How to Curb a Cold
We've all been there ~ recognizing that we feel run down, feeling the first inkling of a runny nose or scratchy throat, and then deciding (consciously or unconsciously) to 'push through.' And I'm sure you've also experienced when, in an effort to circumvent a cold by pretending it's not there, you end up feeling worse faster.
Respiratory illnesses almost always start in the nose or mouth, and if we catch them and treat them there, we can dramatically reduce our recovery time. Viruses left to proliferate can then migrate downward into the lungs, causing more serious problems (like pneumonia). This is why it's so important to address colds at the start ~ your future self with thank you.
In addition to what's below, I highly encourage you to follow the guidelines for Taking Care When under the Weather at the very first signs of illness. There you'll find detailed advice on how to eat whenever your body is under the weather or otherwise highly inflamed.
SUPPORT YOUR NATURAL LINE OF DEFENSE
Wash your hands frequently — with good soap. Public bathrooms often use antibacterial soaps, which can actually weaken the effectiveness prescription antibiotics when we need them most. Instead, keep a travel sized bottle of castile soap in your bag to use when you're out of the house.
Help your nose breathe clean air. Long flights, freezing temps and artificial heating all dry out the nasal passages, which prevent them from optimally filtering out disease-harboring microbes. Soothe dryness simply by applying a thin layer of mild herbal salve with a clean fingertip into each nostril, and reapply as needed. I especially recommend this at the start of and throughout your time up in the air to avoid picking up airplane germs! The Solve All Salve, Savior Salve & Breathe Relief Balm all work wonders for this specific purpose.
Clear the sinuses with an herbal steam. If you've been in a crowded area or are feeling run down, add a few sprigs of fresh or dry aromatic herbs or 3-5 drops of essential oil to a cup of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam through your nose and mouth for 5-10 minutes. Any combination of Oregano, Mint, Thyme, Basil, Lavender, Rosemary or Tea Tree will help ~ just use whatever you have on hand.
SWEAT OUT THE FIRST SIGNS OF SICKNESS
If you do start to feel slightly under the weather, don’t push through or ignore it! By catching and addressing your symptoms in the earliest stage of illness, you can actually induce a ‘sweat’ and raise your body temperature to fight viruses before they can lodge deeper in the body.
The sweat method is actually a part of every healing tradition I’ve studied: Western Herbalism, TCM and Hawaiian healing all incorporate the practice. Even my Armenian grandmother remembers effectively sweating out colds in her youth! Chinese Medicine has an entire category of herbs called ‘Release the Exterior,’ which is dedicated to formulas that help you sweat when you first get sick. This method most likely works by inducing a mock fever, creating an inhospitable environment for viruses.
The key to the method is employing the following steps at the very first signs of a cold or flu. The slight tickle in your throat, sluggish energy or a runny nose are all signifiers that you’re headed for sick days ahead. But once a virus has you in its throes, it is likely too late — which is why you need to do the following on day one of feeling ill, and not any later.
To start, brew up some tea with whatever warming pungent herbs you have in your kitchen: ginger, garlic, chilis, and onions are all good options, so use whatever you’ve got. Boil some water and pour over a generous serving of herbs, and steep covered for a few minutes while you dress yourself in layers of the warmest clothes in your closet. I’m talking a winter hat, thick socks, sweatpants and a scarf. Then grab your tea and wrap yourself in warm blankets.
Once you’re exceptionally warm and bundled, start slowly sipping on your hot tea. The goal is to get uncomfortably hot, and then to fully break a sweat. You can use a thermometer to make sure your temperature doesn't go up by more than one degree. Once you have sufficiently perspired (so that your skin is damp to the touch), follow up immediately with a hot shower. The whole sweating process should last about 15 to 25 minutes maximum as you don’t want to over do it.
Take it easy until you've returned to full health. Get plenty of rest, drink warm fluids to replenish the ones you lost and follow the advice in this journal post until you're back to 100%.