Tumeric

How to Rid Yourself of a Cold and Strengthen Your Immune System
By: Ella Philipini

Growing up it seemed that no matter what was wrong with my brother and I, my mom always had something with a nasty taste or smell that would heal any cuts and scrapes and I swear if I came home with plague she would have made some kind of bubbling potion that would cure it.

Vitamin C
The first thing someone will tell you to do when you have a cold is drink plenty of hot tea with lemon. This is because lemon contains vitamin C. when taken in times of health it can help keep your immune system strong so the body can fight off the germs that cause a cold, but once you have a cold it also help shorten the duration f the cold and helps relieve the symptoms of the cold as well.

Chest Cold:
Garlic soup is a great way to help open up the repertory system and make breathing easier while killing the germs that causes the cold at the same time. The garlic hold antiseptic properties that helps the body rid itself of its unwanted guests, the oil the in the soup opens the airways, and by adding a tablespoon of onion juice you can flush all the unwanted toxins from your body by sweating them out.

Reduce a Fever:
It is not uncommon for someone with a cold to have a fever. A good way to reduce the fever is with Ginger. When cut up and boiled in water ginger has been found to lower a fever in a matter of hours. A less bitter way is to put a small piece of ginger into a glass then pour boiling water in the glass, after letting it sit for 2 or 3 minutes put a tea bag in the glass and add some sugar. This method is less effective but tastes much better.

Lady Fingers
For those who may not know another name for Okra is Lady Fingers. Lady Fingers are great for sore throats because they contain a large amount of mucilage that sooths a sore throat and helps keep the throat moist. Take a ¼ pound of okra, cut them into small pieces and boil in a liter or water. The steam can also be used but it is not as strong as eating the vegetable.

Seeds and Nuts:
After the fever goes down it is permissible for the patient to resume eating solid foods, but it is best to stick with fruits, vegetables seeds and nuts, and avoid things like dairy and meats for the first day or two.

Bitter Gourd Root Paste:
This is not one of my mom remedies so I have never tried it but I have been told from people that it really does work. This remedy does not cure the symptoms of the cold it goes after the cold itself. Take a teaspoon of the paste and a teaspoon of honey. If taken for a month it will rid the body of the cold germs and help strengthen your immune system.

Turmeric:
Turmeric is a cure all. It not only relieves the symptoms of the cold like runny nose and sore throat, it also helps kill the cold germs and strengthen the immune system all at once. The turmeric is bought as a powder. Add half a teaspoon is added to a cup of milk them boiled. The steam should be inhaled while it is boiling then poured into a glass, allowed to cool slightly then drink twice a day. Your nose will start to run much more then before but in a day you will feel much better.

These were just some of my mom's old home remedies, and with winter approaching I hope that they will help you get thru the winter feeling happy and healthy.