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26/09/2010 As autumn greets us with cooler weather, there are plenty of things to look forward to this upcoming season. The common cold and the flu, however, are not some of them. But if you find yourself coming down with a cold over these next few months, rather than running to the medicine cabinet, try heading for the kitchen cabinet instead.
Hippocrates was on to something when he said: "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." Although many people choose to ignore it, what we eat is probably the most important determinant in our health and well-being. Many people have spent their lives bringing attention to this point. One of the most influential has been Dr. Annemarie Colbin, founder of the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, and author of many books on the subject of food and health. In Food and Healing, Dr. Colbin explains that the common cold is one of the most widespread but misunderstood ailments. "Viewed as a threat," she writes, "it is, like most 'sicknesses,' more of a loving friend that comes to warn us about, and at the same time set aright, the misalignments, stresses, and dietary errors in our lives." It is an important point to keep in mind, but when a cold does knock you down, what can be done to ease the discomfort? If you've ever walked down the supplements and remedies aisle in Mrs. Green's Natural Market, you know that for every ailment, there seem to be fifteen different bottles to cure you. They may work quite well, but for me, there are certain home-based remedies that seem to work just fine, and are much less expensive. Although I've found these remedies to be effective, but don't take this as a substitute for medical advice, and you should always consult your own physician. At the first signs of a sore throat, it's straight to the apple cider vinegar. It needs to be specifically labeled as raw, not the more common pasteurized version, or else the benefits will be lost. Gargling and swallowing about one teaspoon of cider vinegar diluted with four or five teaspoons of water several times a day will often prevent a sore throat from progressing any further, and should reduce most discomfort significantly. It's an acquired taste, but its effectiveness as a homeopathic remedy is unrivaled. Hot liquid, particularly ginger tea, is great for loosening some of the pressure that builds up in the head and sinuses, and is also very soothing on the throat. For a simple yet effective ginger tea, cover seven or eight thin slices of ginger with a few cups of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. And of course, nothing beats some plain old rest. So if you find yourself with a cold this season, take a little time to reflect on what your body is telling you, and try some simple remedies to find what works best for you. Stay well! |
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