Natural Remedies For The Common Cold
Avoiding catching a cold can sometimes be impossible, especially when everyone around you seems to have one. For many, the first response will be to run to the local drugstore to buy one of the many cold medicines available. Since there is no “cure” for the common cold, these medications actually only suppress the symptoms rather than curing them.
Coughing, sneezing and a runny nose are some of the ways the body tries to “clean house” of accumulated mucous. The key to getting over a cold quickly is to aid your body in ridding itself of the cold.
The First Sign of a Cold
One of the most effective ways to overcome a cold is by addressing it as soon as possible when seeing the first signs. Don’t wait until it has progressed to the point of becoming uncomfortable. Again, don’t suppress the symptoms, but rather give your body what it needs in order to expel toxins from the body. Drinking lots of water is very beneficial when we are healthy, but it is even more so when we are sick. Water will thin mucous making it easier for the body to expel.
The amount of water a person will need depends on the size of each individual. In order to find out how much water you should be drinking, take your body weight and divide it by 2. This will give you the number in ounces of eater you should drink each day. Be sure to sip your water throughout the day rather than drinking it all at once. This will ensure the water is being efficiently used by your body rather than going straight through the urinary system and being passed through urination.
Open Up The Channels Of Elimination
Though not a commonly discussed topic for conversation, having regular bowel movements (at least 2 a day) is important for overall health. The colon is one of the main channels of elimination and making sure this channel is functioning as it should is also important for staying healthy and will also help in getting over a cold quickly. Again, drinking lots of water is also beneficial, along with getting enough fiber in your diet.
The skin is another channel of elimination. Taking sweat baths will help to take the pressure off the respiratory system. Drawing baths, that help to draw toxins from the body is also beneficial. A simple recipe for a drawing bath is to add 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1 cup of baking soda to a warm bath. Soak for about 20 minutes.
Using Food As Medicine
Our Creator has given our bodies the amazing ability to heal itself when we give our bodies the food it needs along with using herbs and essential oils as medicine.
Many times when you have a bad cold with your head stopped up and feeling achy all over, the last thing you want to do is eat. This is a good indication that your body doesn’t need food. If you do eat, be sure to eat foods that are light, such as broths and fruits. Avoid dairy products like milk, cheese and ice cream as these produce excess mucous in the body.
Natural Remedies For Colds
Below are some natural remedies that are beneficial for symptoms of colds. A tip is to have these remedies on hand before you get sick to make it more convenient for you to start treatment as soon as you begin getting sick.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a well-known remedy for combatting a cold. The typical therapeutic dosage being 500 to 1000 mg. every few hours. Many people drink orange juice as a way to get their vitamin C. One thing that may surprise you is drinking orange juice is actually not the best source for Vitamin C. A glass of orange juice only has about 60 mg. of Vitamin C and the amount of OJ you would have to drink in order to get the therapeutic dosage of vitamin C would actually do more harm than good as it would make the body overly acidic and could cause gastrointestinal problems among other issues.
Rose Hips is an herb that is naturally rich in Vitamin C and is an ideal source.
Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice in pure water and sip. Lemon is an astringent and will help to break up the mucous. Lemon is also a detoxifier.
Chamomile: Helps to fight bacteria and fungus. Many people who have a lot of colds also have an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that occurs naturally in the body.
Goldenseal: Acts as an astringent and is also a natural antibiotic. A natural antibiotic like Goldenseal is beneficial when the mucous is colored rather than clear indicating infection.
Lemongrass: Reduces fluid secretions and acts as an astringent, mild sedative, and a mild pain reliever.
Myrrh: Acts as a natural antibiotic and an expectorant. Helps with mucosal fluids.
Horseradish: Helps to alleviate congestion and opens up the head.
Boneset: An antiseptic with a mild laxative effect. Helps with bronchial congestion.
Fenugreek: An antispasmodic that helps with coughs.
Mullein: Good for a variety of respiratory problems such as hayfever, asthma and whooping cough. Soothes and relieves congestion in the lungs and throat.
Bayberry: Fever reducing, astringent, helps with circulation and promotes perspiration to help detox the body through sweat. Beneficial for infections.
Ginger: A digestive herb which is beneficial for mucous related ailments as the lungs as well as the intestines both contain mucous membranes. Excellent for nausea. Ginger can also be added to a warm tub to create a natural sweat bath.
Clove: A good decongestant and expectorant. Beneficial for colds, coughs, laryngitis, asthma and is also a good herb for staph infections.
Activated Charcoal: Every household should have activated charcoal. This natural remedy is great for conditions with symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting and absorbs toxins and poisons in the body. Many times taking one dose of 4 capsules is enough to bring relief. A tip for giving activated charcoal to a child is to open 1 or 2 capsules into a bite of a banana and mix it up.
Slippery Elm: A fiber that is very soothing. Excellent for an upset stomach or diarrhea. Be sure to restore potassium and minerals after bouts of diarrhea.
Why You Should Join an IBS Support Group
Finding relief for IBS shouldn’t only include treatment for physical symptoms such as diarrhea. Your physical body isn’t the only part of you that suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. Your mind and emotions are also dramatically affected by IBS, and shouldn’t be ignored. For this reason, it is a good idea for an IBS sufferer to join a support group.
An IBS support group is an excellent way for an IBS sufferer to cope, learn and share with others all the difficulties they face in their life because of their condition.
The following are a few reasons why joining an IBS support group can help make a difference in your world -
Make Friends – IBS can cause those who suffer from it to feel isolated, often causing them to stop social activities and confining themselves to their home. Isolation usually results from IBS symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence that can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and debilitating. In addition, some medications for IBS can cause serious side effects that can actually increase isolation feelings.
A support group can help relieve your feelings of isolation when you meet people who understand and truly sympathize with what you are going through, because they suffer the same.
Relieve stress – Many people with IBS have difficulty opening up about their condition to other non-sufferers, including family doctors. The reason is because many people who are unfamiliar with the condition have mixed beliefs about it. In fact, some people don’t even believe IBS exists and think it’s “all in your head”. Thus, not only is it frustrating to live with IBS, it is frustrating to have to explain your condition to those who don’t believe in it or won’t understand. This creates plenty of stress.
Talking to fellow IBS sufferers at a support group about the way you are treated by others and sharing stories, helps to eliminate some of the stress you feel.
Educate yourself – Support groups are a fantastic way to learn about IBS. You can find out about different treatment methods and how a member who has undergone the treatment responded to it. You can learn and discuss latest studies, find out if there are any clinical trials, etc. In addition, support groups can help educate non-sufferers about IBS and provide them with understanding.
How to find an IBS support group
Due to the fact that IBS is a common condition that affects millions of people, there are many support groups available both locally and online. Here is how you can find them –
Local Search
- Ask your health care provider/gastroenterologist about a local support group
- Call your local hospital and ask about support groups in your area
- Do an online search using your city and “ibs support group” as the keywords.
- Start your own support group by making friends with fellow patients in the waiting room who also see your gastroenterologist
Online Search
- Do a general search for IBS and see what you come up with
- Search for the keywords “ibs” or “irritable bowel syndrome” and “forum” or “message boards”, or “online support” (IE. “ibs online support group” or “irritable bowel syndrome message board”)
The following are two great online IBS support group sites –
1. ibsgroup.org – The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help Group is the largest online support community for people suffering with IBS.
2. helpforibs.com – This is another excellent online community where you can learn and find support from fellow sufferers.
An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from IBS, proof you’re not alone. Opening up to others is one of the best ways to cope with IBS. Talking and sharing with those who understand you can make a world of difference.
By Susan Reynolds. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for managing IBS naturally at natural-irritable-bowel-syndrome-relief.com?source=ez Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief Secrets. On the site you’ll also find more about
Acupressure Institute-Finding the Right One For You
Find an Acupressure Institute in the United States and Canada. Because complementary medicine is on the rise, students who are seeking ways to engage in one of several alternative education platforms may find that enrolling in an acupressure institute could be a productive way to gain suitable training in the healing arts.
At an acupressure institute, students will be introduced to a variety of courses including studies in anatomy and physiology, acupressure point methods, styles of acupressure, and clinical applications. While enrolled at an acupressure institute, students will also learn how to use acupressure to balance and restore whole health. In many cases, an acupressure institute’s curriculum is designed for body workers who would like to enhance services offered to clients and patients, and may commonly integrate natural healing courses in Shiatsu, Qigong, Chinese herbal medicine, and other relevant natural health modalities.
Once you’ve chosen to attend an acupressure institute, you will discover too, that you will gain a wealth of information and training in acupressure theories, techniques; interrelationship of meridians, body-mind healing, and so much more.
It is always wise to review curriculum and certification offerings at the acupressure institute of choice, as each acupressure school may vary. Independent from each other, an acupressure institute may provide practical training that ranges from one or two day holistic workshops, to comprehensive courses comprised of 1,000 class hours or more.
If you are interested in finding your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto= holisticjunction.com/search.cfm Explore career school programs near you.
Acupressure Institute: Finding the Right One for You
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for holisticjunction.com/healing_arts_schools_directory.cfm Healing Arts Schools, holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupressure-schools.html Acupressure Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.
Resistance Band Exercise For Beginners
Many people are choosing resistance band exercise as an
easy way to tone up the muscles and to exercise without
putting any undue stress on the body. This is because by
using a resistance band, there is little or no impact
on the joints of the body. That’s why it also makes a perfect
way to exercise for people who have disabilities and
have problems with their mobility.
It also makes a great exercise for people who are overweight
or even obese. Sadly, the number of people who are medically
obese rises each and every year and is even the second biggest
killer in the USA behind smoking. The problems associated
with being obese are obviously many health wise but not being
very mobile restricts an obese person from exercising
easily. By using a resistance band exercise program, this
problem can be removed.
This is the same for older people also, who may have problems
with their movement. Using a resistance band exercise regime
regularly can really help them to tone their muscles and
to keep agile. Due to it’s low impact, it is a very safe
way to remain as fit and active as you can in the later
stages of your life.
The use of a resistance band exercise is also commonly used
for helping people recover from accidents or major surgery.
It helps to strengthen the muscles and to return any
movement back to certain joints if surgery has had to be
carried out.
Using resistance band exercises is just one way to help you
stay fit and healthy. You should always have a healthy diet
as much as you can and stay away from fatty or fried foods.
Fast food restaurants should also be avoided too unless
you stick to the healthy menu and salad options. Having
at least 30 minutes of exercise each day is also vital to
ensure you are using the muscles in your body effectively.
Get our FREE professional fitness tips delivered directly
to your inbox everyday. Whether you want to lose weight,
gain muscle or just become fitter. To find out more,
just visit – MyDailyFitnessTip.com MyDailyFitnessTip.com