So you’ve contracted a cold, and you feel miserable. There are several ways that you can actually help yourself heal naturally using ingredients that you already have in your pantry and fridge, and easy at-home treatments that can kick the bug in no time.
Blow Your Nose!
Did you know that there is a correct method of blowing your nose? Actually, blowing your nose too hard places you at risk of an earache, which can occur if germ-laden phlegm travels to your ear passages with the pressure of blowing hard. Of course, if you blow too gently, you don’t get any mucus out and it defeats the purpose. So, the right way to do it is to press down one nostril and blow gently through the other, clearing your nasal passage. Repeat with the other side. Make sure you actually do this instead of sucking the mucus back up into your face!
Plenty of Rest
The moment you contract a cold or flu, your body will need to use as much energy as possible to fight off the attack. This means that if you are staying warm and getting plenty of rest and good sleep, your body can concentrate on fighting off the germs. A battle against intruding germs is taxing on your system!
Apple Cider Vinegar
This home remedy is not the best tasting but is rather effective! Sipping on ACV diluted in water creates an alkaline pH level in your system which is a difficult environment for viruses to live in. The ACV also soothes coughs and sore throats and can even help with sinus drainage. It is worth mentioning that in order to have these benefits, you need to have ACV with the ‘mother’, which is raw, unfiltered ACV. Combine a tablespoon of ACV, one tablespoon honey and 500 mg vitamin C to make a potent concoction that’ll knock the socks off those viruses!
Bone Broth
We’ve all heard about the benefits of a comforting bowl of chicken soup when it comes to the cold and flu. There is a lot of truth in the old-fashioned bowl of broth, prepared by simmering organic, nutrient-dense animal bones in water and a splash of ACV until the nutrients are released into the liquid. As long as you are using pasture farmed animal bones, and not those injected with hormones or antibiotics, you’re well on your way to recovery!
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful ingredient that is lying in your pantry. The Chinese have known the power of this humble root and have made use of it for over 2,500 years. It is known to contain 12 antiviral substances! This is phenomenal for a natural product. It can relieve pain and calm your body, and it is good for sore throat and inflammation. Simply steep some slices of ginger in water for 10 minutes and sip on the tea with a squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of honey to taste, if desired. Adding ginger to your food will also be very beneficial and can help boost your intake during your cold.
Cayenne Pepper Powder
This is a spice with a mighty kick! If you can’t stomach spicy foods, cayenne pepper powder is actually available in tablet form and you can swallow them with meals to save the burn in your tummy! If you can palette a good spicy bite in your food, though, add this as a finishing touch to your meals and adjust to taste. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which helps decongest the sinuses and thin the mucus that builds up in your nasal passages.
Honey
Honey is an age-old remedy and miracle cure for a wide assortment of ailments. When it comes to the honey you choose to consume for fighting infection, opt for raw, unfiltered honey since it will have all of its nutrients and active ingredients. Remember not to give honey to children below the age of one, though. Honey actually fights infection on a number of levels, and there is no single ingredient that is effective.
All of these remedies are perfectly safe and can be combined in any way desired to help you fight off the big bad germs that are making you feel miserable. In fact, regular intake of ginger, honey or apple cider vinegar can help you develop a strong immune system even before the germs grab a hold of you!
