Holistic Cure for a Cold

Since the common cold has no cure, we must instead focus on shortening its duration and making the symptoms as easy to live with as we can. Holistic medicine, which is also referred to as "alternative medicine" by some, is a form of natural healing that focuses on mind, body and spirit. With the popularity of these practices catching on more each year, there is no wonder people are turning to holistic medicine to find ways to control the common cold. And could it be more effective than typical over-the-counter medicines?

Cleansing

• Shanti B. Rangwani, a holistic practitioner practicing traditional medicine in India, claims that the first step to battling a cold the natural way is to cleanse the system of toxins. Going against the old adage "feed a cold, starve a fever," Rangwani says to fast for a day when the cold's symptoms first show up, then adjust to a diet that is made up primarily of alkaline fruits such as pineapple or grapefruit. Add light food and more fruit for the next three days.

Easing Symptoms

• Relief from symptoms is the immediate need of those suffering with a cold. And to do this, there are many options. For a stuffy nose you may try burning some turmeric and inhaling the fumes. The fumes should increase the discharge of mucus from the nose and open up the sinuses to allow easy breathing. Steam facials with eucalyptus oil are another option.

Shorter Duration

• It's no secret that the mineral Zinc is helpful for immunity and the fighting of sickness, and it has been suggested by an article published by Wesleyan University that Zinc lozenges can actually reduce not only the severity of a cold, but also its duration. Does that mean it's a cure? Maybe. But either way, this is an easy and accessible approach to get over it faster than you will without it.

Foods

• When it comes to foods to eat that will help you fight a cold and generally make you feel better, chicken soup, garlic soup (or garlic in anything, even by itself), peppermint tea infused with cayenne and ginger are all great. Rangwani even suggests that a bit of mustard or nutmeg smeared on the forehead will relieve a headache. Foods to avoid include milk products; sweets and fried foods are discouraged when trying to fight a cold.

Why Not Rely on OTCs?

• Advocates of holistic medicine have been discouraging the use of OTC remedies for years, saying that the effects of these medicines go against the nature of our bodies. Fever and increased mucus are the body's way of fighting the viral invasion of a cold, and those supporting natural-healing methods often oppose the idea of tampering with the natural system unless the conditions are intolerable.