Cold and Flu Basics

Are you feeling ill? Are you experiencing any of these symptoms, chills, sore throat, muscle pain, headaches, cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, fever? If you are, you certainly are not alone. These are the signs and symptoms associated with the common cold, an
upper respiratory tract infection. The common cold is also a self limiting, contagious illness, caused by a number of different viruses. In North America the common cold season usually begins as early as October and can end as late as May. Typically infections peak in January and February. The common cold is a frequent and recurring ailment, an ailment where a cure has yet to be discovered.


Common remedies do exist but only offer temporary relief and modest decreases in the duration of your cold. So the next time you are feeling ill its best practice to stay at home and ease the symptoms and boost your immune system.  Try these common natural remedies to soothe your next cold and boost your immune system. 

To ease nasal congestion try using a Neti pot. A Neti pot is a nasal irrigation system designed to help alleviate nasal congestion by passing a salt solution into and through your nasal passages. The Neti pot is intended to be used daily. Simply mix 8 ounces of distilled water with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to make your own home made solution. Then Neti pot
daily to breath easier.  
 
For general muscle aches trying using 'nature’s relief'. A product made by Adeeva formulated to soothe those achey muscles. 
Nature’s relief contains Boswellia extract, white willow extract, ginger, and curcumin. These ingredients have all demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Nature’s relief has been formulated to be taken daily until your symptoms improve.

Written by Dr. Charles Vantanajal D.C.
Clinic Director at In Balance Wellness Centre

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