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The Common Cold
The cold is the most commonly occurring illness in the entire world,
with more than 1 billion colds per year reported in the United States alone.
The common cold is a self-limiting illness caused by any one of more than 200 viruses.
It produces mild symptoms usually lasting only 5-10 days.
In contrast, the "flu" (influenza), which is caused by a different class of virus, can have severe symptoms.
The most common complaints associated with the cold are usually fairly mild
and can be managed with over-the-counter cold medications from the chemist.
The symptoms, familiar to us all, include: Runny nose
Sneezing
Nasal and sinus blockage
Headache
Sore throat
Cough
To date, no specific cure has been found for the group of viruses that cause the common cold.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses , and are of no use in treating a cold.
It seems unlikely that a single antiviral medication will be discovered in the near future
that can target the over 200 different cold viruses.
That is true in part because the viruses genetically change (mutate) each season
just enough to prevent the development of a specific treatment for that virus.
The good news is that you can take several steps to alleviate the symptoms
once you have contracted a virus.
For congestion: Drink plenty of fluids to help break up your congestion.
Drinking water or juice will prevent dehydration and keep your throat moist.
You should drink at least 8-10, 8-ounce cups of water daily.
Fluids might include water, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit drinks.
Home made soups (with lots of black pepper) can really help!
Cola, coffee, and other drinks with caffeine work to increase urine output
when your goal is to increase fluids in your system.
Inhaled steam may ease your congestion and drippy nose.
Hold your head over a pot of boiling water and breathe through your nose,
but be careful to breathe in slowly so the steam doesn't burn you.
Other methods such as moisture from a hot shower with the door closed,
a saline nasal spray, or a room humidifier, are just as useful.
As for the general aches and pains associated with the common cold,
you could of course choose from a myriad of pills and potions available at the local pharmacy.
However, alternative therapies can work very well to help relieve cold symptoms.
A number of essential oils can help in different ways to relieve the symptoms
of colds, coughs and blocked up noses.
The oils which are recommended in the treatment of colds are
Lavender, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Niaouli, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Tea Tree and Thyme. The two most useful methods for using essential oils are in the bath and inhalations
although massaging the chest and throat areas can also be beneficial. Steam inhalation using Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary or Tea Tree essential oil
(or any combination of these) can help to clear the nasal passages
and soothe the inflamed mucous membranes,
whilst at the same time the oils can help to kill many bacteria.
The hot steam itself is also a hostile environment for viruses.
At night time it is a good idea to use Lavender essential oil
combined with one of the above as Lavender aids sleep.
Another good way to enhance sleep is to have a warm bath
using Lavender and Marjoram essential oils
and place a bowl of Lavender oil in the bedroom. When you first feel the effects of a cold then bathing with Tea Tree oil
can sometimes help to stop the cold developing. Peppermint essential oil has warming and stimulating properties and so it can help combat
the chilly feelings which often accompany a cold - runny nose, sneezing and fever.
It can also be used for cooling feverish conditions and to induce sweating
which in turn helps to reduce fever in a natural way.
Used in steam inhalations it can help to clear the nasal passages and sinuses. The practice of burning Rosemary essential oil on hospital wards to help to combat infection
was a practice carried out for many years in France until very recently.
Rosemary is renowned for its piercing qualities which make it valuable for respiratory problems
including the common cold symptoms such as catarrh and sinusitis. Tea Tree essential oil has many uses, but for colds try burning it in a diffuser (oil burner)
and also use in a bath to help the body fight the infection. Niaouli is a good oil to use for respiratory infections where they affect the chest, throat or nose
and is good used in chest rubs (diluted in a carrier oil).
It can work as a powerful stimulant so it is best not used at bed time. |
 
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