Common Cold

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Most people experience a common cold in their lifetime where a child picks one up at school or it passes from one partner to the next. The cold is treatable usually through rest, liquids, and general care. Usually doctors are not alarmed by cold symptoms which are a stuffy nose, cough, itchy throat, watery eyes, flu, and fever.  A cold should be looked into if there is no relief after seven to ten days.

The common cold can be a sign of something more serious. When we use the phrase, ‘I am cold’, we generally mean that we have chills from the environment we are in, the weather, or possibly if we have sat in one place for a long time. This is not what a cold is when catching a virus. 

Common colds can differ in symptoms, but the most common is a runny, stuffy nose. This can make it difficult for someone people to breathe normally. They may feel the need for inhalers, nose drops, eye drops, and there may be a sense of a foggy feeling in the head. A cold can keep you back from your daily activities, work schedule, and can result in sleepiness. In this case, sleep is the best known cure for the common cold symptoms. Usually doctors will say that you should maintain a healthier diet of fruits and green leafy vegetables, as well as drink a lot of water. They usually suggest that an individual with a cold should drink a lot of fluids and get as much vitamin C as they can. If a person does not like to eat a lot of fresh fruit, they can take vitamin C supplements which can be found in any pharmacy or drug store. Vitamin C keeps our immune system healthy and full of energy. A cold can also be brought on by stress. When we are stressed, our immune systems become weaker and cannot fight off infection as it normally does. The body needs to repair from a cold.

 A popular herbal remedy used to fight off and prevent colds is Echinacea. This popular herb has been fighting disease for centuries. This herb is usually taken in a diluted form on the tongue or in supplement form. If an individual is experiencing some common cold symptoms, they should take Echinacea to fight off the illness before it gets any worse. Garlic is also used to treat colds and can be an excellent addition to your meals. If you like the taste of garlic, add some cloves to your dishes or sprinkle some garlic flakes on top. Garlic has a way of presenting us with bad breath, but it has so many benefits. 

The cold is usually an illness that fades over time and with the self care actions we perform daily. If it continues to persist over a long period of time, it might be wise to check with a professional health care provider. Before using any herbal remedy, an individual should always consult with their doctor. This includes pregnant and nursing mothers. 

Article Last Modified Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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