one of the important nutrients it needs, extra vitamin C can often shorten the duration of the cold as well. However, studies have been unable to prove that megadoses of the vitamin can actually prevent the common cold.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is also considered to help with the symptoms of the common cold so I usually sprinkle some on my Muesli. After all it tastes nice too. Chinese Medicine categorizes cinnamon as a Kidney Yang (warming and drying) tonic that chases cold and damp away. It is great for times when you feel that the cold and damp of fall and winter are getting you down. It is perfect for the person who spends the autumn and winter bundling up and wishing for warm weather to return. Combine with ginger for a wonderful and healing tea. Add cardamom and milk and you have Chai tea.

Sources
It is always worth paying for quality particularly with Vitamins and supplements. Your local Health Shop is usually a good place to start and in Lincoln the best on is Greens on the High Street. In Newark there is a good one on Kirkgate. Generally the independent Health shops are run by people who are knowledgeable and helpful about their products, as opposed to chains and supermarkets where the employees are possibly not as specific in their knowledge of the products.