Natural Cold Remedies

As the cooler weather arrives, we brace ourselves for the cold and flu season. When you notice the first symptoms of a cold--the scratchy throat, swollen lymph nodes and runny nose--you can use natural cold remedies to reduce the cold's duration and severity.

Significance
Don't run to the doctor at the first sign of a sniffle and ask for antibiotics. Antibiotics are often not necessary, will not get rid of your cold and can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria--a growing problem. Natural remedies can help you feel better, fight the cold virus and build your immune system to fight off future infections.

Prevention/Solution
Of course, the best remedy for a cold is prevention. Wash your hands frequently, keep your hands away from your face (especially your nose, eyes and mouth) and do your best to avoid being around people who are already sick.

Vitamin C has long been the staple of natural cold remedies. 1,000 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C can reduce the symptoms of a cold by almost 30 percent when taken soon after you notice symptoms. One study showed a reduction in symptoms by 85 percent(1)! Start slowly. Take 500 mg of vitamin C and add 250 to 500 mg every few hours. When you experience loose stools, back off to the previous dose of vitamin C.
Zinc increases the activity of white blood cells and helps to kill cold viruses. Take four to eight zinc gluconate lozenges per day containing 13 mg of zinc per lozenge. Zinc can cause an upset stomach, so be sure to take with food or after eating. You can also find zinc in a convenient throat spray or in nasal swabs.

Echinacea is a natural herb that can help to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Combining echinacea with astragalus provides greater immune-stimulating properties than either herb on its own. Take 150 to 300 mg of a standardized extract of Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia and/or 100 to 150 mg of astragalus three times daily at the first sign of a cold.

Time Frame
There is no "cure" for the common cold since there are many forms of the cold virus. A cold can last up to 14 days, but the average cold sufferer will feel better within 5 to 7 days. Some natural cold remedies have actually been shown to reduce the duration of a cold. Zinc gluconate can reduce the length of a cold by almost half(2,3)!

Warnings
Natural remedies can interact with medications you are taking and should not be taken by those dealing with some health conditions, including autoimmune diseases. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements.

Consideration
If you find that you are continually catching colds, you may be worn down, have too much stress depleting your immune system, be experiencing the negative effects of a poor diet or have an undiagnosed health condition. See your doctor for a complete checkup.

Resources
1. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999 October; 22(8): 530-3.
2. Canadian Family Physician, 1997 Mar; 43: 453.
3. Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 1997; 26(2): 91-92.