Colds are a type of contagious infection that causes malaise, fever, chills (hence the name), and respiratory congestion. The goal in working with colds should be to help the body eliminate the toxins it is trying to expel from the body. The following are some over-the-counter remedies for colds. Other sections include more specific remedies for various types of cold symptoms.

There are many herbs that can be used to aid this process. When taken at the onset of a cold, Ultimate Echinacea or Echinacea purpurea often prevents the cold from occurring, but this may be due to a slight suppressive effect.

In the early stages of a cold, the best approach we've found is to take herbs that help flush out the irritants. Take CC-A or Elderberry Plus every 1-2 hours and drink plenty of fluids. Two teaspoons of Silver Shield, taken 2-3 times per day, will aid in virus killing and symptom relief.

Spicy herbs taken in large doses with a lot of water are very good for eliminating colds with thin, watery mucus drainage. Take ginger, garlic or capsicum every 1-2 hours with a large glass of water. Eat light foods and, if possible, only juices, soups, and fruits until the cold symptoms subside.

For cold-related aches and pains, try APS II with White Willow Bark or Nerve Eight. To break up and expel mucus in the respiratory tract, use expectorants like ALJ, garlic and lobelia. Garlic is probably the most effective herb for treating respiratory infections. Golden seal is beneficial in the later stages of a cold when the mucus thickens and discolors.

The term "responsibility" refers to the act of determining whether or not a person is responsible for his or her own actions. When the cold is accompanied by a fever, boneset, IF-C, or yarrow are effective remedies. Bonset is an excellent cold remedy for aches and pains in the muscles and bones. Colds with coughs can benefit from ALJ or lobelia.