Common Cold Specialist

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a virus which causes symptoms like a runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. The cold is contagious, which means that you can pick it up from the people around you or your environment. For example, there may be cold germs on a doorknob and if you touch the doorknob, then your nose or mouth, it is possible for those germs to enter your body. The cold usually begins by attaching to the lining of the nose or throat. Your immune system responds to attack the virus, causing inflammation in the nose and throat and stimulating excess production of mucus. While your body is spending so much energy fighting the cold, you are left feeling run down and miserable.

How can Dr. Rabbani help?

A cold is a virus, so antibiotics will not help, but Dr. Rabbani takes a holistic approach to medicine which can improve your health and wellbeing overall, making your body and immune system stronger and able to fight off viruses with fewer symptoms for you. The basic approach to recovering from a cold involves drinking plenty of fluids and resting. Dr. Rabbani, and other doctors who practice homeopathy may recommend adding garlic, ginger, turmeric, zinc, and vitamin C to your diet to boost your immune system. Some people may benefit from grinding up approximately 5 cloves of garlic and mixing with a half cup of honey. Allow this mixture to steep for a few hours, then take a spoonful as needed. Some may enjoy making an infusion from fresh peeled and grated ginger with honey and lemon. If you are resting and drinking plenty of fluids and your symptoms are not subsiding, you may have a more serious illness, and should make an appointment with Dr. Rabbani.

What should I do to boost my immune system to avoid colds?

Maintaining good overall health including a balanced diet and low-stress levels will help to keep your immune system strong. Some of the common complementary health supplements to boost the immune system and to fight off colds before they start include:

• Ginseng
• Echinacea
• Garlic
• Honey
• Probiotics found in yogurt and kefir
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Saline nasal irrigation

If you have any questions about this approach to managing your overall health and wellness, Dr. Rabbani can provide advice and guidance to help you make the best choices for your individual circumstances.