It’s that time of year- noses are running, coughs are hacking, and heads are aching. Most people suffer from the common cold during the winter. Some unlucky few suffer from something much worse- the flu. There are few things worse than waking up in the morning just to want to desperately crawl back into bed because of how awful you feel. Neti pots and humidifiers become your closest companions, but where can you turn when they just don’t do the trick?
Rather than reaching for all the prescriptions in your medicine cabinet, head to the kitchen! Sometimes all you need is a little bit of TLC directly from Mother Nature herself to get you back on your feet again. So, the next time you’re feeling under the weather, try these 5 natural cold and flu remedies to help kick that sickness to the curb.
GINGER SHOT
Ginger shots have so many health benefits; you should make a point of taking them even when you’re not feeling sick. Ginger is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, meaning it helps fight off viruses and helps reduce inflammation. It has also been known to relieve congestion and nausea, common symptoms of colds and fevers.
Ginger shots are very easy to make. Simply cut off a knob of ginger, sandwich it between half a lime and half a lemon, put it in a juicer, and down the hatch it goes! Lime and lemon aren’t necessary, but they have additional health benefits and give the shot a better taste. If you don’t have a juicer at home, stop by your local juice shop to pick up a few ginger shots.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHOT
Full honesty here- this is not the best tasting remedy, but the benefits are totally worth it! Apple cider vinegar helps to create an alkaline environment within the body, which helps kill bacteria and viruses. All you need to do is add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of lemon water. Taking apple cider vinegar shots as soon as you feel a cold coming on will help nip it in the bud. You can take several shots a day until your symptoms begin to subside.
If you really can’t handle the taste, add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath. Not only is this super relaxing, the apple cider vinegar will detox your body to get rid of all those toxins.
TOMATO TEA
Tomato tea is essentially the same thing as tomato soup, just in a cup. Grab some tomato juice and warm it up in a pot on the stove. Then, add in some garlic, lemon, and hot sauce. This simple mixture will do wonders for your immune system. The combination of all these fantastic ingredients is no match for any winter cold!
SMALL SEED’S TEA CONCOCTION
Our friends here at Small Seed actually taught me this one, and I stand by it to this day. If you’ve tried everything and feel like nothing is working to make you feel better, whip up this magical little concoction. Combine ¼ cup ginger root, ¼ cup turmeric root, 1 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon onion, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer for 12 minutes, then strain. Guzzle that bad boy down and you’ll be feeling better in no time! Continue to drink it for the next few days just to make sure you clear all that gunk out of your system. You can even use these same ingredients to make a vegetable soup to have for lunch and dinner while you’re continuing to regain your health.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are wonderful- no ifs, ands, or buts about it! There are numerous essential oils out there that can help relieve symptoms of any common cold or flu. Some of our favorites are eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil. Eucalyptus oil has been used for centuries to help cure the common cold. Its antiviral and antimicrobial properties are excellent for boosting the immune system and fighting off the enemies to your health.
Peppermint oil is another one of our favorites because it’s a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. Just rub a little on your chest, place a smidge under your nose, and feel those sinuses begin to open up! Add essential oils to the list of reasons why plants are so powerful!
BONUS TIPS!
You’ve probably heard this enough throughout your entire life, but it never hurts to mention it again. Make sure you’re always getting enough sleep. Your body needs to be well-rested in order to fend off any unwanted nasties! Additionally, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands numerous times a day. You never know what kind of germs other people are carrying around. Like they say, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry.
Fighting off a cold or the flu is no small feat. Once it hits you, you can be out for a couple days, sometimes even feeling the effects weeks later. The best course of action is to be prepared. Arm yourself with these natural warriors and you’ll make it through flu season unscathed, and uncongested.
