Pregnancy & Colds

I have a cold and I am 28 weeks pregnant, how can I relieve congestion due to a cold?

Rosehip and Fenugreek tea - high in Vitamin C to cleanse and decongest sinus cavities, increase lymphatic flow and improve immunity
Warm Ginger, Manuka honey and lemon tea - reduce sore throats and inflammation to the sinus cavities
Echinacea tea - may be used if you have a prior history of using it and no allergies, this herb is an immune stimulant, anti-bacterial, lymphatic decongestant and anti-inflammatory
Fennel tea - helps to break down congestion

Always obtain the advice from your Healthcare practitioner in regards to taking any natural remedies in pregnancy.

Eliminate congestive foods such as dairy foods (mucus production), sugar (decreases immunity and increases inflammation)
Dont eat heavy meals which decrease immunity as they require large amounts of energy to digest
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks compromise immunity
Avoid aturated fats, deep fried, oily foods as these slow down immunity and reduce vitality
Ensure adequate water intake (at least 2 litres/ day)
Drink herbal teas to ensure hydration, provide warmth to the body and increase immunity
Alkalising foods: miso soup, vegetable juices, lemon juice, organic chicken soup, plenty of fruits and vegetables (berries, oranges, lemons and pineapple), brown rice, millet and quinoa
Eat plenty of garlic, onions, ginger to increase warmth to the immune system and anti-microbial effects
Begin each day with a warm lemon juice drink. Squeeze half a lemon is a glass of warm water, you may even like to add a teaspoon of Manuka honey and grated ginger to this

Vitamin C and Zinc may help to increase immunity and anti-oxidant status
Probiotics may help to improve good bacteria for the digestive and immune systems
Cod Liver oil as it contains Vitamin A & D which reduce the sensitivity of the mucus membranes, reduce inflammation and help to rebuild immunity
Saline nasal sprays provide temporary symptomatic relief to sinus congestion and may help to decrease the amount of sinus pain and pressure you are experiencing. An alternative to nasal sprays if they irritate your nasal passages is to use a neti pot. A neti pot helps you to flush your sinus cavities using saline water and may give a better result than a nasal spray
Mineral tissue salts may be used safely in pregnancy as they do not contain herbs, only minerals and may help to improve nutritional deficiencies as well as provide symptomatic relief. The following are suggested remedies - Ferrum Phos (first stages of inflammation (onset of sore throat, inflammation, redness, itching, clear fluid discharges), Kali Mur (congestion and mucus, inflammation, swollen glands, white discharge) or Nat Mur (congestion, dry mucus membranes, yellow-green discharge)