What is a Cold?

Who is likely to Catch a Cold? What are the Symptoms of a Cold? Conventional Treatment of Colds Self Help for Colds Naturopathic Treatment of Colds Herbal Treatment of Colds Homoeopathic Treatment of Colds Acupressure and Aromatherapy for Colds

Colds are caused by virus infections, and are highly contagious. Mucus in the nose and throat of cold sufferers is full of viruses, and infection is spread by coughing, sneezing, and even breathing when in a confined space. The viruses that cause colds are constantly changing, so immunity acquired from one infection does not necessarily protect the individual from further attacks. Who is likely to Catch a Cold? Anyone can catch a cold, but individuals are more susceptible when they are run down or suffering from stress, exhaustion or depression. Babies, young children, the elderly, or those already ill are particularly at risk of catching a cold. What are the Symptoms of a Cold? Symptoms of a cold include a runny nose or stuffed-up feeling, sore throat, headache, sneezing, dry cough, loss of appetite and a lack of energy. These symptoms may last for up to three days, gradually receding over the following seven days. The stuffed or runny nose can last as long as three weeks.

Conventional Treatment of Colds

These is no effective cure for colds, despite years of research. Symptoms may be alleviated by painkillers such as paracetamol, and decongestants. Vitamin C is often advised as a means of preventing catching a cold. Medical practitioners generally acknowledge that a cold should be allowed to clear up naturally at home, but if symptoms last more than a week to ten days, medical attention should be sought.

Self Help for Colds

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly cool drinks, for a slight fever to replace fluids lost through sweating. Drink the juice of a lemon in a glass of hot water with a teaspoon of honey. Take painkillers, such as paracetamol in recommended doses for headache and other aches and pains. Take small amounts of chopped or crushed garlic several times a day to help prevent colds. Inhale steam from a bowl with a towel over your head for several minutes to relieve nasal congestion. A few drops of Olbas Oil added to the water, which contains menthol, and eucalyptus, juniper berry, mint, wintergreen, clove and cajaput oils, is very effective in clearing the head. Take gentle walks to get fresh air, as soon as you feel well enough. Do not wrap up in extra clothes or blankets, or overheat the room. Allow the body to lose heat naturally. Take an Epsom salts bath. Fill a bath with water as hot as you can bear, so that the body is immersed up to the neck. Dissolve two handfuls of unpurified Epsom salts in the water, and soak for as long as comfortable, with a cold water compress on your forehead. Dry yourself gently, wrap yourself in a sheet, and get into a warm bed. This treatment should not be used by the elderly, the very young, or those with high blood pressure.

Naturopathic Treatment of Colds

Naturopathic treatment of colds will advise taking an Epsom salts bath in the early stages of a cold, avoiding mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, eggs, starch and sugar, and either fasting or eating a raw fruit and vegetable diet, including garlic, onions or leeks for two or three days to help reduce catarrh.

Herbal Treatment of Colds

Hot drinks that promote sweating and ease cold symptoms are advised. The following should be sipped slowly: 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the juice of a lemon, a minced clove of garlic, and one gram of vitamin C mixed in a cup of hot water. The following herbal teas are also reputed to be beneficial in the treatment of colds: camomile, coltsfoot (for coughs and congestion), lemon balm, boneset (for fever), elder, pennyroyal and vervain. Infusions of yarrow, peppermint, ginger and catnip are also recommended.

Homoeopathic Treatment of Colds

The following homoeopathic remedies can be taken to alleviate cold symptoms:

Aconitum napellus may prevent a cold developing, if taken on the first sneeze when feeling suddenly chilly. Ferrum phosphoricum is also useful at the onset of a cold. Arsenicum album is recommended if there is much painful sneezing with watery discharge, which makes the skin sore, or if the patient is very chilly and thirsty. Kali iodatum is recommended for a cold caught from exposure, particularly damp, when the eyes smart and water, and there is much sneezing, with a red, sore nose. Sambucus nigra is recommended for a persistent cold. Teucrium marum verum and Wyethia are recommended for chronic catarrh and laryngitis. Kali bichromium or silica are recommended for sinus problems.

The appropriate remedy can be taken hourly for up to twelve doses when the cold is severe, and should be discontinued as soon as the condition improves.

Acupressure and Aromatherapy for Colds

Acupressure may be used to relieve nasal congestion and clear the sinuses. Using a gentle, circular massaging motion, apply the thumb or index finger to two points below the cheekbones, directly beneath the centre of the eyes, about a fingers width from the end of the nose. Six to eight drops of cinnamon oil can be added to a warm bath. The oil can also be rubbed undiluted into the temples, sinus area and chest four times a day. A steam inhalation can be made by adding two drops of cinnamon oil to a bowl of hot water, which should be inhaled four times a day.
http://www.vitaminuk.com/pages/articles/whatisacold.htm

SAMBONG (Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.)

Alibhon, alimony (P.Bis.); ayoban, bukadkad, gabuen, gintin-gintin, haliban, kambihon, lalakdan, lakdandulan (Bis.); dalapot (C. Bis.); labulan, sambun (Sul.); sob-sob (Ilk.); kaliban (Tag.); takamain (Bag.); blumea camphor, ngai camphor (Engl.)

Sambong is a remarkable medicinal plant that grows wild in the Philippines. It is commonly used in capsule form or as teas in the treatment of kidney disorders. Doctors in the Philippines routinely prescribe Sambong now for the dissolution of kidney stones. Sambong is also known as a diuretic, and is used in cases of hypertension and mild to moderate congestive heart failure. Sambong is high in essential oils, and contains significant amounts of camphor oil. Sambong is one of 10 herbs that have been approved by the Department of Health in the Philippines as being effective in treating certain disorders. The department of Science and Technology has conducted extensive tests on Sambong. Clinical studies, including double blind/placebo radomized studies, have shown Sambong to be both safe and effective in the cases of kidney stones and hypertension. There are Sambong products on the market now in the Philippines that have been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs and are routinely prescribed by doctors. The leaves of Sambong are also used as a tea in the Philippines, and as a cure for colds. It is also said to have antidiarrhetic and antigastralgic properties. It is also used as an expectorant. It is given for worms and dysentery. It is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs in the Philippines.
http://philippineherbs.com/sambong/ Here are some health benefits and medicinal properties of camphor oil. Decongestant: Strong aroma of camphor oil is the most powerful decongestant. It instantly opens bronchi, nasal tracts, pharnyx, lungs and larnyx congestions. Thereby, used in many decongestant cold rubs and balms. http://herbs.ygoy.com/2010/02/27/health-benefits-of-camphor-oil/ Camphor oil is a bactericidal, antiviral, stimulant, expectorant, and is used in deodorants due to its strong flavor.

Camphor
A strong, warming stimulant that's an excellent antibacterial expectorant & muscle relaxant - has a clear, fresh smell that clears the nose very well.

http://hubpages.com/hub/benefits-of-camphor-where-to-buy-camphor-oil

Camphor oil benefits have been reaped by many in the medicinal field. The oil helps in relevinig nasal congestion and cough, when massaged on the chest. It has the ability to open up congestions of bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts and lungs. Many decongestant balms and cold rubs have camphor oil as one of their primary ingredients. The oil is a very useful ingredient in inhalations for coughs, colds and difficulties in breathing. Camphor also acts as an expectorant and a febrifuge, meaning that it cools fevers and helps clear lung congestion. These actions, along with camphor's anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties make it a very useful and popular remedy for colds, flu, and bronchitis. http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail167.php
PEFR = (Ht 100) 5 + 100 (Ht = Standing height in cm)

What is borneol? What is it used for? Although borneol is not an herb per se, it is nevertheless a common ingredient in many traditional Chinese herbal formulas.Borneol is actually a compound derived from dryobalanops aromitaca, a tree that belongs to the teak family. The compound is formed by tapping the trunk of the tree, then cooling the substance and allowing it to harden into a clear crystalline substance.Although some borneol is still made by tapping trees, the vast majority of it is created synthetically from turpentine oil or camphor.The compound is ground down into a fine powder before it can be used medicinally. Borneol has a wide range of uses.It aids the digestive system by stimulating the production of gastric juices; tones the heart and improves circulation; treats bronchitis, coughs and colds; can relieve pain caused by rheumatic diseases and sprains; reduces swelling; relives stress; and can be used as a tonic to promote relaxation and reduce exhaustion.In some parts of the world, it is even used as an insect repellant. In traditional Chinese medicine, borneol has an acrid, bitter taste and cool properties.It is associated with the Heart, Lung, Liver and Spleen meridians.
http://www.nutritionalwellness.com/nutrition/herbs/n.php