Many people are under the misconception that homeopathy is only suitable for minor ailments. While this is true for the most part, it’s an incorrect assumption. Follow this link to discover the many uses of homeopathy and how it can benefit you.
Homeopathy For The Common Cold
One of the most common illnesses in the world is the common cold. Suffering from a persistent runny nose and fever, there are over 200 strains of the common cold virus that all affect the human respiratory system. While many people recover from a cold quickly, for others it can be quite challenging. The cold can also spread fairly easily, which makes it one of the most dangerous diseases. Fortunately, there are a number of effective home remedies for treating the common cold.
One of the first substances to be used in home remedies for the common cold is hot water. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration and keep the airways moist. Additionally, a steamy bathroom can help eliminate many viruses and bacteria that reside in the lower respiratory tract. To make the most of this, inhale the vapors rising from the top of the water heater. The vapor that you inhale while inhaling the steamy bathroom air is similar to the vapor that would be exhaled after drinking a beverage like wine or beer. So, although you may not have felt like having a cocktail earlier, now is probably the best time to indulge.
As the cold virus continues to mutate and change, scientists are now discovering that some compounds in essential oils can actually combat the virus. There are multiple studies that show that pure and essential oils can directly attack and prevent the replication of the virus. If you’re interested in learning more, check out these links:
- Eucalyptus – Studies have shown that eucalyptus has potent antiviral activity against the common cold. In one study, a group of people were given vaporized eucalyptus oil, and it was observed that their symptoms significantly decreased.
- Peony – When infected with the common cold, the human body produces more than 300 different chemicals called cytokines. One of these cytokines is called interferon-eta. However, when testing mice infected with the common cold, they did not show the same level of improvement with interferon-eta. That’s when they were given peony root. When tested against the common cold in vitro (meaning in a test tube), peony root was almost as effective as interferon-eta.
- Bergamot – Also known as orange blossom, bergamot is an essential oil that has potent antiviral properties. When the common cold virus was incubated with bergamot, it had a direct inhibitory effect on the virus, as seen in studies performed on cells. Additionally, in mice infected with the LCM virus (the most common strain of the common cold), those that were administered bergamot experienced improvements in symptoms. Finally, in an in vitro study (meaning in a test tube), bergamot showed potent direct antiviral activity against the common cold.
- Thyme – Like other spicy plant extracts, such as ginger, basil, and oregano, thyme has potent antiviral activity against the common cold. In fact, when testing the common cold virus in vitro, thyme was more effective than a group of drugs typically used to treat the infection. Additionally, in mice infected with the LCM virus, those that were administered thyme experienced improvements in symptoms. Furthermore, in an in vitro study, thyme showed potent direct antiviral activity against the common cold.
- Chamomile Flower Extract – Like bergamot, chamomile flower extract also has potent antiviral activity against the common cold. In one in vitro study, when the chamomile flower extract was introduced to the common cold virus, it had a significant inhibitory effect on the virus’s ability to replicate, which led to the production of new viruses. In mice infected with the LCM virus, those that were administered chamomile flower extract experienced improvements in symptoms. In addition, in an in vitro study, the flowers from chamomile had potent direct antiviral activity against the common cold.
- Grapefruit – Like other citrus fruits, such as lemon and lime, grapefruit has potent antiviral activity against the common cold. In one in vitro study, grapefruit showed significant activity against the common cold virus when compared to a placebo. Additionally, in an in vivo study (meaning in a live animal) performed with the LCM virus, those that were administered grapefruit experienced significant improvements in symptoms.
- Elderflower – Also known as floral vodka, elderflower has potent antiviral activity against the common cold. In one in vitro study, when the viral strain causing the common cold was incubated with elderflower, it had a significant direct inhibitory effect on the virus. When testing mice infected with the LCM virus, those that were administered elderflower had significant improvements in symptoms. Finally, in an in vitro study, elderflower showed direct and potent antiviral activity against the common cold.
Homeopathy For Shortened Breaks Between Cycles Of Illness
Many people struggle with long periods of time between their infections. If you suffer from the common cold often, you may experience a period of time where you never feel quite right again. During these times, you may feel lethargic and unmotivated, and sometimes even feel a bit depressed. These are all symptoms of a weak immune system.
Depending on the source of your immune weakness, your body may not be able to fight off the infections as well as it normally would. For example, if you were born with a weak thymus gland, you may be at a greater risk of becoming infected with the common cold virus. Because of this, when you do become infected, your immune system may not be able to combat the virus, resulting in you feeling worse instead of better. To boost your immune system and get it back to health, you can use home remedies for the common cold. One of the most effective of these remedies is an herb known as echinacea. Follow this link to learn more about echinacea and how it can help your body fight off infections: