Holistic Remedies for the Common Cold
This post and photography are courtesy of Nic Abraham.
It’s stuffy nose season! In most cases, we can feel a tingle in our nose or a scratch in our throat letting us know that something is amiss. These are the times that we need to act fast to combat the onset of seven days of misery.
A well-equipped grocery store, such as Heinen’s, offers a plethora of holistic cold and flu remedies. Here’s a list of essentials to keep you healthy this season.
Echinacea
Echinacea has many benefits and uses, especially this time of year when the weather tests our immune systems. Its powerful medicinal properties can’t be denied, which is why it’s the perfect herb for the season.
During the fall and winter seasons, when colds and the flu are more frequent, echinacea is a natural and potent cure. Historically used by Native Americans, echinacea helps strengthen the body’s immune system and resistance. Echinacea helps to:
- Alleviate sore throats
- Decrease duration of cold and flu
- Lesson bronchitis symptoms
- Reduce mucus
- Antibacterial and antiviral
When symptoms occur, try echinacea-based tea.
Elderberry Syrup
When you hear about Elderberry Syrup the first thing you might hear is, “Elderberry Syrup works well!” The second thing you might hear is, “What is it?” To put it simply, Elderberry Syrup is made from the dark purple elderberries from the elder tree.
The use of Elderberry Syrup has grown in popularity in recent years as it is known to boost immune systems. Taken by mouth, the syrup is a remedy for several ailments including the common cold and flu (by shortening symptom durations), inflammation, and sinus pain.
Buy Local – Health Junkie Elderberry Syrup is a fan favorite and is locally made in Cleveland, Ohio. The kid-friendly syrup is available in Ginger, Tart Cherry and Cinnamon flavors.
Essential Oils
Let’s be honest, essential oils are great for everything, and combating the common cold is no exception. There are several essential oils that, when diffused, taken orally or applied topically, can help soothe multiple cold symptoms. Here are some to consider.
- Eucalyptus Oil is my first option to clear nasal passages for better breathing. It’s great in a diffuser, roller bottle, in cough drops and more.
- Lemon Oil is a powerful decongestant and its antibacterial and antiviral properties make it an effective choice to combat the common cold. Lemon Oil can be diffused or taken orally.
- Lavender Oil is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that helps your body relax during a time of illness. A soothing neck or shoulder rub can ease headaches and tense muscles. Try it in a diffuser.
- Peppermint Oil can soothe headaches, reduce fever and chest congestion, and can be diffused or applied to the skin.
- Oregano Oil is potent and is perfect for managing colds and earaches; however, it shouldn’t be used consecutively for more than 10 days.
- Thieves Oil is made up of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary, this combo is antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-viral and is known to quickly alleviate cold and flu symptoms. These include chest congestion, fever, stuffy nose, and sore throats. Thieves can be diffused or taken orally.
*Pure essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps keep the body healthy and strong. It can be found in fruits and vegetables, as well as taken as a supplement. Research suggests that Vitamin C doesn’t prevent the common cold but does shorten its duration.
