Natural Remedies for Coughs and Colds

Boost Immunity and Treat Sinus Infections With Seven Superfoods

Oct 9, 2009

Varieties of flu and bacteria attack millions of people each year. Fight off the next invasion with seven natural dietary supplements.

The Linus Pauling Institute published a study in 2000, showing that consumption of foods rich in antioxidants help to cleanse and strengthen the body. While the study concentrated on the unique flavonoids found in beer or hops, here are seven other easy "superfoods" to add to the diet in order to eat one’s way into a healthy autumn.

Garlic and Onions

Consume large amounts of garlic and onion every week. If the taste and odor are unpleasant, try taking in capsule form. Dr. Michael T. Murray discusses the great health benefits of garlic in his article "The Science Behind Garlic" and recommends a quality odorless capsule available from Garlic Factors.

Antioxidant Fruits

Lemons and limes provide a natural source of vitamin C. These small tart fruits are a powerhouse of antioxidants and one of the easiest to add to the daily diet. Squeeze lemon into a morning cup of green tea or use in place of dressing over a green salad. Season meat with lemon or lime.

Honey

Honey, a delicacy from the ancient times to the present, functions as a treatment for cold symptoms and a preventative against infections. It can coat a sore throat, ease a stomach ache, and stop a runny nose. Its ability to stimulate the B-lymphocytes and the T-lymphocytes make it a great aid to whole body immunity. Dissolve some honey into a cup of warm water and lemon juice for a throat-soothing syrup. Ingest moderate amounts of honey every day during flu season.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Superfood flavors run from the sweetness of honey to the gall of vinegar. Proponents of apple cider vinegar tout it as a cure-all for many symptoms. While its various claims are not yet substantiated by clinical studies, it does offer great antioxidant powers for those who can brave its taste. Two or three teaspoons of raw vinegar dissolved in water offers speedy relief from sinus infections. Apple cider tonic should be sipped over the course of the day rather than taken in one large dose to maintain pH balance in the body.

Echinacea

While reports conflict as to whether this flowering herb prevents a common cold, almost all reviewers agree that it improves immunity. In 2007, the BBC news reported that echinacea could cut the length of the common cold in half. Whether this figure is accurate or not, there is no doubt that echinacea boosts the immune system. Physicians recommend many patients with weak immune systems to take echinacea on a consistent basis during the fall and winter. The North American herb comes in the form of dried roots and leaves, extracts, or tinctures.

Goldenseal

Often recommended in conjunction with Echinacea, the extract of the goldenseal plant also helps to bolster immunity. Goldenseal is available in all forms.

Chamomile and Thyme

Eating natural foods with plenty of antioxidants is an important step to maintaining immunity. Yet getting sufficient rest is equally important. Chamomile, a common mild herb, has been found to have a soothing effect on mind and stomach. Drink chamomile tea with a daily dose of honey before bed for a good night's sleep.

Should cold symptoms actually strike, chamomile tea with thyme can ease a severe sore throat. Here is the process: Brew a cup of chamomile tea and add one teaspoon of dried thyme to the cup. Let the chamomile and thyme steep together for twelve minutes before straining. Drink immediately. For best results, drink at least two cups of chamomile and thyme per day when suffering from a sinus infection.

Keep the immune system healthy by adding judicious amounts of garlic, citrus, honey, vinegar and herbs to the weekly diet. Then prepare to enjoy the crisp autumn days without a stuffy nose.

Sources

“Apple Cider Vinegar Cures.” Earth Clinic Folk Remedies. 2004. Accessed October 8, 2009. <http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvinegar.html>

Buhler, Donald R. & Cristobal Miranda. “Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoids.” Linus Pauling Institute. 2000. Accessed October 8, 2009. <http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w00/flavonoid.html>

“Echinacea ‘Can Prevent a Cold.’” BBC News. 25 June, 2007. BBC News Online. Accessed October 8, 2009. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6231190.stm>

“Healthy Eating and Diet: Apple Cider Vinegar.” WebMD, Inc. 2007. Accessed October 9, 2009. <http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar?page=1>

“Honey, the Ultimate Natural Antibacterial Agent.” Honeymark International, LLC. 2009. Accessed October 9, 2009. <http://www.honeymarkproducts.com/honey-the-ultimate-natural-antibacterial-agent.aspx>

Jackson, Deb & Karen Bergeron. “German Chamomile.” Alternative Nature Online Herbal. 2005. Accessed October 7, 2009. <http://www.altnature.com/index.html>

Murray, Michael T. “The Science Behind Garlic, for Healthy Cholesterol and Immune Function.” My Health, My Body: Natural Products for Healthy Living. 2004. Accessed October 7, 2009. <http://www.myhealthmybody.com/trellis/ADM2330_Garlic>

“The World’s Healthiest Foods: Lemons/Limes.” George Mateljan Foundation. 2009. Accessed October 8, 2009. <http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27>

“The World’s Healthiest Foods: Onions.” George Mateljan Foundation. 2009. Accessed October 9, 2009. <http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=45#healthbenefits>

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