Natural Cold Remedies

Natural cold remedies can shorten your recovery and even stop a cold or flu in its tracks.
The common cold is caused by a virus, therefore antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics, which are used to treat illnesses caused by bacteria, can have adverse effects when taken unnecessarily. Listed below are a few natural cold remedies to help you beat the virus before it takes hold.

1. Acupuncture can help boost the body’s immune system to help fight off pathogens. Getting an acupuncture treatment can decrease the duration of a cold and can help relieve sinus pressure, eliminate body aches as well as take down a fever. To ensure your body is fully equipped to fend off a cold, contact one our our Chicago acupuncturists to book an appointment in a neighborhood near you .
2. Garlic posses several antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties so it can be a useful tool to take at the first sign of a cold. It is stronger when taken raw so it is recommended that you chop up a clove and swallow it whole. This can be done twice a day to prevent as well as treat a cold.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar has an alkalizing effect on your body when taken orally. Because colds throw the body into an acidic state, taking a capful of apple cider vinegar 2-3 times a day can be an effective cold remedy. Just make sure to get the kind with “the mother” still in it. Braggs or Eden are two brands that are not pasteurized, filtered, or distilled.
4. Honey is a powerful healing agent and it can be very effective in boosting immunity and treating cold symptoms. It can be mixed with equal parts apple cider vinegar, and lemon.
5. Eucalyptus Oil contains potent bactericides and inhaling the fumes can help knock out infections in the nasal passages, sinuses, bronchial tubes, and lungs. To use, put a few drops into a humidifier or into a pot of boiling water. You could also put 3-4 drops onto a handkerchief and place near your nostrils a few times a day.
There are many other natural remedies that can help fight a cold including but not limited to; zinc, lysine, vitamin c, and vitamin d. If you’re suffering from a cold take your recovery seriously and don’t hesitate to contact an Aligned Modern Health for professional advice.
About the Author:
Kelly Kirles, L.Ac is a licensed Acupuncturist at Aligned Modern Health Lincoln Square. Kelly first discovered acupuncture when she was 16 years old and fell in love with it right away. She relies on Acupuncture to heal her own hip and knee pains, and she is passionate about helping others find relief through acupuncture. In addition to pain relief, Kelly has extensive experience treating women’s health issues including menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and fertility complications. She also has experience treating mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and stress, and partnering with medical doctors to help wean patients off medications that produce excessive side effects. 
Prior to joining the Aligned Modern Health team, Kelly practiced Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Northwest Indiana and in Ketchikan Alaska. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and her Masters in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. She is nationally board certified by the NCCAOM. Kelly enjoys making fitness an integral part of her life whether it’s taking a Pilates or yoga class, going for a run with her 5 year old Labrador retriever, or chasing after her toddler son!