The Common Cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system.  Like the name suggests, it is common to catch, and the viruses that infect people are Coronaviruses or Rhinoviruses.  Because there are over 200 viruses that swim in the air, it is difficult for the immune system to build up a resistance to them.  This is why colds are recurring and common. Anyone can catch the Common Cold, but children are more susceptible because their immune systems aren't as strong and they are constantly in school or group environments, where viruses thrive.  

Symptoms of a Common Cold will reveal themselves when the body reacts to a virus.  Certain chemicals are released, which makes the blood vessels leak and the mucus glands work extra hard.  The most common symptoms are listed below. 

• Sore Throat
• Runny Nose
• Coughing
• Mild Fever
• Sneezing
• Mild Headache
• Stuffy Nose
• Hoarse Voice
• Feeling Tired

Because there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the Common Cold, one can catch a cold in more ways than one.  The most common way to catch a cold is to come in contact with the germs of someone else who was infected with a cold virus.  You can catch the virus if someone sneezes in the air, touch a doorknob, keyboard, or water fountain and then touch your nose or mouth.   When the virus attaches itself to the nose or throat, the immune system starts to fight it by sending white blood cells to the invasive virus.  If the body has not experienced the virus before, this attack fails and the nose and throat become inflamed as a result.  The mucus glands produce mucus as a defense mechanism to prevent other viruses or bacteria from entering the body.  Other causes include:

• Viruses that Enter the Body
• Rhinoviruses
• Coronaviruses
• Unclean Environment (germs and dirty spaces can hold bacteria)
• Weak Immune System
• Infection
• Vitamin Deficiency
• Allergies

• When infected with the Common Cold, it is important to eat light and healthy foods.  Eating heavy foods like meat, dairy, sugar, salt, and alcohol makes the digestive system work extra hard.  You want the body to focus on fighting the infection, so eat fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, and whole grains like barley or buckwheat. 
• Drink lots of fluids.  Staying hydrated is key when you have a cold because your body is using more moisture to produce mucus.  Drink lots of water (eight 8oz glasses a day is recommended), herbal tea, and ginger tea, which you can make by pouring hot water over fresh ginger root slices.  Adding a little raw, organic honey to your teas or hot water can also be beneficial because it has antioxidants, anti-bacterial properties, and lots of vitamin C. 
• You can use a Neti Pot to help cleanse the sinuses.  Fill it with a warm saline solution to help relieve sinus congestion. 
• Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat.  Mix a teaspoon or so of salt in a small glass of warm water and stir.  Take sips of the salt water and, without swallowing, gargle it in the back of your throat.  This is not the cure for the cold, but it provides relief from an itchy throat. 
• Get lots of rest and sleep because your body needs the relaxation to fight off germs.  People who rest more when they have colds will recover more quickly than people who keep pushing their bodies.  The cold will only last longer if you don't take the time to rest. 

• Garlic
• Anise Seeds
• Citrus Fruit (Lemons, Oranges, or Grapefruit)
• Fennel
• Herbal Tea
• Ginger
• Apple Cider Vinegar (mix a teaspoon or so in a glass of water)
• Mushrooms
• Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Arugula, Kale, or Chard)
• Blueberries