Fall is upon us here in the New York. As I write this, it is cool, raining and miserable outside. It won’t be too long before the really cold weather sets in, so now is the time to think about staying healthy this winter.
These all-natural cold and flu remedies should speed along your recovery from the illnesses that are so common in winter, so make sure you stock up on what you’ll need to take care of yourself or your family members should someone get sick.
How to Treat Colds and the Flu Naturally
At the first sign of illness:
- Rest as much as possible
- Eat lightly- homemade organic chicken soup mixed with some miso and/or coconut milk is excellent. Fresh ginger and a bit of cayenne are wonderful additions. The chicken broth and the coconut milk contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, and the miso benefits the digestive and immune system.
- For sore throat: warm ginger tea with lemon and raw honey or Herbal Honey or Garlic Honey Remedy taken by the spoonful several times per day.
- For body aches: a warm bath with Epsom salts or Himalayan crystal salt.
The following may be helpful, but make sure to try these cold and flu remedies as early on as possible:
- Yin Chiao: a Chinese herbal formula used for centuries. Best when taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, or when you feel you may have been or will be exposed to cold or flu (like on an airplane).
- Herbs: astragalus, echinachea, andrographis, cat’s claw, and elder berry have strong immune-boosting and antiviral properties
- Vitamin C: Can be taken in supplement form; rosehips is an excellent natural source
- For nasal congestion: try a Neti Lota pot saline rinse
- Aromatherapy: a few drops of eucalytpus essential oil can be added to the bathtub while you take a hot shower to create a wonderful steam for the sinuses; one drop each of lavender and thyme essential oil can be added to 1 teaspoon of raw honey and drank for a soothing beverage with antiviral/antibacterial action.
