Natural Remedies and other Healing Arts

There's been a tremendous amount of interest in natural remedies for the ills that ail us over the years. People are flocking to naturopaths and eschewing the established medical communities, who for years have been held as THE only expert in the healing arts.

There's an excellent reason for this turning away from the established medical community and returning to the healing ways that people have used for hundreds of years to better their health. Some, of course, are playing follow the leader/trend and want to be involved in the current 'in' thing, others are doing it because they truly believe in nature's power to cure.

You can see this in the number of natural healing stores that are cropping up across the nation. Where once a mother would take her child in to the doctor for an ear infection and be given antibiotics, she now goes to her local naturopathic store for some herbal ear drops instead. People are using natural cures and remedies, medicines that are made at home from natural ingredients because it's very simple, there is generally no danger of side effects, it's inexpensive and no chemicals are used.

Natural is better and it's also a booming consumer industry.

Home based remedies are ones that basically use the chemicals naturally present in herbs, or spices or any other food source that will fight the foreign element in the body that's causing pain or infection. Instead of using harsh chemicals in antibiotics or pain medications that are meant to kill infections and/or alleviate pain, many people are turning towards nature for its softer, gentler cures. You only have to listen to the drug company commercials on TV to know why. Once the benefits of a certain drug are talked about, you're then given a list of the possible complications and side effects you'll have if you take this particular drug. For most people, those side effects are worse than the cure.

Natural cures are wonderful in that you know you're not putting anything artificial into your body and for a many people, that's reason enough to use homeopathic health remedies.

Experts agree that the best way to stay healthy and fight off disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet, getting a proper amount of exercise and rest, avoiding stress and keeping your immune system strong.

While we may have control over what we eat, our exercise and our rest, stress may be another matter. Sometimes our bodies become run down due to stress and other factors and we find ourselves battling the common cold.

A common cold is a viral infection that many people contract. They say there's no cure for the common cold but there are vitamin supplements and natural herbs available for you that will allow your body's own immune system to fight off the effects of a nasty cold much faster.

Because cold germs attack your upper respiratory system, you will most likely begin your slow downward spiral with a sore throat and a runny nose. The virus will then proceed to destroy some of your healthy cells, bringing you body aches and pains. A fever means that your immune system is valiantly attempting to fight off the virus.

Your best defense is a good offense. Stay healthy. Take regular doses of vitamin C as well as a vitamin supplement. But if you do come down with a cold, you may want to try Echinacea. Naturopathic doctors call Echinacea natures' antibiotic. It aids your body's immune system and helps it fight off infections. When taking any supplement, it's a good idea to speak with your primary care physician to assess any risks involved or side effects. The most common side effect reported with taking Echinacea are gastrointestinal upset.

Another useful natural treatment for the common cold is garlic. Yes, garlic! Garlic and even onions, are sometimes taken for relief of minor congestion and infections. They can reduce mucus and garlic has also been said to cleanse the blood.

Another herbal remedy for the common cold is Goldenseal, which acts as a natural antibiotic. It appears to aid in the relief congestion in the nasal passages as well as the lungs.

Once a sore throat has you in it's grip, you'll want to gargle several times a day with a solution of warm water and salt. Do not swallow this solution, simply gargle with it. This will produce an analgesic effect and relieve the burning pain. Zinc lozenges are also excellent naturopathic remedies for a sore throat.

If your nasal passages are dry and painful, a spray of colloidal Silver will soothe and moisturize, as well as help you to fight off the cold virus.

Helping your immune system to stay strong is your best defense against the common cold virus. Drink herbal teas rich in vitamin C, such as lemon or hyssop and support your body's natural ability to fight off a cold.