The following list includes some basic facts about cold sores.

• Cold sores are also referred to as fever blisters.
• They are red, painful blisters that are filled with fluid and usually appear around the lips, chin or cheeks and in the mouth. They could also appear in the genital area.
• They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) which invades the cells of the outer skin layer. Cold sores are contagious (passed through close personal contact) and will cause the affected area to become swollen from the inflammation.
• Cold sores that affect the mouth and lips are symptoms of oral Herpes and are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type I (HSV-I).
• The cold sore that occurs in the genital area is typically caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type II (HSV-II).

Stages of Cold Sores

A cold sore outbreak usually happens in stages:

• The first sign of an outbreak is a tingling sensation, soreness, swelling or tautness in the area.
• Within three days, the red painful blisters are formed and due to rupture, the sores appear to develop a yellow colored crust.
• Once the sores begin to dry out, they will become covered by scabs and begin the healing process.
• Cold sores usually go away within fourteen days of an outbreak.
• Cold sores can affect both adults and children and may reoccur in some cases where the outbreaks are triggered by factors such as illness, menstruation or emotional stress. When there is no outbreak the virus remains inactive in the nerve cells.

Home Remedies for Cold Sores

The following list includes some home remedies that can be used to alleviate pain caused by cold sores.

• Lysine
• Lemon balm
• Resveratrol
• Peppermint oil
• Zinc

• Lysine:  Lysine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the body, but it can be derived from dietary sources or supplements. Lysine produces a protein which is essential for fighting infections. Lysine has been found to inhibit the spread of the Herpes Simplex Virus by preventing an amino acid in Herpes Simplex Virus that facilitates its replication. As a natural remedy for cold sores, a person can eat foods rich in lysine. Some of these dietary sources include dairy products like milk and cheese, eggs, lentils and sprouts, beef, protein foods like red meat and fish.

For more effectiveness in fighting cold sores limit your intake of chocolate, peanuts, almonds and other food sources that contain the amino acid Arginine that aids in the process of replication Herpes Simplex Virus. Lysine can also be applied to cold sores when used as an ointment. A person suffering from cold sores can also take Lysine supplements. It is best to consult a trained medical practitioner before doing this as they can advice regarding dosage and duration for taking the supplement.

• Lemon balm: Lemon balm is used as a topical herbal treatment for cold sores. It is a member of the mint family and is a soothing herb that aids in stress reduction, easing anxiety, promoting sleep, improving appetite and reducing pain and discomfort associated with digestion. Studies show that when applied topically, lemon balm may help heal lip sores associated with Herpes Simplex Virus and reduce the associated swelling and redness.
• Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a chemical compound found in grapes, red wine, purple grape juice, peanuts and some berries. Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the activity of several inflammatory enzymes. It is suggested that as a natural remedy for cold sores, Resveratrol cream can be applied topically a few times daily to effectively suppress cold sore development, once applied within 6 hours after infection with the Herpes Virus.
• Peppermint oil: Research reveals that peppermint oil may inhibit the reproduction of Herpes. Peppermint oil is a herbal remedy that should only be applied topically to the affected areas.
• Zinc: Apply zinc as a home remedy for treating cold sores. Zinc can be applied directly to cold sores to accelerate the healing process. Use the zinc oxide cream as a topical treatment or take it as supplements after consulting a trained medical practitioner.

Collectively, colds, influenza, and other infections with similar symptoms are included in the diagnosis of influenza-like illness. The common cold is a self-limiting illness caused by any 1 of more than 200 viruses. The common cold comes with mild symptoms that can last up to 10 days unlike influenza that has more severe symptoms including fever. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, congestion, headache, sore throat and cough, and are usually treatable by over-the-counter medications. Bacterial infections of the middle ear or sinuses can be caused from a cold and will require treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to the doctor.

Cold viruses are usually transmitted through direct contact or from objects that have been contaminated by someone with the virus. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases state that transmission can also occur from inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

Natural Cold Remedies

1. Zinc lozenges – zinc is an essential mineral found in the majority of cells. Zinc helps the body’s resistance to infection and tissue repairs due to its antioxidant effects. Shellfish, red meats, nuts, beans and milk are natural sources of zinc. Some studies show that zinc decreases the duration of colds. Lozenges can be taken every 2-4 hours for up to 5 days.
2. Garlic – Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic with powerful antibacterial properties and other compounds beneficial to a healthy immune system. Garlic works best as a cold preventative or when taken at the first sign of a cold.
3. Vitamin C – Vitamin C taken in large doses help to reduce the duration of a cold, though it cannot prevent it.
4. Echinacea – The herb Echinacea purpurea is a popular herbal cold treatment. Despite prior indecisiveness new research confirms that Echinacea can prevent colds as well as limit their duration. Mix 15 to 20 drops of an Echinacea tincture with warm water four or five times a day (or as directed on the bottle).
5. Chicken soup – advocates of hot chicken soup say it has healing properties; one theory says it may help soothe inflammation whilst other speculate that the steam helps in clearing congestion when inhaled.
6. Ginseng – the New York Times wrote that “Canadian researchers tested North American ginseng extract against a placebo and found that it had a small but significant effect in reducing the number and intensity of colds”.
7. Golden Seal – is a popular herb that stimulates the secretion and flow of bile, and can also be used as an expectorant. It also has strong activity against a variety of bacteria, yeast, and fungi, such as E. coli and Candida.
8. Nasal rinsing – Popular research showed that children who rinsed with a saline nasal wash six times a day had an improvement in cold symptoms and fewer recurrences.
9. Frequent intake of fluids can help to break up congestion. Drinking water or juice will prevent dehydration and moisten the throat. Fluids can include water, sports drinks, herbal teas, fruit drinks, or ginger ale. Gargling with salt water can also help in soothing the throat.
10. Steam may ease congestion and drippy nose by holding the head over a pot of boiling water and breathing through the nose.

Natural Home Remedies for Treating Bad Breath

1. Drink Tea; preliminary studies suggest that both green and black tea contains compounds called polyphenols. These may stop the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.
2. Mouthwash; try to use mouthwash containing zinc ions. Zinc is thought to directly neutralise malodorous sulphur compounds and improve breath. This type of mouthwash should be available in several health food stores. An alternative is using mouthwash with essential oils contained in them. Studies suggest that essential oils may help to reduce bad breath. It is preferable to use a commercially prepared product, possibly available in your nearest health food store, rather than buying essential oils and mixing them with mouthwash to create your own concoction. If in doubt, always consult your dentist for advice. Avoid mouthwash that contain high levels of alcohol. Alcohol creates dry mouth, and this contributes to halitosis.
3. Drinking fluids; fluids help to keep the mouth cavity moist, thus eliminating dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to promote this. Also, note that halitosis is often the result of excess heat in the stomach–water, soup and watery fruits and vegetables such as cucumber may help to rebalance the body.
4. Herbs; chew on a small sprig of fresh rosemary, parsley, spearmint or tarragon for a minute to reduce bad breath.
5. Minimise stress; sometimes halitosis occurs and no substantial cause can be identified. One small preliminary study found that, in healthy young men with good oral hygiene and general health, stress increased the production of volatile sulphur compounds in the mouth. Therefore, participating in stress free and relaxing activities to combat the stresses of life may be a valuable consideration.
6. Tongue scraper; when used, this will help to remove dead cells, food particles and bacteria from the tongue. This special plastic instrument should easily be found in drug stores and some health food stores, and are relatively inexpensive. Tongue scraping is recommended as a daily regimen, just like teeth brushing and flossing, however, if you cannot obtain a tongue scraper, use a toothbrush to clean your tongue.

Flu Symptoms and Remedies

Congestion

• Aromatic Steam; add two teaspoons chopped fresh ginger to a container filled with steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the steam; inhale for as long as you can then pause for air. Do this until relief is achieved. Alternatively, a few drops of eucalyptus oil can be used.
• Warm Shower; close the bathroom door and take a warm shower. The steamy bathroom will help to open airways and moisten and thin sinus mucus.
• Hydration; increase liquid intake. Keep your hydrated with water and drinks high in vitamins and antioxidants. Water will keep the respiratory system hydrated and contribute to the liquifying thick mucus that build up and cause respiratory infection. Liquids like coffee, alcohol and tea will cause dehydration.

Stuffy Nose

Saline Irrigation; this remedy effectively thins mucus, decreases postnasal drip, and adds moisture to dried mucus membranes. The saline rinse also contributes to the removal of virus particles and bacteria from the nasal passage. The home recipe is:

1. Mix ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water.
2. Lean over sink; press one nostril close with a finger and squirt the salt mixture into the other nostril with a bulb syringe. Allow it to drain; gently blow your nose.
3. Repeat 2-3 times, then treat the opposite nostril.

Coughing and throat irritation

• Honey and Lime Juice; mix about a tablespoon of honey with a couple teaspoons of lime juice. Take spoonfuls of the mixture and try to send it straight down your throat instead of taking it directly into your mouth first, before swallowing. This will soothe irritated throats and suppress mild coughing temporarily.
• Hot Chicken Soup; cook chicken soup loaded with pepper, pungent spices and garlic. This promotes the thinning of mucus along the mouth, throat and lung cavities. The hot chicken soup is said to improve the function of cilia in the nasal passages that protect the body from harmful viruses.

Body Aches and Muscle Pain

• Bed Rest; the most natural thing you can do while infected with the influenza virus, is rest. Your immune system will benefit from the rest and this will promote healing–it is in the deep stages of restful sleep that the body undergoes metabolic and tissue restoration.

Air travels into and out the lungs by bronchial tubes known as airways; people who are asthmatic suffer from inflamed airways which become swollen and sensitive. The airways will react strongly to certain substances that are breathed in and this causes the surrounding muscles to tighten and the airways to narrow. Narrowing of the airways restrict air flow to the lung, worsen the swelling and lead to more narrowing.

When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

Asthma causes a wheezing during breathing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. Asthma can affect anyone but it often starts in childhood. Symptoms are usually started or “triggered” by something that bothers the lungs (asthma triggers). Asthma trigger can be viruses, allergies gases or particles in the air.

Asthma is a chronic but treatable condition. You can manage your condition much like someone manages diabetes or heart disease. You and your doctor can work together to control asthma, reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and help maintain a normal, active life.”

Remedies for Asthma

1. Chamomile tea is an herbal remedy recommended for asthma. Extracts from chamomile contain some terpenoids can act as anti-inflammatory triggers and prevent bronchial problems. Chamomile also contain anti-oxidants; when taken as tea, chamomile has been found to be more effective in treating asthma than anti-histamine medications.
2. Astragualus is a native plant of Asia and is popular in Chinese medicine because it helps in reinforcing the human immune system in its fight against pathogens (respiratory). It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help in preventing allergies from triggering an attack of asthma.
3. Garlic is an effective herbal treatment for curing asthma. Garlic has been used to relieve symptoms like coughs, chest congestion and sore throats. Add garlic cloves to milk and boil, strain garlic from mixture and drink warm when an attack is about to happen.
4. Mustard oil is seen as a natural cure for asthma. For best result mix the oil with camphor and apply to the chest. This remedy helps to relieve breathing difficulties in asthmatics by loosening the buildup of phlegm.
5. Ginger is the most widely used and available herbal remedy. A cup of ginger tea can prove to be effective in treating asthma when as it is consumed twice in a day. Its main benefits are to relieve the symptoms of asthma and it is also useful in allergies. An alcohol-based tincture can also be used as an alternative to the tea.
6. Stress may trigger asthma symptoms. Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some people with asthma control breathing and relieve stress.