TREATING THE WHOPPER COLD, THE NATURAL WAY

February/March 1992
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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HOME REMEDIES

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RARE IS THE YEAR THAT WE DON'T EXPERI-ence at least one whopper of a cold or one bone-shaking case of the flu. These home remedies won't do a thing to actually kill the virus of the hour, but they may help stimulate your own immune system to fight back a little harder, as well as offer real symptom relief—respite from the fever, coughing, and assorted aches that make you too miserable to sleep. The ingredients may sound exotic, but most health-food stores stock them. After that, all you need is a saucepan and a strainer. Note: As with all medications, these formulas should not be used by pregnant or nursing women without first consulting a doctor. These remedies should also not be administered to children under two, and adults over 65 may wish to dilute the strength.

Cold and Flu Formula

There's an old saying that if you ignore a cold, it clears up in a week, but that if you seek medical attention, you can cure it in just seven days. The following formula is no miracle cure, but some scientific studies show that both echinacea and ginger may have immune-stimulating properties similar to those of one of the body's own antiviral chemicals, interferon. Chinese ephedra contains ephedrine, a powerful decongestant. Slippery elm bark and honey help soothe the throat. And lemon juice is high in cold-fighting vitamin C. Healthy adults may drink up to two cups a day.

Ingredients: 
1 cup water
2 teaspoons powdered echinacea root
1 teaspoon powdered Chinese ephedra (ma huang)
2 teaspoons powdered slippery elm bark
2 teaspoons freshly grated or powdered gingerroot
Honey and/or lemon to taste

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