The common cold has plagued humans since time immemorial. Lost time at work, at school, and the degradation in the quality of leisure time has made the common cold a reliable nuisance. But for those who have serious health problems, the very old, and the very young- the common cold can sometimes be deadly.
It has long been accepted that the common cold cannot be eradicated. This is due to the fact that the virus which causes the common cold evolves at an exceedingly rapid rate, adapting to anything that hinders or kills it almost instantly. While all living things continue to evolve, a general rule is that the simpler the life form is- the more quickly it can evolve and adapt to its environment. Viruses, like the one that causes colds, are the simplest and fastest evolving life-like forms known to science.
Modern medicine has given us many solutions to major medical problems. But it has not managed to cure the common cold. However, through all of recorded history, people have employed remedies that do reduce the symptoms and may even prevent the common cold.
Such remedies boost the immune function of the patient as well as prevent infection. It is interesting to note that the period in Chinese culture that produced treatments like acupuncture, coincided with a medical model that was totally unlike our own. In ancient China, doctors were paid only when their patients were well- not when they were sick.
Modern, western medicine, by contrast, pays physicians not for the health of the patient- but for responses to their illnesses. There is an obvious conflict of interest here. The incentives are perverse, and the results are clearly sub-optimal.
The result is that many people are aware of the problem of the perverse incentives in western medicine. But these same people feel isolated due to persistent propaganda supporting this inverted medical pay model. A direct result of this is that four in ten adults have turned to alternative remedies to treat all manner of illnesses as well to prevent the common cold.
While many in the health industry would say this is cause for alarm, many of the most commonly used alternative remedies are well proven to have beneficial effects on our health, improving our immunity and providing preventative benefits of all kinds.
Here are ten well known herbal remedies with proven immune boosting and health-promoting effects.
Elderberry: A well-known and potent immune booster, elderberry inhibits the enzyme that the flu virus uses to access cells. One study showed that elderberry juice combined with raspberry extract, citric acid, glucose, and honey inhibits both types of flu virus.
Echinacea: Known for its positive effect on immune function, Echinacea strengthens white blood cells, enhances the production of interferon, and also increases the ability of killer T-cells to kill invading microbes. Numerous studies have shown that Echinacea lowers the risk of respiratory infections significantly and can reduce the duration of flu and cold symptoms.
Astragalus: Both an adaptogen and a tonic, Astragalus has been proven in study after study to improve immune function, fight bacteria, viruses, and reduce inflammation.
Garlic: A real powerhouse among superfoods, garlic destroys a wide range of harmful microorganisms including cold and flu viruses. It is also an aid to expectoration, helping to relieve excessive mucous from the body.
Peppermint: Peppermint oil has been found to help relax airways, and open congested nasal passages and sinuses. One study, in particular, indicates that respiratory discomfort can be effectively treated by inhaling peppermint.
Lemon Balm: This pleasant smelling extract, also known as Melissa oil, has been found to have an antiviral effect against a specific strain of flu and also hinders certain bacterial infections.
Stinging Nettle: This natural herbal remedy has been shown to inhibit the influenza virus. But it is also very nutrient dense. Stinging nettle contains flavonoids and carotenoids in high doses. These are known to relieve allergy symptoms.
Lomatium: Lomatium was used by Native Americans to resist both viral and bacterial infection. Clinical research also indicates that the herb is highly effective for these uses.
St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort inhibits both the para-influenza and influenza A viruses.
Licorice root: Known to contain glycyrrhizin, licorice root has been proven to deactivate a broad array of viruses. Licorice root also contains a certain polysaccharide which boosts the body’s interferon production while also activating white blood cells.
While all of these remedies are proven and potent- they also come with zero dangerous side effects- something with which the medical industry cannot hope to compete with.
~ Health Scams Exposed
