Colds and Flues

Your immune system is your guard against diseases and infections. A person with a weakened immune system is an easy pray for various infections and diseases which will not only catch the person early but will take more time and efforts than a person with strong immune system to cure. Therefore it is really necessary to take care of your immune system in order to stay healthy and away from diseases. In general our immune system is a synchronized network of cells and other organs that work together to defend and protect you against various diseases and infections.

Is there any cure for colds or the flu, the answer is “ Yes” if you are asking this question from an authentic Chinese Medicine practitioner. Thousands of years ago, Chinese medicine already knew how to effectively treat colds and the flu. I would tend to believe that most western medicine doctor would tell you “ No” and say there is no cure for colds and the flu. The only thing that you can do is to rest and drink more fluids, enduring all uncomfortable symptoms, which should be getting better when your immune system wins the battle.

Ayurveda, a holistic medical system, emphasis that fever is due to toxicity in the rasa dhatu (the body 's basic vital tissue) and manages fever by: Fasting (langana), Sudation (swedana), Time- Waiting/Patience (kala), Light diet (yavagu), Bitter drugs (tikta bheshajam) and Detoxification (ama pachana), Yogasanas.

Ayurveda has always given highest importance to right food according to one's body constitution. As such, one should always eat food according to the dosha of his her body- vata, pitta or kapha. Ayurveda has also advocated certain diets that are beneficial to achieve overall health.

There are numerous individuals who feel that is is best to cure distinct health developments with all natural products rather then with over the counter and prescription medicines. They think that most of the things we cook with or the plants that we see every day have healing qualities that function quicker and are much better for us.

Every time I read or hear about flu fatalities, it makes me wonder, mainly because whenever my family or I get flu, we manage to overcome it quite quick using ONLY natural remedies. Now the world is fighting swine flu and its' warnings are all over the news, Internet and airport posters. Since my darling husband travels quite frequently, I had to figure out a way to prevent any flu virus getting near him. So, I made a preventive kit to use anytime he is about to get on the airplane.

One of the many ways parents can limit toxins being ingested in their children is to use home remedies as toddler cold medicine. Professionals advise that parents minimize use of over-the-counter medicines for their children unless they are truly needed.

Here are a some natural remedies to use when your children have a soar throat and cough due to a common cold or flu.

For Common Cold and Congestion

(Check with your nutritionist on dosage for a child younger then toddler age)

Alternative to Mouthwash

Aromatherapy for Boosting the Immune System:

• Tee Tree
• Thyme
• Grapefruit
• Lavender

Aromatherapy for Pneumonia:

• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Thyme
• Tea Tree

Application:

• Add 2 drops of each to 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil and massage the chest and upper back 3-4 times a day for 3 days.
• Add 2 drops of each to a bowl of boiling hot water. Place a towel over your head and your head over the bowl to breathe in the steam. If you find hard to breathe you can remove the towel to let more oxygen in.