It is estimated that a healthy adult gets an average of two colds per year. Children tend to get more because their immune system is immature and they have not yet developed immunity to many of the viruses that causes colds. Cold and flu viruses are especially common this time of year; although there is still no cure for either, there are many ways we can help our body to fight it off.

As most of us know, an antibiotic prescription, even at the doctor's office, is useless against viral infections which are what causes the cold and flu. Reason being is because the flu virus is constantly mutating.

Millions of dollars are spent every year on treatments for coughs and colds. Most common symptoms of colds are coughing, sneezing, and perhaps a low fever. These symptoms are the body's way of flushing out irritants and fighting infection. There is no cure for the common cold, but there are many natural treatments to help your body enhance your immunity so that it can heal itself.

Your Way of Preventing Cold and Flu:

• FLUIDS:

  Drinking lots of fluids is one of the best things you can do to get rid of the virus. Fluids also help to prevent dehydration, constipation, and help the body to eliminate toxins quickly and effectively.

• FOOD:

  Once you feel the need to eat solid foods, eat raw vegetables and fruits, which will provide the body with nutrients to fight the infection

• VITAMINS:

  Take your vitamins! Get plenty of A and C vitamins which are potent with antioxidants that help boost immunity. Some foods that contain vitamin A include dark, green, leafy veggies, as well as yellow and orange fruit and veggies. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruit, broccoli, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi fruit, spinach and cabbage.

• HERBS:

  Some healing herbs that can be used effectively are Astralagus, Slippery Elm, and Rosehip. Ginseng is also a great herb to build your body's defensive energy. Add some warming spices such as cinnamon or ginger; lemon and honey are also helpful.

• HONEY:

  Don't forget the homemade honey and onion syrup as a good old fashion remedy for congestion. Honey is the best to liquefy clotted mucous.

• OILS:

  At the first sign of a cold, use an Echinacea and Golden Seal extract combination to boost your immune system and to keep the virus from multiplying. Another alternative would be to use Oil of Oregano; that will help keep your immune system strong enough to fight off most cold and flu viruses.
  If you already have a cold, Eucalyptus Oil is helpful for congestion relief. Add six drops into two cups of boiling water and inhale the steam. For sore throat, add six drops of Tea Tree Oil in warm water and gargle. If gargling is inconvenient, then take vitamin C and Zinc lozenges at the first sign of symptoms. A sore throat can also benefit from a drink made with Chrysanthemum flowers brewed in hot water for more than five minutes.

For advice on proper use of herbs, contact a trained professional for advice.

Break a Sweat!!

Sweating is the body's way of heating up in order to "burn" off a bacterial or viral infection. However, a high fever should be closely monitored.

After a good sweat, change clothes and get a good sleep. If a fever gets too high or is more than a few days, seek medical attention.

Try Homeopathy:

Homeopathic remedies can be very useful in alleviating symptoms and fevers. You can try Aconite if a fever is sudden and accompanied by thirst. Belladona may work for a sudden infection with high fever and no thirst. If neither of these apply, try Serrum Phospholicum. For proper instructions, doses, and low cost homeopathic complexes, contact a properly trained homeopath.

All Year Round:

These tips can be used throughout the year, not just during the cold and flu season. If you are traveling to a sunny destination, it is also helpful to use some of these tips to enhance immunity. You can contact your natural medicine provider for available options regarding preventing parasites, diarrhoea, and other inconveniencies, so you can keep your trip enjoyable!