Alternative Treatments for Cold and Flu

We are in the middle of cold and flu season and if you feel like you are on the brink of a cold or the flu have you tried homeopathy as a treatment?

Homeopathic medicines are not herbal or food supplements. They are in fact drugs. Homeopathic medicines contain microdoses so they do not cause side effects or combination hazards with other drugs. You also do not have to worry about side effects from taking them like stomach irritation and drowsiness. These alternative medicines are frequently used for treating self-diagnosable illnesses. They are best taken at the first sign of an illness which is the time to help your body fight the disorder. They basically feed enough of the drug to your body so that your own immune system starts to work.

Homeopathy can be used for colds, flu, sore throat, cough, sleep disturbances, allergies, stress, sinus pain, mentrual cramps, muscle soreness, bruises, indigestion...the list goes on an on. It is always best to check with your natural health care provider for assistance in choosing homeopathy but these drugs are available over the counter. You can find them here at New Seasons, Whole Foods, Food Front Co-op, and even Fred Meyer.

Some of my favorites for cold and flu season are Coldcalm, Chestal, and Oscillococcinum. All these are manufactured by Boiron. Homeopathy is safe for children as well. I do not always find that I am instantly cured by using homeopathy but I do find my symptoms are lessened and shortened most often.

Other treatments for Cold and Flu:
-The best remedy for cold and flu is ginger!Ginger tea is great and can be found at most grocery stores.
-Boil water and place a towel over your head and allow the steam to open up nasal passages ways.
-Vitamin C supplements or high Vitamin C foods
-Drink hot water and lemon with a hint of natural honey
-Melt ghee (see recipe in previous posts)and place a few drops in each nostril
-Avoid sugar and dairy
-Avoid cold foods and drinks
-Use a neti pot or Neil Med Nedi Rinse Kit to clear nasal and sinus passages with a salt water solution. I buy the pre mixed salt packages
-Restorative yoga poses that open the heart. Inversions (shoulder stand and headstand) are good immunity builders. Supported forward bends can be nice to stop nasal drip.
-Alternate nostril breathing
-Rest,rest, rest and hydrate!

Ginger Cardamon Tea
Ginger 2 parts;Cinnamon 3 parts;Cardamon-pinch
Steep 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot water for 1. 0-15 minutes. When the tea has cooled add about 1/2 to 1 tsp of honey