While the common cold may be incurable, inconvenient, and at times incapacitating, naturopathic remedies may offer relief to those stuck with the sniffles this winter.

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct form of health care that blends centuries-old knowledge of natural, nontoxic therapies with current understanding of health and human systems. Focusing upon whole-body health, naturopathic medicine concentrates upon the prevention of disease and encourages the body’s inherent healing abilities.

The simple naturopathic approach to combating a cold is to stimulate the immune system. According to Paul Ratté, ND, associate clinic faculty at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn., steps can be taken to stimulate the immune system, thereby lessening the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

The first naturopathic treatment for the common cold is a preventative step.  “Treatment of the immune system must first address unhealthy dietary habits that impair the ability of the immune system to respond properly,” says Ratté (who practices in the Natural Care Center at Woodwinds in Woodbury, Minn).

According to Ratté, the following habits should be avoided to ensure that immune system performs to the best of its ability:  

• Excessive consumption of pro-inflammatory fats, such as red meat and dairy products;
• Excessive alcohol intake, which debilitates the detoxification system and limits immune response;
• Excessive sugar consumption, which results in a 50 percent reduction of immune activity for one to five hours after consumption;
• Inadequate consumption of proteins that manufacture antibodies in the body; and
• Immune nutrient deficiency – specifically zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A.

Although avoiding such habits may help support a healthy immune response, there are times when getting sick cannot be avoided. According to Ratté, nutritional and herbal supplements may be used to support a healthy immune response. “Taking echinacea at the first signs of illness may help decrease the duration of the cold,” says Ratté. This herbal supplement has a stimulating effect on the immune system. It is also a non-toxic and safe alternative to medication.

Ratté also recommends goldenseal. “This herb contains berberine, an alkaloid that demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of organisms,” he says. Not to be taken during pregnancy, goldenseal also holds immunity stimulating properties, and may be taken throughout the persistence of symptoms.

Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, can be used as a way to strengthen the body’s ability to resist to disease. According to Ratté, this supplement has been shown to reduce the frequency and duration of the common cold. In addition to herbal supplements, Ratté also recommends that common cold sufferers utilize various nutritional supports such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, beta-glucan, thymus and colostrum.

“However, it is important that patients understand the quality of nutritional supplements,” says Ratté. While people may opt for a lower-price version of herbal and nutritional supplements, price is greatly dependent upon quality of product. “I suggest that people purchase remedies at the clinics of health care practitioners such as the Natural Care Center at Woodwinds. We assure the highest quality product available, full disclosure labeling, and the use of hypoallergenic labeling.”

Source: Natural News Service, Northwestern Health Sciences University