05 NATURAL COLD AND FLU
REMEDIES THAT WORK,
CORONAVIRUS AND “ALTERNATIVE” TREATMENTS
COVID-19: What we know
so far about the 2019 novel coronavirus
What is a coronavirus?
What is a novel coronavirus?
A
coronavirus is the name for a large set of illnesses, including the common cold
and other respiratory infections. The term “novel” coronavirus means it’s a new
form of the virus.
What are the symptoms of
COVID-19? Is it deadly?
It
typically causes flu-like symptoms. Some patients — particularly the elderly
and others with other chronic health conditions — develop a severe form of
pneumonia.
Patients
develop symptoms like fever, muscle and body aches, cough, and sore throat
about 5-6 days after infection. Most people will feel pretty miserable for a
week and get better on their own. Some people won’t get as sick, but it’s
still important not to be out and about, so as not to spread the disease.
A minority of patients will get worse instead of better. This usually happens
after 5-7 days of illness and these patients will have more shortness of breath
and worsening cough. If this happens, it’s time to contact your doctor
again or even go to an emergency room. Be sure to call first so they know you
are coming.
The
numbers of people who have been diagnosed and how many have died are changing
daily. As of early March, there have been over 97,000 confirmed cases, with a
death toll of about 3,000 (more than 2,900 in mainland China). But these
numbers are just estimates; it’s still unclear how many people have actually
been infected worldwide. Most of the deaths have been in adults over 60 years
old who had other health concerns.
How can I protect
myself? Should I wear a facemask?
Take the preventive
actions you do for the cold and flu. This includes avoiding close
contact with people who are sick; not touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
washing your hands thoroughly and frequently; and cleaning and disinfecting
objects and surfaces you come in contact with regularly.
Here are some natural remedies for the cold,
flu and sore throat.
1. Gargle with
salt water
Do this as soon as you start
feeling sick! Not only can it help relieve a sore, scratchy throat, but if
you go back to your middle school science days, water follows salt (#osmosis)
so the idea is that gargling salt water actually pulls viral fluids out from
the throat area. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm
water and gargle it all 1-2x a day.
2.Honey
Honey
not only helps soothe a sore throat it also works as a cough suppressant. Honey
can soothe irritated mucous membranes which helps remove the irritation that is
fuelling the cough reflex.
3. Take a Ginger
Shot
Ginger is
anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It has been known to help with
congestion, nausea, colds, and fevers. Either pick one up from a local juice
store or juice a knob of ginger yourself. Eating ginger can also help but for
the best bang for your buck, go for the juice shot.
Adding honey to
ginger can help soften the flavor and take the bite and spice out of it. Honey
also has antimicrobial properties, so it may provide additional healing
benefits.
Many studies have explored the antimicrobial
benefits of honey, and it has shown promise in inhibiting a range of bacteria
and virus. However, most studies have been in vitro studies. More research is
needed to support the use of honey as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.
One study found some evidence to suggest that
the antimicrobial effects of ginger and honey may be enhanced when used
together. The study looked at the effects of ginger and honey on cavity causing
bacteria in teeth. Results were mixed, but showed promise for enhanced effects
on inhibiting some bacteria.
Take ginger and honey together in juices, cold
infusions, or other recipes. You can also add 1 tablespoon (5 ml) of honey to
hot ginger tea.
SUMMARY: Ginger and honey are more effective together than ginger alone.
Honey also helps ginger taste better.
4. Essential oils
Power to the plants! There are
many powerful essential oils for cold and flus but here are a few that are
easily accessible: Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial
properties which have historically been used to treat the common cold.
Peppermint oil is used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. It’s like a
natural VapoRub. Just make sure when applying topically that you mix with a
carrier oil!
5. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antioxidant
with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. Garlic is packed with
minerals, enzymes, vitamin C, sulphur, and selenium which all help bust colds
and flus. Enjoy garlic in your meals or eat a clove whole if you’re seriously
brave.
Comments
Post a Comment