Colds, acute

The syndrome that we call a cold is thought to be a "healing crisis" in natural medicine. We can take a negative attitude about a cold or flu and resist it by taking strong pharmaceutical products like antihistamines and aspirin, but an alternative approach is to consider the whole process a positive one. The viral infection is putting our immune system through its paces, and may strengthen it in the process. When we have a cold, it is best to work with this opportunity and enhance elimination, relaxation, and immune activity. A good herbal program will include immune stimulating herbs, herbal decongestants, respiratory stimulants, diaphoretics to remove heat and toxins from the body through the sweat, and antivirals .