Man has used natural remedies to relieve symptoms of colds and flu since earliest times. Cold remedies from nature have been used in Zulu medicine, the Stone Age and ancient Greece. Though there are no cures, natural treatments have been shown to speed healing time.

Stone Age Medicine
Elderberries have been used in medicine since the Stone Age. Recent research University of Jerusalem confirmed that taking elder berries sped healing time.

Zulu cure
A Zulu cold treatment, made from the South African geranium Pelargonium sidoide, is now a best selling cold treatment around the world, backed by clinical studies.

Chicken soup in Greece?
The Jewish physician Maimonides recommended chicken soup to treat colds and flu. This usage goes back to the ancient Greeks.

When you have a cold or flu, rest and stay hydrated. And seek professional help if the symptoms become severe or do not diminish in a few days. That being said, there are vitamins and herbs that comfort and relieve symptoms.

1. Gargle with salt
Gargle with warm salt water to disinfect the throat.
One tsp. of salt into 8 oz of warm water. Do not swallow.

2. Mustard pack
Mustard packs reduce fever, eliminate toxins and help heal the mucus membranes in the lungs.

3. Castor oil pack
Castor oil pack placed on the chest can open the airwaves and bring circulation to the lungs. Massage Castor oil on the chest, cover with muslin or flannel, and place a warm hot water bottle over the chest.

Vitamins

1.Vitamin C.
Research has shown that Vitamin C found in orange juice, taken daily, can shorten the duration of the flu.
A recent study showed that 1,000 mg of Vit C every six hours can effectively relieve, or even prevent, flu symptoms.

2. Zinc
Zinc has been found to be especially good for treating viral sore throats.
A recent study on the effectiveness of zinc showed that taking a zinc lozenge every two to three hours, shortened the duration of cold symptoms.

3. Acidophilus culture
Take acidophilus to restore the intestinal flora.

4. Vitamin A
Vit. Increases immunity by increasing the white blood cells that fight disease.

5. NAC
NAC is an amino acid that has been used to raise immunity to the flu, and to treat chronic respiratory problems.

Tea and drinks

1. Ginger tea
Ginger tea can help kill germs, as an antiviral and is also very good for an upset stomach.
Boil two tablespoons of grated fresh ginger in two cups of water for fifteen minutes, remove from the heat and steep for ten minutes.
Drink as needed.

2. Garlic tea
Common household garlic is great as a preventative and as a treatment.
Raw garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Researchers in England found that garlic can speed up recovery from the flu and increase resistance.

3. Cumin and ginger tea
Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and a small amount of dry or fresh ginger to one glass of boiling water. Drink as needed.

4. Peppermint tea for fever
This tea helps to break a sweat. Make a tea and go quickly to bed where you will sweat out the fever.

5. Lemonade
This is wonderful to soothe sore throats, cleanse the blood, and loosen mucous. Add the juice of half a lemon and one teaspoon of maple syrup to a cup of warm water.

To increase immunity, and speed recovery, follow these health tips:

1. Avoid dairy products and fried foods,
2. Avoid sugar, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, and food additives.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, at least one quart of liquid a day.
3. Stay warm.
4. Rest.

These natural treatments will speed you back to health.

Learn more about this author, Melanie Grimes.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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