Five Natural Cold Remedies That Work

By  Lisa Pecos
Colds are the most common type of infection in the world, with the average adult contracting about three cold infections every year. Yet despite the common cold's ubiquity, we still have no cure for it. The only surefire way to deal with it is to wait approximately seven to ten days for your body to fend off the infection on its own. However, although science has yet to come up with a solution to the common cold, there are numerous remedies both old and new that can greatly help ease the symptoms of cold, even if they cannot cure it.

For anyone interested in natural remedies to ease cold symptoms and make the infection go away faster, here are five remedies that are worth trying.

1. Herbal teas: Any time you have a sore throat or a cough, it is always a good idea to drink hot beverages. And if you are already going to be drinking something hot, you might as well have one of many varieties of herbal tea that are thought to have cold-fighting properties. Echinacea tea is perhaps the best herb for boosting the immune system and speeding along the cold-fighting process, but other herbs such as ginseng, golden seal, eucalyptus, and ginger can have noticeable effects as well. Just stay away from teas with too much caffeine, as these can cause dehydration, which is bad when you have a cold.

2. Fruit and fruit juice: Your immune system needs plenty of vitamins to fight off the infection, and fruits are the best natural source of the types of vitamins the immune system thrives on. Try to eat plenty of citrus fruits, especially oranges, but remember that practically every fruit contains valuable vitamins. And because it is always good to drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold, fruit juices are helpful as well. Just stay away from juices that contain high-fructose corn syrup and other unnatural elements. Go organic, whenever possible.

3. Light soups: There are good reasons why grandmothers the world over swear by chicken soup as the perfect remedy for the common cold. A good bowl of soup has many vitamins that can help boost your immune system, and the warm broth of the soup helps ease inflammation in the bronchial tubes and can even help fight congestion. Chicken soup works well, but any light, healthy soup can work wonders. Add plenty of pepper to give the soup an extra kick for clearing your nasal passages.

4. Spicy foods: Speaking of spices, spicy foods in general can provide worlds of relief when you are in the throes of a nasty cold. Any food with chili peppers, garlic, or ginger can help clear your nasal passages while also inhibiting the substances that cause inflammation in your body. And eating spicy foods is not just a folk remedy; numerous scientific studies have shown that it works.

5. Steam and humidity: The viruses that cause the common cold thrive on dry air, so you can use moisture to fight back in numerous ways. Use a humidifier in the room where you sleep to add a little moisture to the air. Take extra long, very hot showers and breathe deeply throughout. You can even simply hold your head above a steaming pot of water. Use these methods a few times a day, and your cold symptoms will be lessened.

By Lisa Pecos

Lisa Pecos, is a very well known writer on natural remedies and natural approaches for colic acid in babies and toddlers. Many of her articles are highly recommended by natural health care professionals, learn more at http://www.Natural-Health-Journals.com.

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Natural Remedies to Help Your Child Fight Colds and Flus

By  Dr Corrine Wang

With the school year and fall season in gear, your kids are exposed to more germs and may start coming home with a runny nose and sore throat. What can you do as a parent during this time to help prevent your kids from getting sick, or when they are ill, to alleviate their symptoms and help them get well as quickly as possible?

PREVENTION 
The first line of defense is always prevention. Try these tips to keep your kids healthy when others around them are sick.

• Make sure your kids are getting plenty of sleep. This is when their body heals and regenerates the most, so getting adequate rest is vital to staying healthy.

• Try and monitor your kids' stress levels. Stress depresses your immune system, so with increased and sustained levels of stress, there is a greater chance of becoming ill.

• Have them drink plenty of water. Hydrating keeps toxins from building up in your system and helps to flush them out of the body.

• Make sure they are playing or exercising regularly. Moving your body increases your circulation, helping to move blood and lymph along. This allows your white blood cells to circulate and fight germs better. Increasing blood flow also flushes toxins away from muscles and organs, and sweating from exercise or play also removes toxins through the skin.

• Decrease sugar in the diet. Limit processed foods, pastries, candies, etc. as sugar also impairs the immune system and your overall ability to fight colds and flus.

THE ONSET OF A COLD OR FLU

Your child comes home feeling a little fatigued and is starting to get congested. What are some things for keeping their illness at bay and speeding up the healing process?

• Have your child continue to drink more water and get plenty of rest. These are still the best ways to help support our body's natural defenses and give our body a greater opportunity to fight off any infections.

• Take out sugar completely and decrease mucus-producing foods, such as dairy, citrus, and bananas. This will lessen the load on the immune system and prevent any congestion from becoming worse.

• Echinacea and elderberry are some great herbs that can help boost the immune system and combat upper respiratory infections. The gylcerite forms of these herbs are also tasty for children.

• Other herbs that are warming and good for colds and congestion include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and yarrow. They can increase circulation and help stimulate body heat.

• The wet sock treatment is very helpful for increasing circulation and decreasing congestion in the head, throat, and chest. It also helps with sleep and stimulates the immune system (procedure for a wet sock treatment found below).

THE FULL-BLOWN COLD OR FLU

Your child now has a full-blown cold or flu. They are tired, congested, have a cough, and are running a fever. What are some extra things or treatments you can add to relieve symptoms?

• The same treatments as above can be continued for supporting the immune system.

• Chamomile tea is wonderful for children because it relaxes them so they can sleep while also helping to clear coughs and congestion and decreasing fever.

• To increase drainage and help relieve congestion, a number of things can help:

o Taking horehound and mullein internally are good for clearing bronchial congestion by stimulating coughs. Mullein is also an antimicrobial to help fight infections.

o Thyme and Eucalyptus essential oils can be added to 1 ounce of olive oil to rub behind the ears, down the neck, and on the chest before your child goes to bed or upon waking. The essential oils can also be added to steam showers or a big basin of hot water for your child to inhale to relieve the congestion.

• A mustard pack is also great for a congested chest (procedure for a mustard pack found below).

• For a dry, spasmodic cough, hyssop and black cherry are great antitussives for children. Soothing throat herbs for dry coughs also include mullein and marshmallow root.

Extended immune support

For kids that may have multiple respiratory infections throughout fall or winter, other supplements to support the immune system can be added.
• Vitamin C and zinc stimulate the immune system and help to both prevent and reduce the duration of colds.

• Probiotics not only help with gut health, but they also boost our immunity.

• Fish oil also helps modulate the immune system and decreases inflammation.

The most important factors for preventing illnesses still center around the basics of rest, hydration, and getting the right nutrients. If your children get these basics, they will be less likely to become sick, but if they do get sick, these natural treatments can help to ease their symptoms as well as expedite their healing process.

TREATMENTS

Wet Sock Treatment

Materials:

- 1 pair of thin cotton socks in ice water
- 1 pair of dry, thick wool socks

Right before bed, soak feet in hot water for 5-10 minutes or take a hot shower/bath. Wring out cotton socks and put on feet. Put dry wool socks over the cotton socks, and go to bed with socks on.

Mustard Pack

Materials:

- 2 pieces of thin cloth (muslin is best or old cut-up T-shirt)
- 1 tbsp dry mustard powder
- Flour (adult: 4tbsp, child: 8 tbsp, infant: 12 tbsp)
- Hot water

Mix flour and mustard. Add enough hot water to make a medium thin paste. Put one piece of muslin over chest, spread mustard paste thinly over entire cloth, then cover with remaining cloth to make a mustard "sandwich." Put a piece of cling wrap over top and cover with a heating pad or hot water bottle for about 10-20 minutes. Skin should not be red; watch for skin irritation. Clean the area well after treatment.

Dr. Corrine Wang is a licensed Naturopathic doctor that graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. As a Naturopathic doctor, she is committed to assisting others achieve balance and wellness in their lives. She believes in treating the whole person and supports each individual's healing process with the most effective, least invasive methods possible. Dr. Wang treats a variety of conditions using therapies that include clinical nutrition and dietary therapy, herbal and nutritional supplements, homeopathy, detoxification, and physical medicine including craniosacral therapy. She believes in mind-body medicine and supporting mental health along with physical health and also has experience with biofeedback, meditation, and other counseling techniques. She has a practice at Pacific Naturopathic in Mountain View. To learn more about Dr. Wang and how she can be of service, please visit her website at http://www.drcorrinewang.com.

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How to Maintain Healthy Hair

By  CL Murphy

Most individuals are interested in learning how to maintain healthy hair. Many of these people mistakenly believe that growing hair that is healthy and attractive is a challenging process. It is important to understand that this is not a difficult task. It does require some basic knowledge, a little time and some patience. If you are personally interested in growing and maintaining healthy locks, you will benefit from the information contained in this guide. By acquiring knowledge, being cautious, and making an effort to place the time and care into your hair, you will quickly discover that this aspect of your body will become increasingly beautiful and exceptionally healthy.

Basic Facts

In order to learn how to effectively care for and maintain your tresses, it is essential that you learn some basic facts about the strands on your head. Most individuals have anywhere from one hundred thousand to one hundred fifty thousand individual hairs on their head. Each strand is composed of a powerful type of protein that is identified by specialists as "Keratin". In addition to this substance, there are several other substances found in the locks that we each have. These substances include lipids, an assortment of minerals, various types of melanin granules, as well as water. While the strands are not considered to be living because there are no cells that extend past the follicles, many desire for it to exhibit core characteristics of life such as shine, elasticity and other signs of health. Now that you understand the basic facts associated with the hairs that are on your head, you will be able to understand the steps required to ensure that it exhibits the core characteristics of health.

Diet

The first step to optimizing the health of the tresses on your head is to understand that it involves more than considering what you place directly on your locks. In order to exhibit all of the characteristics of healthy hair, you must consider what you put into your body as well. The strands on the head have the capability of growing up to a half-inch each month. The core of this growth depends on the nutrients that we consume. By consuming a diet that is nutrient and mineral rich, you will find that your locks grow stronger and that they are healthier overall. Foods that contain substances such as fatty acids, vitamin B-12, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, zinc and biotin are highly effective. The following highlights the top five foods that will optimize the health of your hair:

1. Salmon
2. Dark Green Vegetables
3. Beans
4. Nuts
5. Poultry

Hair Care Products

There are several care products on the market today that are designed to optimize the health of the hair. For many, choosing the right product is often a challenge. This is usually due to the fact that the individual is placing too much emphasis on the product, and not enough emphasis on the unique structure and characteristics associated with the tresses on their head. It is essential to determine the texture of the hair and then the overall condition. Once you make these determinations, you should focus on products that are specifically formulated for your hair's texture and condition. It is also important to understand that, as time progresses, your needs may change and you may need to change the types of products that you elect to use. The products that you should use include shampoos, conditioners and styling products that are designed for your individual needs.

Additional Tips

There are several additional tips that will assist you in developing and maintaining healthy hair. The following represents some of the most common strategies that will optimize the appearance of your tresses:

1. It is important to trim the hair regularly to remove any damaged sections.

2. You should avoid using devices on your hair that utilize heat for styling purposes as this could result in damage.

3. It is essential to avoid using products that contain a large amount of chemicals that could be potentially harsh to the hair. Examples include hair color and styling products.

4. You should avoid subjecting your hair to certain substances such as saltwater and water that contains moderate to high levels of chlorine.

5. It is critical to avoid styling your hair or using styling products that will damage the hair or put stress on it.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will find that it is easy to grow healthy hair and properly maintain it. You will find that your locks are full, vibrant, attractive and display all of the major characteristics associated with health.

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Have Baby Smooth Skin Using Natural Herbal Products

By Benjamin Robles

Cosmetics and skin care are a multi-million dollar industry and this is apparent with the wide array of products available today. There are various soaps, skin lotions, and facial creams in the market that promise beautiful skin. Most of them, however, are made commercially and contain ingredients that may not be so beneficial in the long run.

Fortunately, there are many natural herbal products that can help you achieve glowing, smooth skin. Whenever possible, choose organic and natural products for your body. Not only will it make your skin healthier, you will also help save the planet.

Here is a lowdown of herbal products that can help you achieve smooth, baby soft skin without harsh chemical ingredients.

Olive oil

This is a popular oil used by many people all over the world for cooking and cosmetics. Olive oil contains a variety of antioxidants not available in other oils. It penetrates the skin and moisturizes it from within. This is one of the most popular herbal products, and is popular with people who do the oil cleansing method where oils are used to rid the face from dirt. It is rich in natural Vitamin E and makes for a great body moisturizer. Many body butter and lotion products today contain this natural oil. You may use extra virgin olive oil as body or facial oil.

For facial use, less is more. Some people's skin reacts to the oil's richness, which may cause adverse skin reactions.

Tomato extract

Tomatoes are excellent for skin treatment especially for acne prone and oily skins. Tomato extract can help shrink pores and treat acne. It has a natural astringent property that heals acne and soothes raw skin. It contains lots of Vitamins C and A that brighten skin and provide evenness in skin tone. The lycopene in tomatoes also helps one to achieve pinkish skin. This is one of the best natural herbal products you can use to effectively smoothen your skin and rid it from blemishes. Best of all, it is inexpensive and is available right in your kitchen.

To use tomatoes for the face, mash a fresh tomato and apply on parts of the face with blemishes. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize afterwards. For convenience, there are many tomato herbal products such as toners and creams in the market today.

Sunflower oil

Next to olive oil, this also makes for a great moisturizer. It is truly a wonder oil in its own right. It helps skin regenerate itself and is a great base for the oil cleansing method as well. Apart from its moisturizing property, it helps the skin retain moisture. It helps keep the skin clear by leaving a natural protective barrier, which assists in preventing acne. Herbal products with sunflower oil in its ingredients are guaranteed to leave your skin soft, smooth, and supple.

These three natural ingredients are perfect for use. Those who are not comfortable applying oils and fruits directly on skin may choose products that contain these wonderful herbal ingredients. Olive and sunflower oils are far better than mineral oil based creams and lotions. Likewise, tomato extracts are better than hydroquinone in keeping the skin clear.

Let natural ingredients be your beauty secret to soft, smooth skin.

Benjamin Robles loves anything organic and natural, and prefers herbal products for skin care. The writer believes people should be using less of commercial products because of the stuff they're made of and should just switch to natural herbal products.

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Ways to Treat a Cold Sore Properly

By  Sherry Nature

Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing. If you are looking for a quick and easy remedy for a cold sore, there are several options. The best way to handle a canker is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Get a New Toothbrush

A toothbrush can actually carry a cold sore virus if you used it while you previously had a cold sore. As such, it is important that you regularly change your toothbrush to ensure the most sanitary hygiene tool. If you are sure that your toothbrush came in contact with a cold sore, toss it immediately. Saving a couple bucks isn't worth risking another cold sore or two.

Lip Protection

Fever blister can be caused by the sun. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your lips if you intend on being out in the sun for long periods of time. Just like the rest of your skin, your lips require protection from the elements.

Hands Off

If you feel a canker sore coming on or already have one, keep your hands away from it. Touching it, squeezing it or picking at it can just cause it to spread. Canker sores are extremely contagious so don't risk passing it on through physical contact or through sharing items like water bottles or lip balm. Always keep some hand sanitizer nearby in case you do accidentally touch your canker.

Pop a Pill

Over the counter pain killers can help you deal with the pain associated with the canker sores. If you simply can't handle the soreness, take a pain killer. Remember to only take the recommended dosage as directed on the bottle. Do not exceed this recommended dosage.

Ice it Up

Ice can also help you cope with the pain of a fever blister. In addition to numbing the pain, it can actually decrease the amount of time a fever blister appears if placed on the affected area at the first sign of a cold sore.

Got Milk?

Milk has many health benefits but this one doesn't involve drinking it. Soak a cotton swab in milk and place it on the affected area. This will not only help reduce pain, but like ice, it can also help decrease how long the cold sore sticks around.

Chill Out

Stress is another cause of the sores. When they are not causing you pain on the surface, they are hanging around waiting for the best time to rear their ugly heads. Usually, this is in high stress situations. This is why you may often get fever blister at times you least want them like before a big social or work event. Stress is a trigger so by keeping your stress levels down, you can actually lessen the appearance of canker sores.

Stay Healthy

Like any virus, the sores thrive when your body is at its weakest. By keeping yourself healthy and your immune system at its best you can help keep the virus at bay. Keep your diet balanced and healthy and you'll see the difference on the surface.

Learn more ways to on how to treat cold sores using natural cold sore remedies.

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Home Remedies for First Aid

By  Cynthia A Murray

When our forefathers needed First Aid, they didn't have a handy little box filled with all sorts of over-the-counter medications for any emergency. So what did they do?
Nowadays, we are so used to popping into the nearest pharmacy and finding what we need conveniently laid out on a shelf that most of us have forgotten the remedies used by our grandmothers, and their mothers and grandmothers before them. You might scoff at these remedies and dismiss them as old wives tales, and in some cases, you might be right. But don't be too quick to dismiss them. There are 'old-fashioned remedies' out there which most of us can find on our pantry shelves, and which really work!
Believe it or not, one of the most popular and trusted home remedies is the potato. From my own experience, I can tell you that potato remedies really work. My son is very susceptible to insect bites. When he was bitten by something (we think it was a spider) as a small child, the bite swelled up and became very inflamed. On the advice of his grandmother, I put a potato poultice on the bite, left it overnight (not easy to accomplish with a small boy!) and in the morning the swelling had gone down, and the bite was just a 'normal' red spot.
How does it work?
Anyone who cooks can tell you that potatoes have very powerful absorbing qualities. So, doesn't it make sense that they would be useful in any condition that requires the drawing out of toxins or other unwanted substances?
Potatoes have decongestant, soothing and anti-irritation properties. Also, because the potato juice is alkaline, it has an antiseptic effect, and the potato pulp is acidic, which helps in getting rid of dead skin cells.
There are different ways of making potato poultices (also called compresses). I am going to describe two of them, but you may find other ways. You could try different types of potato poultice and see which one works best for your problem.
1. Cold potato poultice.
Method 1:
Grate the raw potato, with or without the skins, spread it on the affected area, and place a gauze cloth or bandage over it to keep it in place. Or you may find it easier to spread the grated potato on a gauze pad first, and then tape the pad to the affected area. Some 'recipes' suggest adding a few drops of milk to the grated potato. I'm not sure what that's for, but if you don't mind the mess, do it, 'just in case'. Other recipes say you should sprinkle the potato with baking soda. Again, I'm not sure why, but it's worth a try.
Leave the poultice on as long as possible, preferably for 24 hours. You can replace it after 12 hours if you want to. When you remove it, you'll see that it has turned black.
Useful for:

• acne
• pimples
• bruises
• swelling
• inflamed insect bites
• boils
• burns
• any other skin condition that needs draining

The cold poultice can also be used to treat eye conditions (such as conjunctivitis symptoms, like redness and tearing, watery or thick discharge, a "night crust" or swollen eyelids), but in this case, leave the poultice on for 30 to 60 minutes in the morning and again in the evening for 2-3 days. After each session, wash the eyes with a weak solution such as 20% boric acid.
2. Warm potato poultice
Chop two unpeeled potatoes into 1 inch cubes, then boil and mash them. Spread the potatoes between two sheets of thick gauze (or one sheet folded over). Make very sure that it's not too hot by testing it with your hand, and then apply it to the affected area and use tape, a bandage or a towel to keep it in place.
Leave the poultice on until it gets cold.
Useful for

• relieving congestion and inflammation
• healing skin.
• arthritis
• eczema.

This is just one of the many home remedies available in your kitchen. I hope it has been useful to you. Look out for more articles on home remedies from your kitchen.

This article has given you some information on self help remedies for common minor health problems. If you are interested in self help pain management, you are welcome to visit my website http://painreliefselfhelp.info

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