Alternative Therapies for a Cold?

[lalisa]

Hi,

I've had a cold for about six weeks that just never goes away. Just tired, coughing, runny nose. The kids had it, but have recovered and are now wanting to get out of the house, but I just can't manage it. Have tried 1)taking otc meds and getting on with things - made it worse, 2)breathing steam, eating well and getting lots of rest - had no effect. GP says no point in having antibioitics as its clearly viral.

I've always been skeptical of alternative therapies, but does anyone know which one might work on a cold - I'll try anything!

Thanks!

Ecchinaea (sp) is meant to be very good...I assume you would get capsules in a Health shop...and Teas you can get in some supermarkets...

If you have a Juicer....fresh Juice...just the real Vitamin boost you may just need!

I second ecchinacia, also vitC and zinc. I would also consider agetting a tonic to boost your immune system. Plenty of fresh fruit and veg too.

Two weeks in the Bahamas.

Hot whiskey, lemon and honey.
Not sure if it actually works to get rid of the cold, but you certainly feel better.

i very very rarely get even a hitn of a cold...

i swear its baecause i eat at least 5 or 6 satsumas per day!

Agree with nannyL... i eat 4 or 5 satsumas a day, plus a pear and a banana. I also run 16 to 20 miles a week to give my lungs a good blow through with fresh air and pump the blood around.

Cannot remember when I last had a cold, despite workmates sneezing over me most every winter.

Had 'flu in 1979 I seem to recall.

Try Sambucol (black elderberry extract.) It seems to have worked for me. I am very vulnerable to colds normally, but since taking this at the first signs of a sniffle they never develop into anything. You should be able to get it at a health food shop or online. Also think echinacea works.

root ginger + lemon juice + honey (anti-inflamatory + antiseptic)+freshly boiled water.

Accupuncture works very well for sinus pain/headache.

Sauna/hammam to sweat out toxins.

Sleep and good nutrition: just carry on

mega vit c I take a 1000mg supplement

I did have a cold twice this term as i am full time at college but on both occasions it started and felt for 24 hours like it would be really bad and then i took extra vit c so an extra 1000mg and within 24 hours had gone completely..that is the full tiredness, sore throat, sore eyes runny nose sneezing

thanks for the great suggestions (if only I could do the week in the bahamas...).

I remember reading that laughing boosts the immune system so last night I sat myself in front of youtube watching my favourite comics. Problem is that laughing so hard you cry completely blocks the sinuses!

Echinecea, high doses (3000mg) a day of vit C and zinc. Honey, ginger, garlic, lemon.
Lots kiwi fruit, oilbas oil.