It’s that time of year for the common cold to round the bend looking for its next victim. Some people opt for prevention, while others are under attack long before it’s realized as the germ from the influenza virus is passed, causing the common cold.

The typical cold can last from about seven to 14 days, but who wants to spend so much effort curing a cold if prevention is available? What types of options for prevention are there? Some will say that a flu shot is the only way to go, but there are other options as well to keep your body in proper working order and avoid illness.

According to Ronald Steriti, NMD, Ph.D. of www.naturdoctor.com, one idea is to up the vitamin C intake, which is likely the most well known natural method of prevention. It’s interesting that such a little pill can help so much, but it increases macrophage activity, which is actually one of the cells of the immune system. It also has an anti-histamine effect to help reduce runny noses.

Echinacea is also very well known as an herbal remedy. It too pumps up the immune system and also helps produce more and activate white blood cells, lymphocytes and macrophages. It can work to either prevent or cure the cold, and echinacea glycerites are child friendly.

It may not have the best reputation because of its smell, but garlic is another option. It aids in curing a cold that has anti-bacterial, anti-viral as well as anti-fungal properties. Some people will actually eat a raw clove of garlic a day to also help the cardiovascular system. If you’re worried about the smell, garlic capsules are also on the market to provide the same benefits without so much odor.

Here is a crash course on herbal remedies listed on www.herbalremedies.com in case none of the aforementioned strikes your fancy.

• Astragulus can help boost the immune system and protect nasal passages from rhinoviruses.
• Cat’s Claw is another immunity booster helping to rid your body of viruses more quickly.
• Elderberry can aid in breaking a fever and also promotes perspiration and acts as an antioxidant.
• Ephedra can help relieve congestion, soothe your cough, and also reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
• Ginger can help relieve congestion in the head and chest and also help with chills.
• Horehound can be used for nasal congestion.
• Hyssop work as an antiviral and expectorant.
• Shiitake can help stimulate the immune system after stress.  
• Thyme is good for relief of a sore throat and alleviating mucus in nasal passages.  
• Tilden Flower extract can also help with a cough and sore throat.  

Dr. Steriti also mentions that the Chinese people the vegetable, Bitter Melon, which is somewhat like a cucumber and lives up its name having a very bitter taste—an acquired taste most likely. It is believed that eating one of these per month will keep the doctor away, similar to our old adage “An apple a day…”

With all of these options, there is like a choice that will work well for you and crew to use so you’ll not have to waste any precious time on the water nursing a cold if you’re able to get out this time of year.