It can be very difficult to function is you are experiencing all the sign and symptoms of the common cold or flu. These symptoms can range when having a cold to nasal congestion, stuffy head, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and fever. Flu symptoms are very much alike the cold symptoms, but present a higher temperature fever, incessant chills, and added aches, pains, and malaise.

There are vast amounts of strains of viruses that can implicate colds and flu. They are contracted by inhalation of airborne exposures. This could be in the form of body fluids such as mucus, or germs that remain on the hand that are left to fester if unwashed.

There are many factors in an individual that can present vulnerability to catching these ailments. These are such matters of immune deficiency, stress, lack of nutrition, and inadequate sleep.

There are many kinds of headaches. Perhaps less common is occipital headache (or the back of the head). Qiang Huo is an effective herb often prescribed in Chinese medicine clinics to resolve this condition. In Chinese medicine, each region of the head corresponds to a certain meridian/channel. For the occipital region, the meridian flowing across is the UB meridian (or Urinary Bladder meridian).

Brief Explanation of Occipital Headache

We all experience minor (and not so minor) illnesses from time to time. Overuse of pharmaceuticals can cause toxins to build up in our bodies. Here are some herbs you can use instead. I'm sure you know that herbs are not a substitute for medical treatment. If your condition worsens, discontinue whatever self-help methods you are using and see a doctor.

Arthritis: Ginger (both fresh and dried) has been proven to relieve joint and back pain attributable to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The shogoals and gingerols in the ginger rhizome are powerful anti-inflamatories. You can make a tea from slices of fresh ginger root or take capsules of the dried. There are several other ailments which respond well to treatment with ginger root. See my article "Ginger Root: a Very Effective Herbal Remedy for a Variety of Medical Conditions" for more information.

Channel the natural healing properties of herbs, spices and fresh fruit to fight the curse of winter coughs, sneezes and sniffles.

Over-the-counter remedies aren't always the solution when it comes to treating a cold. There are plenty of natural ingredients that will assist your body to heal itself, many of which you will already have in your kitchen.

Prevention is better than cure. Exercising your body's natural defences will strengthen your immune system, equipping you to resist infections.

A healthy diet all year round is a cold-fighting essential. Be sure to pack your winter meals with lots of fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli and citrus fruits and zinc, found in wholegrain. Fruit juices and soups will quench your thirst while supplying essential vitamins.

If you have an ailment, like cramps or stress, don't turn to your medicine cabinet just yet. Try drinking an herbal tea first. Some ailments can be relieved with a simple cup of herbal tea.

For cramps and crankiness, something women can definitely identify with, try a tea made with spearmint, lemon balm, raspberry leaf and nettle. This type of tea can actually relieve the irritability and cramps that often accompany menstruation. One to two cups daily in the week before and the week during your period should help.

To relieve bloating, try ginger or peppermint tea. One to two cups can relieve the puffiness you're feeling and even help settle a stomach.

Women may be interested in taking motherwort tea. This tea helps with anxiety and relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Motherwort also promotes the health of the uterus after childbirth.