Since there are over 200 strains of cold virus, it is not surprising that a cure has not been found. Prevention is better than Cold treatment by far, once a cold has developed it generally has to run its course. However, treatments can help to relieve symptoms and also stop the cold turning into persistent catarrh or a deeper infection.
Home Remedies for Cold
Cold Treatment using Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Two methods are most appropriate for using oils to combat cold symptoms and stop complications: stem inhalations and baths. If in the early stages, the cold is accompanied by a chill, adding 10 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Cinnamon oil to a warm bath at night will help a lot. More stimulating oils such as Eucalyptus or Tea Tree (10 drops of each) can be used in baths earlier in the day. All the above are valuable in inhalations; a mixture often works better than just one oil.
Herbalism - Herbal Remedies for Cold
One of the herbalists most traditional standbys for colds is still of the best: use an infusion of equal amounts of peppermint (Mentha piperita), Elderflower (Saifihucus nigra) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Taken hot just before going to bed, this will induce a sweat, and if the cold is caught early enough, may stop it altogether. Even if too late for this, it will still be very useful. Other herbs that may be added to the infusion include:
CAYENNE (Capsicum minimum): a favorite North American Indian remedy: use 1.25 ml of the powder to really stimulate the circulation.
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): use a cinnamon stick and break it into the mixture of herbs for a gentle, warming and sweat-inducing effect.
GINGER (Zingiber officinalis): grate a small piece of fresh root ginger into the mixture for extra heat.
Homeopathy and Cold Treatment
ACONITE: for early stages of colds, when starting suddenly, perhaps after exposure to cold winds.
GELSEMIUM: for influenza-like symptoms, feeling chilly and trembling but with a flushed face.
NAT MUR : when there is a lot of sneezing, the nose is sore and inflamed and producing lots of mucus, either watery or like raw egg-white.
Naturopathy - Natural Home Cures for Cold
Immediately increase Vitamin C intake at the earliest stages, very high doses of vitamin C supplement may stop the infection of colds.
Eat lots of fresh fruit for natural Vitamin A, B and C and add plenty of raw garlic to food. Cut out sugary, starchy or milky foods. A short cleansing diet of fresh fruit and salads will encourage the body to throw off the cold more effectively.
Treatment for Cold by Home Remedies
Honey and lemon is a old proven remedy for cold that will help alleviate the symptoms of a cold and also comfort when misery takes over.
Hot Milk Drinks are especially effective when children or adults alike are cold, wet and tired and they usually ensure a sound night's sleep.
Mix I teaspoon of honey into a small coffee cup of hot water and add 3 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus. Take two or three times a day to relief cold problem. Eucalyptus is also first rate when used as an inhalant in hot water.
Take I cup of tamarind pulp to 1 litre (1.75 pints) of boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for two hours. Strain and drink half a cup at a time and sweetened with a little honey every four hours. This remedy will help to treat cold fast.
