There are more than 100,000 over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that you can buy without a prescription and they all have one thing in common: they are serious medicines that need to be taken with care. Over-The-Counter (OTC) cold medicines and cough syrups are made with harsh ingredients like Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), Dextromethorphan or Codeine, which can put some people at increased risk for significant --and sometimes serious-- drug interactions with other over-the-counter medications -never mind the regular unpleasant side effects like drowsiness or brain fog. This is especially true for people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, the elderly, and small children.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has documented the ineffectiveness and potential toxicities of OTC cough and cold medicines in children, and the FDA issued an advisory to remove Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) --a common constituent of OTC decongestants-- from those products because of concern for increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. In addition to side effects of the various ingredients, OTC cough and cold preparations also present potential hazards due to dosing errors. And there are environmental consequences that come with throwing those old expired meds (both prescription and OTC) down the drain or flushing them down the toilet.
Don't be bamboozled into thinking that the only effective way of dealing with a common ailment is to take harsh meds. Next time you're tempted to reach for the Nyquil, try an herbal, homeopathic, or essential oil-based natural remedy instead. These can be remarkably effective at addressing a wide range of symptoms associated with colds and flu, run-of-the-mill aches and pains, and even mild cases of anxiety or depression, without the added burden on your liver and kidneys that comes with over-use of OTC medications, or the risk of increased blood pressure from cough and cold medicines. And because they are so gentle they can often be combined for maximum results.
To treat upper respiratory or bronchial ailments, herbal teas, tinctures or cough syrups containing Elderberry, Nettles, Mullein, Licorice Root, Osha Root, and immune system boosters like Goldenseal and Echinacea are a great place to start.
For a sore throat try Slippery Elm lozenges or a drop of Organic Tea Tree essential oil in a spoonful of honey added to a cup of Sage or Elderberry tea. You can make your own sore throat gargle with a cup of Sage or Chamomile tea, a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar, and a spoonful of honey with a drop of Geranium essential oil. This mixture is even more powerful if you infuse the honey with sage before adding the essential oil.
For fast relief of congestion whether due to colds and flu or seasonal allergies, reach for an essential oil remedy that includes two types of Eucalyptus (Radiata and Polybractae), Cedarwood, Naiouli, and Spike Lavender essential oils to open nasal passages and improve breathing. Use it in a diffuser or simply add a couple of drops to a bowl of steaming hot water, place a towel over your head and breathe in the fragrant steam.
Another option is to add a couple of drops to a cup of Epsom Salt, stir it or mix it by hand, and add it to a hot bath. This will help relieve congestion and soothe joint and muscle aches and pains commonly associated with colds and flu, while flushing out toxins that contribute to the exaggeration of these symptoms.
For runny noses and itchy, watery eyes, try a homeopathic remedy for allergies or hay fever --these can be very effective at drying out sinuses regardless of the actual cause of the symptoms.
Of course, the best remedy for the common cold or flu is to get as much rest as possible. Be sure to have plenty of Chamomile tea and some Lavender essential oil to help you get a good night's rest.
