It is that time of year again – ‘Cold and Flu Season’. The incidence of colds and flus at school, work and in
our communities is rampant. We try our hardest to prevent them by getting proper sleep, eating a
balanced diet, washing our hands frequently, exercising and reducing stress, but sometimes it gets the
better of us and we end up getting sick! When you have the sniffles, a chest cough, and the body aches,
here are a few at-home remedies to hopefully get you feeling better, faster.
- Warm immune-enhancing tea: Simmer lots of fresh garlic and ginger in water for 20 minutes.
There is no thing as too much of either! Strain and add ½ fresh lemon and honey. Drink 3 cups or
more daily. The ingredients help to strengthen your immune system so you recover quicker. - Warming Socks Treatment: This treatment is a type of hydrotherapy (‘water’ therapy). It is very
helpful if you have any head/sinus congestion. Get a pair of cotton mid-calf socks and wet them
with cold water, then put them on your feet. Put a pair of wool socks over top and get snuggled
into your bed. The idea is that your body will want to move blood from your head (where there
is congestion) to your feet to warm them up. This will in turn relieve the congestion in your head
so that you can breathe and sleep better. It doesn’t sound appealing, but it works! - Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water and herbal teas to keep well-hydrated and to flush out those
bad toxins from your body. Smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and clear broth/soups are other
ways to get fluids into you. - Lots of Rest: Your body heals best when it is in rest mode. Gets lots of sleep so that your body
can rejuvenate and restore. - Vitamin C: Take lots of vitamin C to boost your immune system and get rid of your cold/flu
faster! - Light movement: Only if you feel up to it, go for a short walk and breathe in some fresh air. This
will help with circulation in your body. However, if you feel like you are better off in bed, then
listen to your body! - Steam Inhalations: Get a deep bowl and fill it with boiling water. Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus
essential oil. Grab a towel and cover your head and the bowl, and breathe in the steam. It will
help to clear out your nasal passages, and the eucalyptus is very healing for your lungs. - Herbal Medicine: Try echinacea and/or oil of oregano to get your powerful immune cells to
work that much harder. - Zinc lozenges: These can be great for relieving a sore throat and to add extra zinc, which has
immune-strengthening properties, into your body. - Nasal salt rinses: Grab a neti pot from a local health food store. Add sea salt to warm water
(about 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup warm water). This is great for flushing out your nasal
passages.
Here’s hoping your Fall and Winter is free of nasty Colds and Flus. However, if you do get sick, I hope this
gives you some home remedies to sail through your sickness just a little easier.
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