The pounding headache, the sore neck, the runny nose : all things leading to the start of a cold, and in no time flat, your cold turns into the flu. But, after having absolutely no relief from using the same antibiotics over and over, how can you rid yourself of this common virus? Fitness.com has some simple home remedies that have been effective in bringing your body relief for centuries all over the world.
From the African cereal Nihuk: this porridge like creation has been proven to prevent colds. Just leave a bowl of these finely ground grains overnight in water. If you wish to sweeten the taste add honey in small quantities throughout the day, and this home remedy will surely be capable of clearing your airways. The Indian holistic healing method called Gewurztee also is known to have a similar effect. This mix consists of basil, eucalyptus leaves, rosemary, cloves, Josef cabbage (hyssop), sage and savory. Followers of traditional Indian remedies focus mainly on prevention methods. Therefore they also rely heavily on rinsing the nose regularly with salt water to protect against colds. The salt water allows the mucus membranes to be kept moist to avoid viruses. In particular, people who work in offices suffer from dry mucus membranes from heated air, which with a flush of warm water and salt can easily be cleared.
Some helpful links:
Sleep to maintain fitness levels
http://de.fitness.com/articles/390/keine_fitness_ohne_schlaf.php
Saunas strengthen the immune system
http://de.fitness.com/articles/128/sauna_staerkt_das_immunsystem.php
Fitness.com Forum: Tips for runners in cold weather
http://de.fitness.com/forum/artikel-forum/triathlon-trotz-erkaeltung-welche-tipps-haben-sie-fuer-den-fitness-com-laeufer-15521.html?highlight=erk% E4ltung
In Korea, Koreans swear off colds using Mandarin tree vinegar. Fruits of the mandarin tree are not only full of vitamins, but they also pose as a medically useful byproduct: derived from its branches the vinegar is known to boost digestion and the formation of blood, by producing an antibacterial effect. The vinegar helps in the form of capsules or pads, that can be found in health food stores and pharmacies. Asia is also known to use ginger quite frequently to treat colds and flus.
Many Americans swear on a traditional household remedy called "Jewish penicillin". This remedy is no more than a simple chicken broth. The broth contains protein substances, and one in particular cysteine that helps strengthen circulation and stimulates the immune system.
Another American cold prevention classic is "Neo-Citron". But beware: recent information indicates that the relief that Neo-Citron offers may not always be guaranteed. First and foremost, heat destroys vitamins, and when you heat Neo-Citron, all the vitamins that are there to help your cold get boiled away. Instead, try a warm cup of tea after indulging in some vitamin rich fruits such as oranges or grapefruits.
The aroma from Linden or elder flowers help stop cold sweats and help release pathogens from the body. Especially when a cold is not yet a throat infection and is not accompanied by a fever, cold baths are not only a boon, but an effective remedy. A hot bath with essential oils of eucalyptus, pine needles, thyme, sage or peppermint and a sequential amount of rest also act as great chest relievers. Or instead, put a cotton cloth in about 40 degree hot water, rinse, and then apply to the chest. After about thirty minutes remove the cloth.
Just as the House Appropriations suggests and different healing methods from around the world, they can only say their remedies are as useful as the alternative ; pills and tablets. After a relaxing bath, go to bed, drink a cup of tea, have a cup of chicken broth or eat porridge and as the winter storms rage outside : this is probably the best therapy for a regular cold. Those who don't rely on quotes such as "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away" may be forced to deal with the traumas of cold and flu more often. The key is to eat fruit and vegetables every day – the more vitamins your body gets, the more likely it will be to fight off an oncoming cold.
The Cold Killer: Jewish Penicillin
