There are more than a couple hundred viruses known to cause several types of flu and cold proliferating all over the world. By far, the most common flu-causing virus is the rhinovirus, which has no cure and accounts for roughly a third of flu and cold cases.
The primary focus of almost all natural therapies is to quicken the flu process or relieve its symptoms. Some therapies also help improve the immune system to prevent the recurrence of flu infections.
The symptoms of cold are a cough, watery eyes, headache, sore throat and stuffy or runny nose. For flu sufferers, symptoms may involve pains in their joints and muscles, general body aches and a fever.
Treatment
Herbal Medicine
Chamomile is good for treating a fever, elderflower for catarrh and catmint helps relieve congestion. Other concoctions for flu and its symptoms are offered by many health stores.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils are steamed and inhaled to help relieve breathing difficulties. Drop a few amounts of peppermint, eucalyptus or menthol oil in a basin of steaming hot water, cover your head with a towel and inhale. You can also utilize these oils on a sponge or in the bath or vaporize it in a room.
For the following therapies, you need to consult with a qualified therapist/ practitioner in order to get the best possible treatment:
Acupuncture and Acupressure
These two therapies are very effective in helping to revitalize your body with energy (chi) and make your body strong enough to ward off colds and dissolve phlegm.
Chinese massage (Tui Na) from traditional Chinese medicine can remove the pain, aches and symptoms in your arms, chest and back.
Homeopathy Remedies
These include Gelsemium (for flu shivering and aches), hepar sulfur (for colds and coughs), Allium, Nux vomica, and Natrum Muriaticum.
Treatment for Cold Sores
Cold sores are sores or blisters that form around the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus thrives and is activated when it is exposed to direct sunlight or during changes in temperature.
Homeopathy therapies such as Rhus toxicodendron and Hepar sulf can treat cold sores.
Herbal remedies, on the other hand, such as licorice can help render the virus dormant or inactive.
Aromatherapy can treat cold sores. Apply tea tree, thyme, geranium or lavender oil on the cold sores to relieve and treat the discomfort.
Tammi A. Jones is a licensed acupuncturist in Palm Harbor, FL., practicing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Western medical pathology. She is also the founder of Synoma Wellness Centre.