This past fall I had the honor of teaching at Western Connecticut State University and I wrote and taught a class never been offered before on food as medicine, supplements, herbs and homeopathy. I taught each section individually and then at the end of the semester, as a class, we used all of what we learned to put together a natural remedy guide for common ailments. This is what we came up with for the common cold. My disclaimer here is to please consult a professional before taking even natural remedies. They are natural, but powerful, and come with precautions, dosage recommendations, side affects, age recommendations and drug interactions. This list is only a guide for discussion with your doctor.
Food
Beneficial – bone broth (rich in minerals and helps boost the immune system) chicken soup (antimicrobial properties in the onion slurry), garlic (mild antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal properties)
Avoid – processed foods, sugar (lowers your immune system and feeds on bacteria)
Supplements
Vitamin C -helps prevent viruses and bacteria
Vitamin D -boosts your immune system.
Zinc gluconate – shown in clinical studies to shorten the duration of colds
Arabinogalactin powder – helps with colds and boosts the immune system
N-acetyl L-cysteine – used as a mucolytic and also helps support lung health.
Homeopathic Remedies
First defense for a sudden onset of symptoms is Aconite neppalus and then reevaluate to see what next remedy fits your symptoms or constitution. Some common ones for cold symptoms include Belladonna, Kali bichromicum, Pulsatilla, Gelsemium.
Herbs
Echinacea tops the list as the most common cold remedy in Europe. It is taken for only 7-10 days and then discontinued. A recommended dose is 300 mg dose repeated three times a day. Very often it is paired with goldenseal which is a natural antibiotic.
Oregano oil comes in supplement form and is antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.
Elderberry tincture or syrup can help support the respiratory system.
