By: Prof. Hembing Wijayakusuma

Runny nose or a cold is the most common diseases and frequently encountered, can attack children and the elderly. Some lay people often equate this with influenza illness, when really cold and influenza are two different diseases, only a similarity of symptoms, influenza is usually more severe than a cold misery. Colds are not accompanied by high fever or chills like the influenza.
Runny nose or cold symptoms marked by respiratory congestion, was not feeling well, felt dizzy and my head was throbbing, sneezing, runny nose melted liquid from the nose, the body temperature rises or low-grade fever, red eyes and sore, sore throat, so difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness and coughing. The disease is often followed

with inflammation of the tonsils / tonsillitis and sore throats. Cold is not including severe disease sufferers but very disturbing.
Runny nose or a cold mainly caused by a viral infection, there are more than 200 known viruses that cause colds. It can also be caused by the immune system is down, or the presence of allergy in the nose and throat. Colds are easily transmitted, people with immune system is weak easily catch the disease. This disease transmission can occur through a sneeze or spit sparks patient that contains a virus and went through the respiratory tract. Colds usually last for 1-2 weeks. The symptoms will gradually decrease after 3-5 days of treatment conducted themselves. However, if the interference still has not subsided after 3-5 days of treatment alone, indicating an additional bacterial infection.
Despite a cold / runny nose is not included severe illness, but the disease is difficult to overcome, so often relapses. Treatment can be done only to relieve symptoms or symptom. This is because the viruses that cause colds are numerous and may experience a change or have the ability to have genetic mutations that can arise new viruses. This led to a cold viruses resistant to a particular vaccine or specific antibody in some time so it is very difficult to make the vaccine cold.
Rheum disease is a disease that frequently attacks and repeatedly. Because there are more than 200 viruses that can cause this disease, then in a year could colds many times, it is probably caught a cold again before the first cold finished. Therefore, to prevent the ultimate cold is improving endurance. To boost the immune system through healthy lifestyles, such as regular exercise and measured and not excessive, to avoid or control stress well, and intake of nutritious foods, especially with vitamin A can C. In addition to avoid a cold, frequently wash hands, because cold viruses can survive on the table, the door handle, money or anything for several hours. Avoid the environment or people who can catch a cold as the spray person sneezes.
For cold treatment without complications is a lot of rest, eat nutritious food to improve the condition of the body, a warm compress on the chest and head, shower with warm water, and taking medication to cope with cold symptoms who are not comfortable.
Herbs or medicinal plants that can be used to overcome a cold or a cold in its effect as a fever (antipyretic), anti-infectives, antitussif (relieve coughing), and helps improve stamina and endurance.

Here are some recipes for overcoming plant cold medications:
Recipes 1.
Betel leaves 10 + 25 grams of turmeric masters (cut into pieces), after the boiling washed with 600 cc of water until the remaining 300 cc, filtered, add honey or sugar cube, water to drink 2-3 times, each time taking 100-150 cc .

Recipes 2.
Sambiloto dry leaves powdered, take 1-2 grams of powder and brewed with hot water, add honey, stir, and drink when warm. Do it 3 times a day.

Recipes 3.
Connect fresh life Centella asiatica + 15 grams of fresh, washed and then blended + 150 cc water boiled, blended, filtered, water is taken 2 times a day.

Recipes 4.
10 + grams of fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, washed and crushed, and brewed with 200 cc of hot water, add juice of ½ lemon and honey, then drink while warm. Do it 3 times a day.

Note: select a recipe and do regularly. To use the pot boiling the ground, pot glass / pyrex or enamel saucepan.