Spring is in the air and so is that pesky pollen. At the first sign of a sore throat, one heads to the doctor and is given a prescription for a pack of antibiotics.
One takes the medication as prescribed and will ignore the side effects of antibiotics and continue to take them whether or not symptoms are that bad.
I haven’t touched any pharmaceutical medication in over a year — I’ve realized that common medications, even those prescribed by a doctor, have nasty side effects that can cause some serious long-term harm.
Antibiotics can do some serious damage that a lot of people have a difficult time understanding. News in Health reported because antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for people, bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea, staph infections and tuberculosis are becoming more difficult to treat. The constant and sometimes unnecessary use of antibiotics creates super bugs that adapt to medication. The drugs will no longer be effective in treating various bacteria.
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There is good news — if one only takes antibiotics for a bacterial infection that needs treating, such as strep throat or certain sexually transmitted infections and not at the first sign of every earache, the bacteria won’t grow immune.
There have been numerous cases when I felt I was getting really sick and I wanted to break my streak and get some medication to relieve my sinus pain and throat soreness.
Instead, I went into my own cabinets first. I grabbed some honey and squeezed it onto a spoon. The honey coats the throat and helps soothe the pain. Have a warm or hot shower to help loosen up sinus fluids and drink as much water as possible. Gargle salt water and sit up straight.
Posture helps a lot when you’re feeling sick because one will find that it can reduce a lot of congestion.
Herbal supplements are also a great and natural way to help prevent or treat common cold or influenza symptoms. Reach for these herbal remedies first and prevent those superbugs.
Thyme is an herb that is easy to grow on ones own. According to the website Organic Gardening, thyme is an expectorant. This means that it helps produce a more “productive” cough. It can help move the fluid or phlegm that is congesting. It can be brewed as tea or as a bath soak.
Licorice root, not to be confused with anise root, is a potent antiviral, according to www.organicliving.com. It can help protect against diseases such as HIV and SARS. The website also said licorice root can interact with other medications, so speak with your practitioner before using.
The website also stated that Elderberry extract can also shorten the duration of symptoms.
Garlic is a great resource when a cold is almost inevitable as it does a great job at boosting the immune system.
There are garlic supplements that can be swallowed, or chewed as a clove with some honey. The Organic Gardening website states Echinacea is also a supplement that can be taken with garlic to shorten the duration of cold symptoms.
The website also reported that those allergic to ragweed and pollen may be allergic to Echinacea as well, so ask a doctor before you begin use.
Jennica Martin can be contacted at jmartin@keene-equinox.com