Like many Americans, you may assume that with the warm weather approaching your chance of contracting a cold will now decrease.
Many people mistakenly believe that the frigid winter temperatures are responsible for the colds we contract.
Although the winter months are synonymous with sickness, the Rhinovirus is the culprit behind the common cold during the spring and summer months.
We’ve heard it many times before…the best cure for the common cold is in fact preventing it. Sure, we all know that we should be eating 9-10 servings of fruits and vegetables, keeping well hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water, working out for 30 minutes, getting 8 hours of sleep and eliminating stress in our daily lives. But when your pre-emptive strike is lacking and you contract the dreaded cold yet again, where do you turn for natural treatment?
Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy are the use of water and its temperature effects in the treatment of disease. Commonly used for centuries in Rome, China, Japan and Greece, it consists of using water at varying temperatures to increase the number of infection-fighting blood cells, boost the immune system and speed the healing process.
When fighting a cold, there are several hydrotherapeutic treatments that can aid in recovery and alleviate symptoms. Steam inhalation acts as an expectorant by loosening mucus secretion in the lungs. Hot compresses, which consist of towels drenched in hot water and placed on the chest, aid in the treatment of respiratory ailments.
To treat the symptoms of sore throat and earache associated with a head cold, apply heating compresses (cold compresses that are covered with dry towels and left in place until your body heat dries them up). Body wraps, similar to compresses but on a larger scale, are excellent for reducing fevers. Hot baths, sauna, steam baths and herbal baths are all examples of hydrotherapy treatment for colds.
A very popular herbal bath that has been shown to offer comfort from cold symptoms is a green tea bath. Chances are you will have to make a run to your local health food store to purchase some of the necessary ingredients, but it will be well worth the trip.
These particular ingredients will keep fresh for 6-12 months. You will need 2 Tbsp green tea leaves, ¼ cup parsley, ¼ cup dried chamomile flowers, 2 Tbsp orange peel dried spice, ½ cup Epsom salt. Mix all ingredients together and drop into warm running bath water. Soak for 20 minutes up to 4x per day.
Hydrotherapy treatment is becoming increasingly popular and many books are now available on the subject. Your best bet is to visit a health food store where you can purchase books and the ingredients recommended for treatments. Several books can be found at Home Economist Market, with 3 locations in the Charlotte area and one in Davidson at Lake Norman. Visit their website at www.hemarket.com for locations.