 Tweet (NewsTarget) Viruses that cause winter colds also cause summer colds. Though summer colds are less common, warm weather factors increase the risk of infection. Even though there are no known cures, natural remedies treat summer colds by reducing the severity and even the duration of cold symptoms. Causes of Summer Colds Summer colds can be caused by air conditioners because they decrease the humidity in the air. The dry air makes dry nasal passages allowing viruses to flourish. The increased air travel in summer months contributes to summer colds, as travelers become exposed to new, unfamiliar viruses. Those who experience summer hay fever find their nasal passages sensitized and more reactive to other pathogens, leading to more severe symptoms of colds during the summer. Salt and Turmeric Gargle for Summer Colds Salt and Turmeric gargle moisturizes the lining of the throat and speeds recovery of a summer cold. This is especially important as summer weather and air condition contribute to drying of these mucous membranes. A teaspoon of salt, with or without a teaspoon of turmeric, added to eight ounces of warm water can be gargled every three to four hours. A turmeric gargle without salt is utilized in the same way but can be swallowed. Vitamin C Reduces Summer Colds Vitamin C reduces the incidence and severity of the common cold. Dosage of most research has been 1000 mg a day; however, because vitamin C is depleted quickly from the body, dividing the dose to 300 mg three times a day is recommended. Humans do not make their own vitamin C, and this vital nutrient is an important anti-oxidant, helping destroy free radicals. High doses of vitamin C can also be helpful for summer colds , up to 5,000 mg a day. Echinacea Stimulates Natural Cold Immunity Echinacea has been shown to increase immune response. Echinacea was used in Native American healing and then spread to European settlers. The plant is a member of the daisy family, and it has now become the best selling health food store product in the United States. Ginger Treats a Summer Cold Ginger cures summer colds because is a natural antiviral. Ginger tea can be made from fresh or dried garlic. Ginger extract can be added to warm water and sipped to clear sinuses and help reduce inflammation of tissues. http://www.selfnews.com/024911_water_ging... http://www.selfnews.com/025780_remedies_s... http://www.unr.edu/shc/files/summer-colds.pd... [ http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/common-co... http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitami... http://health.rutgers.edu/brochures/sorethro... About the author Melanie Grimes is a writer, award-winning screenwriter, medical journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University. She also teaches homeopathy at the Seattle School of Homeopathy and the American Homeopathic Medical College. A trained homeopath, she is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, and has edited alternative and integrative medical journals for 15 years. She has taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA and authored medical textbooks. Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at: http://melanie-grimes.blogspot.com/2009/04/b... Follow her blog at http://melanie-grimes.blogspot.com/ www.melaniegrimes.com 