Colds
Common colds often are caused by viral infections. They are considered common because of their infectious state whereby the rhinovirus is easily spread from one individual to another. Also, there are more than 100 strains of the virus, making anybody susceptible to any of the common cold viruses. The transfer of infection is caused by sneezing and coughing in public, such that the contaminated droplets come in contact with the possible victim. The best treatment is always prevention.
Colds
Allergens can also cause sneezing attacks. This kind of cold is not the infectious type and treatment is usually based on keeping away from the cause of allergy and to take antihistamines. These cold symptoms are not caused by a viral infection.
Be sure to maintain good hygiene, to get enough rest and to boost your immune system with Vitamin C. Otherwise, you will get the virus easily. Signs and symptoms of the common colds include red, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, sometimes coupled with fever, headaches and coughs.
Regardless of what causes your colds, medications focus on the relief of the runny nose and the inconvenience the illness brings. You don’t need to take antiviral drugs. Herbal alternatives can be a great option in addition to rest and fluid intake. The common herbal remedies for the common colds are tabulated below.
Herb Description, Treatment & Procedures
Echinacea
(Echinacea angustifolia/E. pallida/E. purpurea) This is a highly recommendable herb for colds, cough and flu especially for those who reside in North America and Europe. This herb is noted to activate the body’s resistance to infection. This herb alleviates colds more effectively in its liquid form over the tablet or capsule forms.
Garlic
(Allium sativum) Garlic is more helpful in suppressing high blood pressure. However, garlic has medicinal properties for the treatment of colds. Because of its powerful antibiotic property, garlic can be used to cure the common cold maximally by taking it raw or drinking its juice.
Ginger
(Zingiber officinalis) Ginger is considered one of the powerful herbs known for many medicinal and cooking uses. It is effective and safe in the treatment of colds and flu, especially among children. Ginger tea, whether using powdered ginger or adding ginger extracts to boiling water, is the best home remedy for colds. Drinking several cups a day can quickly relieve you of the cold symptoms.
Ginseng
(Eleutherococcus senticosus) There are many ginseng varieties all over the world, but their medicinal effect is more or less the same. It is popular in the relief of common colds. Often, the roots and leaves of the plant are used. Nowadays, ginseng is readily available in herbal stores or drugstores. Making and drinking ginseng tea is the most effective treatment for colds.
Gumamela
(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) In the Philippines, gumamela is a common ornamental flower. Yet, it has medicinal properties for the treatment of common respiratory illnesses like colds. You can use dried or fresh gumamela flowers and/or leaves added to boiling water to make a decoction. Once cool enough to drink, you can take in several cups.
Links for Further Common Colds Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1. Living in the Philippines
2. Philippine Herbal Medicine
International Herbs
1. Herbal Supplement Resource
2. New York Times
3. Holistic Online
