Common cold, as the name suggests, is an extremely common disorder. Modern medical science has no satisfactory answer to common cold. Medicines, to some extent, can reduce intensity of the symptoms of the cold; but they definitely cannot change its course. It depends on the immune system to a great extent. Following the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle, proper healthy diet, rest and work balance, and regular exercise leads to a strong immune system.
The following alternative treatments of common cold are very useful:
1. Hot Foot Bath
This is a very effective way to reduce accumulation of fluids in the upper part of the body. However, it should be taken on an empty stomach. Sit on a chair, with both legs dipped in quite hot water. Cover the body with a blanket, have minimum clothing. Drink a glass of warm water. Soak a small towel in cold water and place it on the head. In about fifteen to twenty minutes, the body starts perspiring profusely. Add some hot water again to maintain the temperature, for another fifteen to twenty minutes. Remove legs from the hot water bucket. Wipe the body with a wet cloth, wear clothes, and relax. Persons with a high or low blood pressure and pregnant women should avoid taking this treatment.
2. Steam Inhalation
Steam arising from a vessel containing boiling water should be inhaled for about five to ten minutes. The process can be repeated twice a day. Some home remedies suggest to add powdered camphor also in the water. But it may depend on the individual sensitivity. You should avoid immediate exposure to air conditioners after the treatment.
3. Diet
If you want to get rid of any disease you should take a simple, balanced, and nutritious diet. One should refrain from taking deep fried, spicy, and stale food. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is always a good option. Cold foods should be strictly avoided. Sufficient amount of water should be taken half an hour before meals, or two hours after the meals. Water in any case clears the toxins from your body.
4. Nasal wash
Nasal wash with plain lukewarm water is a good home remedy for common cold. It should be done once a day, preferably in the morning. A special vessel with a spout is required to perform this process. Fill up the vessel with lukewarm water and insert the nozzle of the vessel in one nostril. Bend the head toward the other side. Water will start flowing into one nostril and come out from the other nostril and the mouth. Sneezing and spitting out the remaining water thereafter is necessary. Initially, you can start with little amount of water. You can increase the quantity of water after some practice.
Nasal wash can also be done without the spouted vessel. Take a small bowl, filled with lukewarm water. Dip the nose inside the water and forcefully suck the water into the nose. This water will reach your throat. Spit it through the mouth. Finally, sneeze out the remaining moisture from the nose.
5. Herbal remedies
There are a number of ways to prepare herbal tea for the treatment of common cold.
1. Soak around ten to fifteen Basil leaves, crushed ginger, and crushed pepper in a vessel containing water. Boil it on medium flame for ten minutes. Drink slowly while still warm.
2. In a cup of hot milk, mix one teaspoonful of Turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly and drink while still hot.
3. Crush some ginger, mix a tablespoon of honey. Leave for ten minutes and sip it with warm water.
6. Magnet Therapy
Magnet therapy can also be used to treat common cold. The north and south poles of weak magnets should be placed on either side of the nose for fifteen to twenty minutes, twice a day. Water treated with magnets should be taken, four to five times a day. Water can be magnetically treated by keeping a glass of water in external contact with strong magnets for around ten hours.
7. Exercis
Deep breathing, inhaling, and exhaling of fresh air is also helpful in eradicating common cold. Besides, follow a regular half an hour exercise schedule, preferably in an open and fresh environment.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Such practices will not only cure you from common cold, but also protect and prevent from further attacks.
