how to stop a cold

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How to Stop a Cold in its Tracks 2/7/2012 4:07:00 PM

What do you do if you come down with a scratchy sore throat, body aches,

fullness in your sinuses or a runny nose?

If you act fast and treat the cold aggressively, you may stop that cold or flu

in 6 to 48 hours and never let it take hold.

In this article I will discuss the Ayurvedic perspective on causes of colds,signs of your susceptibility, and some easy ways to safeguard your

immunity.

In addition, you will learn some great tips to try in the event that you do

come down with symptoms, plus a great homemade remedy that support

the immune system to stop a cold in its tracks!

Levels of Susceptibility Know the Signs

Heres a rundown of how a cold takes hold, according to Ayurveda, and how

it progresses:

1. The first level of susceptibility to the common cold and flu is stress and

tension, which often cause tight neck and shoulder muscles that compromise

cervical lymph drainage. The cervical lymph drains the head, neck and

sinuses and provides immune support to fight potential infections in the

upper respiratory tract.

2. The second level of susceptibility is when dry respiratory cilia cause a

scratchy throat or irritated sinuses. The cervical lymph in the neck dries out

and causes a sore throat. Dry mucus membranes produce reactive mucusand the nose runs.

3. The third level of susceptibility is when this reactive mucus overwhelms

and congests the cilia and the cervical lymph.

Bacteria or viruses may proliferate in the excess reactive mucus and

cause infection. The sinuses can become congested and the lymphnodes may swell. The immune system concentrated in the lymphnodes is stuck in traffic and the cold or flu runs its course. At thispoint, we can get caught in a cycle where continued dryness causes

continued reactive mucus production, which can lead to post nasal drip and

a dry cough.

4. Post nasal drip can lead to congestion and potential infection of the

bronchioles and the lungs, which becomes a more serious

threat. Excessive post nasal drip bogs down the cilia in the lungs,causing a deep productive cough and possible infection of the lungs.


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Addressing the Cause

Contrary to popular belief, the Ayurvedic view maintains that bacteria and

viruses are not the true causes of a cold or flu, and that killing the bacteria

or virus, while it may be necessary, will only offer symptomatic relief. Whenwe are strong and healthy, we are unaffected by the germs that continually

surround us. The infection doesnt happen until after the third level of

susceptibility, (above), when we have let stress, tension, and dryness

compromise our immunity.

At the same time you are treating symptoms, identify and treat the cause of

susceptibility so the infection does not reoccur. (But please note: I am not

saying that antibiotics are not useful they save lives. If the infection

becomes chronic, please be safe and see your doctor.)

Dont Dry Out

In the winter, temperatures drop and the air dries out. The further we go

into winter, the drier the air becomes. Even the rain dries out and becomes

snow. For ourselves, we further aggravate these dry conditions by pumping

dry heat into our homes and offices to stay warm.

In the case of the common cold, this dryness has become overwhelming to

the body. When we become excessively dry, the dryness extends to the

mucus membranes in the sinuses and gut. The respiratory tract is lined withciliated epithelium, skin covered with sweepers called cilia that house part of

the immune system. These cilia, much like the villi of the gut, sweep toxins,

bacteria and viruses through respiratory mucus membranes into the Mucus

Associated Lymphatic Tissue, or MALT, where they are neutralized by the

white-blood-cell-rich lymph nodes.

Natures Prescription

Natures prescription for all this dryness is the seasonal harvest. The winter

harvest consists of high-fat, high-protein, insulating foods that antidote the

harshness of winter. Think of squirrels eating nuts when the weather begins

to cool. See myWinter Tips & Grocery List, which explains how to prevent

systemic dehydration and other winter imbalances with seasonal foods.
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Heres a summary:

By minimizing stress and tension, eating from the winter grocery list, and

soliciting the help of some ayurvedic herbs traditionally used during the cold

season, you can: Lubricate and heal the respiratory mucusmembranes. Increase circulation to the mucus membranes. Thinthe mucus so the cilia and lymph can function. De-stagnate thelymphatic system that drains and protects the head and neck.

Three Ayurvedic Herbs to Kick Start Immunity

1. Trikatu thins mucus, stimulates circulation to the respiratory tract

and cervical lymph*. 2. Sitopladi opens airways and heals anddecongests mucus membranes of the sinuses, bronchioles and

lungs(1)*. 3. Turmeric thins mucus, moves lymph, boosts immunityand heals the mucus membranes*.

Additional Support for Colds and Flu*

If you do find yourself with the telltale signs of an oncoming cold, follow the

below protocol for at least 3 days, even if symptoms disappear more

quickly. Sip plain hot water every 10-15 minutes for three days whileyou take the Cold Cough (2 caps every 1-2 hours). Plain hot water willhydrate the mucus membranes and dilate and flush toxins. You can carry a

thermos with you to stay hydrated.

Apply warm ear oil twice a day for three days. Garlic mullein ear oil is

the best, but this simple home remedy works fine*:

Bonus! Do-It-Yourself Ear Oil

Put 1 oz of sesame or olive oil in a pan. Chop a small garlic clove and

put it in the pan. Heat the oil and garlic until the water in the garlic starts

to pop or boil off. Press the garlic with a fork to release any extra

water. When all the water in the garlic is boiled off, let the mixture cool,

strain out garlic pieces and funnel into a clean glass dropper bottle.

Before use, heat the garlic oil to just above body temperature by

holding the full dropper under hot water for a few moments. Fill both ear


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canals and cover with cotton balls. Do this twice a day for three days. Youcan use ear oil preventively once a week during the fall and winter*. It is

also beneficial before being exposed to excessive cold, wind, dryness, dust

or pollen*.

References: 1. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2003 Apr-Jun;15(2):31-3 2. J. Nat. Prod., 1994, 57 (5), pp 658662 3. International Journalof Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, Volume 4, Issue 2,

September October 2010; Article 011 4. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect ofcurcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:245-249. 5. Van Dau N, Ngoc Ham N,Huy Khac D, et al. The effects of a traditional drug, turmeric (Curcuma

longa), and placebo on the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomedicine.

1998;5:29-34. 6. J Ethnopharm. 2007 Sep 25;113(3):479-86 7. LifeSci. 2007 Feb. 13;80(10):926-31


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how to stop a cold

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