Natural Remedies This Cold & Flu Season

Tis the season for coughs, colds, flu and pneumonia!!! But seriously, everyone around us seems to be getting sick and unfortunately our house was not spared… ☹ This year, like many others, the sickness seems to be lingering with symptoms of coughs and drainage lasting weeks at a time. We got tired of going through the motions, hoping that the sickness would just miraculously disappear.

While there is an abundance of over-the-counter medications available, we are trying to focus on more natural remedies this year. Here are just a few that we have found to be helpful in our home so far this year:

1.      Garlic –

a.      What does it do? Not only does it help to balance blood sugar, blood pressure and gut health; it also has immune boosting, anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial benefits to aide with sinus congestion, sore throat and runny nose.

b.     How is it used? Fresh garlic cloves can be crushed and added to boiling water then turn off the heat and inhale the steam with a towel covering to hold in the steam. Fresh garlic can be eaten raw or added to your tea, or garlic tincture can be taken by adding a few drops to your water each day.

2.      Ginger –

a.      What does it do? It is a natural antiseptic & antioxidant, can help reduce muscle pain and morning sickness and also promotes gut health. It can soothe a sore throat & has properties to kill Rhinovirus.

b.     How is it used? Fresh or dried ginger can be added to your tea. Try grating fresh ginger into boiling water then add honey and lemon juice.

3.      Turmeric –

a.      What does it do? Fights inflammation, can alleviate GI pain, boosts immune system & increases cognitive function

b.     How is it used? Dried turmeric can be added to your tea or added into boiling water then add ginger, honey and lemon juice.

4.      Eucalyptus –

a.      What does it do? Can help to treat congestion, thin mucus and open airways. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the immune system.

b.     How is it used? Can be hung fresh in your bathroom or use the oil to diffuse or add to a humidifier.

5.      Elderberry –

a.      What does it do? May help reduce the length of cold/flu, anti-inflammatory & improves circulation.

b.     How is it used? Can be cooked down into a syrup to be taken when experiencing cold/flu symptoms.

6.      Honey –

a.      What does it do? Is a natural cough suppressant & may reduce symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. If obtained locally, it can help to fight local allergens.

b.     How is it used? Can be eaten raw or added to your favorite tea.

7.      Oregano Oil –

a.      What does it do? Natural antibiotic used to kill bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections.

b.     How is it used? While it is strong on its own (in flavor & heat sensation), it is best taken orally to get direct contact with the mucus membranes. It can be bought mixed with peppermint oil to help cut down on the strong flavor.

8.      Aloe –

a.      What does it do? May be used to treat digestive issues, cleanses GI tract, reduces inflammation, aides in hydration, treats heartburn & is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent to aid in relief of cold & cough.

b.     How is it used? Can be bought by the bottle and comes in different flavors. You can take it as a shot each day or it can be added to your water or tea.

9.      Vitamin C –

a.      What does it do? It is an antioxidant that works to improve the immune system and helps to reduce inflammation.

b.     How is it used? It can be taken as a pill or powder that gets mixed in water.

** While this list comes from our experience, it is not comprehensive and does not consider the allergies of those outside of our household. We encourage you to take this information and do your own additional research to find what works for you and your family this season! **

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