Cold and flu season can take a toll on business and school attendance as well as productivity. Cold and flu medicine can leave people feeling dizzy or sleepy, which can interfere with work. Refusing any treatment for flu or symptoms can prevent a worker or student from paying attention to anything other than the misery of the symptoms being experienced. Natural cold and flu remedies, however, can treat the stuffy/runny nose that causes a cold's sore throat, as well as reducing the pain in the throat itself.
Natural Cold and Flu Medicine
Natural cold and flu medicine comes in many varieties. The simplest and most natural remedy for the common cold is a combination of fluids and rest, since the body will fight off the cold germs in its own time. The symptoms of colds and mild flu infections, however, can be treated by different types of natural remedies.
Treating a Cold's Sinus Problems
A cold's sinus problems are the primary cause for the sore throat that occurs with most mild cold and flu outbreaks. A stuffed-up nose forces a cold sufferer to breathe through the mouth, which dries the back of the throat. The post-nasal drip that results from a runny nose, on the other hand, also makes the throat sore.
Treating Sinus Congestion Naturally
Steam, combined with aromatherapy, is a simple and natural treatment for sinus congestion. Fill a sink or basin with very hot water, and add 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 2 drops of peppermint essential oil, and 2 drops of lavender essential oil. Lean over the hot water, and place a towel over the back of the head to trap the steam. Breathe in the steam with eyes closed for 2-3 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
Runny Nose Remedy
A runny nose is often the result of the body's urge to rid itself of toxins, allergens, or germs. While the constant drip of a runny nose can be annoying, using conventional medicine to dry up the runny nose is counterproductive to that purpose. The best way to shorten the duration of a runny nose is by helping the body to get rid of the contaminants that are triggering the excess mucus production.
- Frequent and thorough, but gentle, nose-blowing can further this process. Using tissues with lotion can make the nose-blowing more comfortable, and prevent chapping of nostrils and the upper lip.
- Using a saline solution to irrigate the sinuses will also work to help the body eliminate the reason for the excess mucus.
Sore Throat Cold Remedies
A sore throat resulting from cold and flu infections can be treated naturally with various remedies.
- Drinking ice water in sips can soothe the pain of a sore throat.
- Herbal throat lozenges, available at health and natural supply stores, help keep the mouth moist, as well as reducing sore throat pain
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References:
US National Library of Medicine
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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