The idea of being sick with a cold in the midst of the summer seems like a cruel contradiction in terms. However, it happens, and judging by the patient calls I have been getting, it is happening with considerable frequency this summer.

Logically, there is no reason why viral germs should not flourish in the heat of the summer just as they do in the winter, and in so doing, making those who are susceptible to them, sick.  There are a few reasons why people are especially likely to get sick with colds in summer, and some simple things you can do to prevent them:

1. airplanes (people travel more in the summer) as well as air-conditioning tend to recirculate old air, often recirculating air-born germs with it.  I suggest that when you travel, carry a spray bottle of Colloidal Silver and spray your face, especially your nose, every couple of hours during flight. This product is a brilliant anti-infectious agent and is especially effective in this way.  Limit home air-conditioning if possible, and air out your house on the days the weather permits.

2. Stay hydrated. Heat, sun, air-conditioning all dry out our mucous membranes, leaving us more susceptible to colds and other viruses.

3. Are you sure you are getting your daily dose of Vitamin D? This sunshine vitamin is essential for good health in countless ways, among them, by keeping your immune function lively – fighting off those germs. People assume that they are getting vitamin D in the summer, but if you use sunscreen you are not synthesizing vitamin D – a process that happens on the surface of the skin. Moreover, if your shadow is larger than yourself, the conditions are not optimal for vitamin D synthesis.  Be sure you are taking vitamin D supplements if you are not allowing your naked skin exposure to the sun.

Are they really colds?

It can be difficult to ascertain the difference between a cold and a summer allergy. Generally, fevers are absent with colds, and the color of the nasal discharge is unlikely to be yellow or green if the problem is allergy. Moreover, itching in the ears, palette, throat, eyes, nose are symptoms that invariably accompany allergies and are much less common with colds. If you think you are suffering with allergies, read: www.blh-homeopath.com/tag/allergy/ for hints for relief.

Some Natural Cures for Summer Colds:

Vitamin C

As with any cold, reach for the Vitamin C bottle first when you start to feel a cold coming on. Vitamin C is an important anti-oxidant that is not manufactured by the body, and therefore must be obtained through foods and/or supplements. I recommend fairly high doses of vitamin C for the duration of the cold only – up to 2500 mg for children and 5000 mg for adults, taken in doses of no more than 500 mg through-out the day.

Zinc Lozenzes

Great for colds that start with sore throats – take them until they taste disgusting – the change in taste will let you know that you’ve reached your physiological level of zinc.

Gargle!

Gargle with Turmeric and water – about 1 tsp of turmeric stirred into a glass of water. Gargle and spit until you’ve finished the glass. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the gargle moisturizes dry mucous membranes that contribute to summer colds.

Immune Boost

Reishi mushrooms and Echinacea are wonderful immune boosters. Use a product with one of these ingredients to boost your immune function if you get a summer cold.

Homeopathic Remedies for Summer Colds

Finding the right homeopathic remedy for a cold can be difficult as the symptoms of different colds are very similar, and selecting a remedy from the hundreds that could be useful is a daunting task. However, because summer colds are less common than winter colds, there are a few remedies that are particularly noteworthy:

Arsenicum Album

This remedy is especially suited for summer colds that come on after suddenly getting chilled after being overheated. Examples of this could be plunging into a cold pool or lake, eating cold or frozen food, or going into an overly air-conditioned environment after being over-heated. People needing this remedy for colds are likely to have these symptoms:

• chilliness

• restlessness

• may be anxious

• hot watery nasal discharge that burns – sometimes blood-streaked

• dry, cracked lips

• frequent sneezing

• desire for hot drinks even in warm weather

Dulcamara

This remedy is particularly suitable for people who catch colds easily, especially in damp or humid weather. There is often diarrhea associated with the cold.  Other symptoms include:

• eye inflammation with the cold, as if the cold has settled in the eye

• copious, thick, yellow nasal discharge

• extreme sensitivity to cold and damp

• moist, juicy cough with the cold

Gelsemium

This remedy is useful for colds that come on after being overheated.  A summer cold needing this remedy is likely to come on in oppressive, hot, humid weather. Other symptoms may be:

• heavy droopy eyelids

• absence of thirst, even in the heat

• marked heaviness, weariness, flu-like malaise

• headache with the cold

• improvement of symptoms when outside