What does Eastern medicine say about curing a common cold?!
Question: What does Eastern medicine say about curing a common cold!?
Yes, I have a cold, and I'm doing everything Western medicine says may help - over-the-counter medicines, lots of fluids, and alternative treatments like vitamin C, chicken soup, echinacea , and zinc (though the Mayo Clinic website isn't very positive about those alternative treatments)!.
I'm curious if Eastern medicine - or just any non-Western medicine - has any other suggestions about curing a common cold!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
I'm curious if Eastern medicine - or just any non-Western medicine - has any other suggestions about curing a common cold!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Yes, however, the terminology is not the same!.
What it says is the lack of wei qi or defensive energy which is responsible for the immune system!. It is believed that external pathogen influences of cold and wind on a weakened system can result in catching a cold!.
First approach is to use Yin Qiao or Gan Mao Ling!. There are other products such as Shuang Huan Lian that can help!. However, the real benefit is the ability to strengthen immune system through systematic (including diet, exercise, meditation, acupuncture, massage, and herbs) to balance and nourish your body!. Www@Answer-Health@Com
What it says is the lack of wei qi or defensive energy which is responsible for the immune system!. It is believed that external pathogen influences of cold and wind on a weakened system can result in catching a cold!.
First approach is to use Yin Qiao or Gan Mao Ling!. There are other products such as Shuang Huan Lian that can help!. However, the real benefit is the ability to strengthen immune system through systematic (including diet, exercise, meditation, acupuncture, massage, and herbs) to balance and nourish your body!. Www@Answer-Health@Com
Western or Eastern, you can't cure a cold!. Vit C, echinacea, zinc, will not help!. You can only treat the symptoms and OTC medications are the most effective, no question!. And you can't "boost the immune system" - that statement is meaningless, the immune system is far to complex for such a claim!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
You cannot expect allopaths to be very enthusiastic over any form of alternative medicine!. Elderberry is a great antiviral herb which prevents viruses from replicating and strengthens immunity!. A study done in the 80's found elderberry extract to completely heal 90% of the participants of the flu in 48 to 72 hours!. Astragalus is a popular Chinese herb used to strengthen wei qi and boost immunity!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
What Are the Treatments for the Common Cold!?
Since there is no cure for the common cold, treatment has two goals: to make you feel better and to help you fight off the virus!.
Lots of rest is the key treating a cold!. You may find you need 12 hours of sleep each night, so don't set that alarm!. You'll be most comfortable in a warm, humid environment!. It's also important to drink lots of water!. This makes mucus flow more freely and helps with congestion!.
No specific treatment exists for the virus that is causing your cold, but in treating your symptoms you can find relief!. For aches and pains accompanied by a fever of 100!.5 degrees or higher, give Tylenol rather than aspirin to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition that occurs in children with viral illnesses, especially if they have taken aspirin!. If your throat is sore, gargle as often as you like with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water)!.
Think twice before using heavily advertised over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which likely contain drugs for symptoms you don't have and therefore may result in needless overtreatment!. Avoid them entirely for children under age 13!. Even cold preparations marketed especially for children don't seem to work for this age group, and the drugs commonly induce drowsiness, making everything worse!.
Over-the-counter decongestants containing pseudoephedrine can help dry and clear nasal passages, but only temporarily!. Decongestant nasal sprays can help, too -- but watch out! Decongestants used for more than five days may cause a "rebound" effect!. This means more mucus and worse congestion!. Pseudoephedrine may increase blood pressure and heart rate!. Do not take it without first checking with your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate problems, diabetes, or thyroid problems!.
Over-the-counter decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine have been pulled voluntarily from the shelves because they increase the risk of stroke!. If you have a drug containing this ingredient, also called PPA, throw it away!.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants, such as those containing dextromethorphan, can be helpful if your cough is so severe that it interferes with sleeping or talking!. Otherwise, allow yourself to cough as you need to (always covering your mouth as you do), because coughing removes mucus and germs from your throat and lungs!.
Antihistamines seem to help some people, but their effect during colds remains controversial!.
Good nutrition is essential for resisting and recovering from a cold!. Eat a balanced diet!. Take supplements as needed to ensure you are receiving the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin A, the vitamin B complex (vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, folic acid) and vitamin C, as well as the minerals zinc and copper!. Both vitamin C and zinc are essential for production of infection-fighting neutrophils; without adequate levels, you're an easy mark for all types of infections!. Evidence is not clear on whether zinc lozenges or tablets cut colds short -- you can find studies supporting either side of the issue!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Since there is no cure for the common cold, treatment has two goals: to make you feel better and to help you fight off the virus!.
Lots of rest is the key treating a cold!. You may find you need 12 hours of sleep each night, so don't set that alarm!. You'll be most comfortable in a warm, humid environment!. It's also important to drink lots of water!. This makes mucus flow more freely and helps with congestion!.
No specific treatment exists for the virus that is causing your cold, but in treating your symptoms you can find relief!. For aches and pains accompanied by a fever of 100!.5 degrees or higher, give Tylenol rather than aspirin to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition that occurs in children with viral illnesses, especially if they have taken aspirin!. If your throat is sore, gargle as often as you like with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup water)!.
Think twice before using heavily advertised over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which likely contain drugs for symptoms you don't have and therefore may result in needless overtreatment!. Avoid them entirely for children under age 13!. Even cold preparations marketed especially for children don't seem to work for this age group, and the drugs commonly induce drowsiness, making everything worse!.
Over-the-counter decongestants containing pseudoephedrine can help dry and clear nasal passages, but only temporarily!. Decongestant nasal sprays can help, too -- but watch out! Decongestants used for more than five days may cause a "rebound" effect!. This means more mucus and worse congestion!. Pseudoephedrine may increase blood pressure and heart rate!. Do not take it without first checking with your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate problems, diabetes, or thyroid problems!.
Over-the-counter decongestants containing phenylpropanolamine have been pulled voluntarily from the shelves because they increase the risk of stroke!. If you have a drug containing this ingredient, also called PPA, throw it away!.
Over-the-counter cough suppressants, such as those containing dextromethorphan, can be helpful if your cough is so severe that it interferes with sleeping or talking!. Otherwise, allow yourself to cough as you need to (always covering your mouth as you do), because coughing removes mucus and germs from your throat and lungs!.
Antihistamines seem to help some people, but their effect during colds remains controversial!.
Good nutrition is essential for resisting and recovering from a cold!. Eat a balanced diet!. Take supplements as needed to ensure you are receiving the recommended dietary allowances for vitamin A, the vitamin B complex (vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, folic acid) and vitamin C, as well as the minerals zinc and copper!. Both vitamin C and zinc are essential for production of infection-fighting neutrophils; without adequate levels, you're an easy mark for all types of infections!. Evidence is not clear on whether zinc lozenges or tablets cut colds short -- you can find studies supporting either side of the issue!.Www@Answer-Health@Com