|
|
Fighting the Common Cold
We are exposed to cold germs on a daily basis, especially at work, school or anywhere there is contact with other people. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of The Common Cold Cure, suggests ways to cure and prevent the common cold.
At the first signs of a cold such as a scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing or congestion, take 3,000 to 5,000mg of vitamin C. Let a 10 to 20mg zinc lozenge dissolve in the back of your mouth for at least 10 minutes before swallowing it. After a few minutes, take another zinc lozenge. Take a 200 to 500mg capsule of Echinacea or drink a cup of Echinacea tea or take 3 to 5 ml. of a tincture. Drink lots of fluids to keep the mucous membranes moist.
Take 500 mg. to 1 gm. of vitamin C every 2 to 3 hours and dissolve one zinc lozenge in your mouth. If there is no improvement in the symptoms, take a zinc lozenge every hour. Also, take the Echinacea every 2 to 3 hours.
Before going to bed the first night, take vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea before going to bed. If you wake up during the night, take another zinc lozenge.
The second and third days take 1,000 mg of vitamin C, the zinc lozenges and Echinacea every 3 to 4 hours. Continue drinking lots of fluids, especially water.
If symptoms are not relieved or you have a fever of 102 degrees or above, severe nausea or vomiting, headache, difficulty breathing, have thick yellow or green mucus or have an earache, consult a physician. Some people have mild nausea when taking zinc lozenges.
Ray Sahelian, M.D. suggests these ways to prevent catching colds:
- Wash hands frequently, especially if you shake hands with someone.
- Keep hands away from nose and eyes.
- Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier in dry weather
(keep it clean and change water regularly). - Get 6 to 8 hours of good deep sleep.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your immune system.
- Limit alcohol, sugar and caffeine intake.
- Get regular exercise.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
| |
