It’s that time of year again when the cold and flu season can catch you off guard and make you sick. I have discussed the many ways to boost your immune system and prevent such occurrences in previous blogs, things like eating only whole foods and avoiding the junk, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water. It’s also good to remind you to take your vitamins, especially C and D for prevention and adding minerals like magnesium and zinc to fortify immunities.
But we are only human, and viruses know that. You only have to let your guard down once to give these common invaders an opportunity to temporarily force you into buying a truck full of tissues and watching horrible daytime television.
You may feel that you only have enough strength to reach over the counter for remedies that contain aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but we know those not only don’t address the symptoms, but can actually suppress your body’s ability to produce antibodies and fight your cold or flu. So, what else can you do? Here are 15 all natural ways to get back on your feet as soon as you can.
- Herbal teas help boost the immune system and can help with symptoms. Try Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa and Peppermint to support the immunity and Chamomile to sleep better and reduce inflammation or fever.
- Cinnamon is an effective antiviral and antibiotic. Add it to your tea to kick it up a notch.
- Elderberry reduces severity and length of flu symptoms when taken at the first signs of symptoms.
- Ginger can greatly help with nausea and vomiting associated with the flu, and can also help with high fever and headache.
- Garlic is a natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial that helps open up the sinuses.
- Coconut oil is high in lauric acid breaks down the lipid coating around viruses and helps the immune system break them down.
- Golden milk, a mixture with turmeric supports the immune system and is effective in the prevention and treatment of several other diseases.
- Oregano oil is a potent natural antiviral and can help you taste your food.
- Apple Cider vinegar helps to alkalize the body and kill viruses.
- Lemon also helps alkalinizing the body, and by adding honey make it a good combination to stifle a cough.
- Echinacea is an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce bronchial symptoms of cold and flu.
- Baking Soda reduces the acidity of your body and can be added to a glass of water that will also rehydrate you.
- Ginseng can reduce the length and severity of colds when you take it within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
- Licorice Root treats upper respiratory infections.
- Brewer’s yeast can aid intestinal enzymes to help relieve diarrhea, fights bacteria in the gut and triggers an immune response to viruses that infect the lungs.
Then there is the standard, chicken soup. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce symptoms and hydrate the body. Bone broth based is the best way to go, not the sodium-filled caned varieties.
You should see your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition or you are pregnant when a cold or flu feels severe enough. Make sure that you also consult your doctor if you decide to take herbs or supplements.
