It’s the season for sniffles. Maybe it’s the weather, but it seems like everyone around me is down with a case of the common cold. Most of us are struggling with a sore throat, runny nose, blocked sinuses, and the general crumminess and lack of energy that accompanies these.
The key to dealing with cold and flu symptoms is to handle the first signs as soon as they show up, before it gets too serious and knocks you out of commission for the full week. Though there are a number of OTC pills and medication available to treat colds, some of the best remedies are in fact all natural. Most of these remedies use simple pantry-staple ingredients that you will have at home. They will go a long way in making you feel better when you have a cold coming on.
Some of our favourite natural remedies for cold and flu symptoms:
Sip on chamomile tea: Chamomile promotes relaxation and reduces inflammation, promoting the body to heal itself naturally. Sip on cups of chamomile tea to reduce cold-induced body aches and soothe the throat.
Take a ginger shot: Ginger is anti-inflammatory, as well as an amazing immunity booster. It soothes the stomach, warms the body, encourages lymph drainage, and supports your body’s immune function. Take a shot of ginger juice sweetened with raw honey. Alternatively, steep slices of crushed ginger into a soothing herbal tea.
Chew on raw garlic: Yes, you read that right! Not one for the faint hearted, raw garlic is a natural remedy for fighting off the cold and flu. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant and has antiviral and antibiotic properties, while also helping with decongestion. If munching on a clove of raw garlic isn’t up your alley, you can make it more palatable by mincing it and mixing with a teaspoon of raw honey.
Drink broth: There is nothing more soothing and comforting than curling up with a hot mug of nourishing broth that heals you from the inside out. Add immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and garlic to it for double the benefits.
Cook with cayenne: Cayenne contains the active ingredient capsaicin that helps to alleviate congestion and thins out mucus in the nasal passage. This is specially helpful when you’re suffering with a stuffy nose. Sprinkle cayenne on roasted vegetables, add it to your broth, or a tiny pinch to your ginger tea. A little goes a long way, specially if you’re sensitive to spice.
Add ACV to your water: Apple cider vinegar is wonderful for the lymphatic system — it helps to clear sinuses, provides relief from allergies, and even soothes a sore throat. Make a simple ACV tonic with warm water + a teaspoon of ACV + honey; add a pinch of cayenne for added benefits.
Try eucalyptus: Rub some eucalyptus balm on your chest to clear congestion, use a diffuser with a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, chew on eucalyptus cough drops. It can help open up clogged nasal passage ways, relieve congestion, and provide relief from breathing troubles.
Supplement with oregano oil: Some studies suggest that oregano has incredible antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and that’s why it’s often used a cold and flu remedy. Note, eating the herb won’t have the same effect as the compounds aren’t as concentrated. Instead, you can supplement with a soft gel capsule, or add a few drops of the oil to herbal infusions.
Heal with a herbal infusion: Brew a tea with liquorice root, mint, holy basil (tulsi), cinnamon and clove. Liquorice root is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat coughs and respiratory problems, mint is wonderful for the lymphatic system, holy basil (tulsi) is immune boosting and soothes the stomach, cinnamon aids healthy digestion, and clove is a warming spice that relieves sinus congestion. A cup full of goodness!
Other helpful tips:
~ Get plenty of sleep: studies show that people who get less sleep are 3x more likely to get a cold, so make sure you’re snoozing enough
~ Stay well hydrated — drinking plenty of fluids is the best way to flush out the cold from your system. You can also steep herbal teas and infusions if you’re tired of drinking regular water
~ Take a hot shower as the steam will help loosen up the congestion in your head and chest
~ Avoid consuming dairy as it causes mucus build-up
~ Ditch sugar, as it suppresses our immune systems making us more susceptible to cold and flu infection
~ Try using a neti-pot to drain your nasal passage, washing out bacteria and soothing the mucus membranes. Use slightly tepid water with some sea salt
~ Stress less, because stress actually can increase your risk of a cold. Relax, meditate, make time for self-care to lower those cortisols!
These wellness hacks are designed to boost immunity ASAP. They will help you get relief from common symptoms like congestion, sore throat, blocked sinuses, and body aches, and help in improving your overall energy. So the next time you feel a cold coming on, you know what to do.
