Stuffy head, fever, body aches, cough; there is nothing fun about having the cold or flu. It is even less fun when that cold or flu hangs around, dragging you down and you can't seem to shake it. Although modern western medicine has made great progress in curing many diseases, there still is no cure for the common cold. There are some alternative remedies, however, that can lessen the symptoms of cold and flu. They may even shorten the time that you are sick. Methods such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, and nutrition and diet therapy have helped many patients feel better faster.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy takes a more symptomatic approach to healing. When cold symptoms first appear, you can begin taking a homeopathic remedy. Try one remedy for several days, but if that particular remedy does not seem to work, stop that one and try another. Compare your symptoms to these.

- Glyconutrients are good for an immune boost!

- Belladonna is helpful for headaches and high fevers.

- Selenium can be used if you have chills, are achy and fatigued, or have a sore throat!

- Nux vomica may help for irritability and a runny nose that is particularly congested at night.

- Bryonia is also great for many cold and flu symptoms, particularly irritability.

Aromatherapy

Certain scents released in a room or inhaled can help relieve you of cold and flu symptoms. Just remember that essential oils are very concentrated so go easy because just a couple of drops will usually do fine. Ravensare and niaouli have natural antiviral and anti-infectious properties. However, if you use either of these, you may want to add oil like rosewood, lemon, pine or eucalyptus. Ravensare and naiouli have somewhat medicinal smells so blending one of these sweeter smelling oils (that also have an antiseptic effect) can make it more pleasant. Inhale chamomile, eucalyptus and thyme to heal your throat and nasal passages and relieve a stuffy head. You can create an inhalant by placing a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, revensar or tea tree oil on a small handkerchief and inhale it during the day. Wintergreen and peppermint are great for relieving nasal congestion.

Nutrition and Diet

Good nutrition can help your body ward off cold and flu as well as recover quickly. The important things to remember when you are combating a cold or flu are to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. Water and fresh fruit juice are best and you want to make sure that you avoid drinks that act as diuretics. You also want to avoid milk and other dairy products because some studies have shown that there is a compound in milk that triggers the release of the chemical histamine in your body. This means that your nasal congestion and runny nose could be made worse. Stick to a diet that is mild such as light soups (yes, the tale about chicken soup is true!), broths, poached, lightly seasoned fish and salads. If you do not usually take a vitamin supplement, particularly vitamin C, you may want to take one during this time. Whether you are feeling sick or healthy, a good glyconutritional supplement with the proper formulation of the 8 glyconutrients may really give you an energy and immune boost that you notice!