You just got sick – now what?
Cold and season is rapidly approaching. The temperature outside has either dropped dramatically or fluctuates between warm and cold until winter finally arrives. With the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, people tend to be more stressed than usual. Last but not least we find ourselves around people more often this time of year, making it easier for germs to spread if you aren’t careful. This trifecta pretty much creates a perfect environment in which your body can get sick if you don’t take good care of yourself. Instead of taking over the counter medicines, consider these natual cold remedies.
Getting sick is never fun. But the good news is mother-nature provides us with a bunch of different natural cold remedies that actually work. There are so many good ones it was hard to narrow it down to 3. Try them out and see what you think!
Hot Water, Lemon, Honey & Cinnamon
This is one of many natural cold remedies that is a great go-to. You can make it at home or create it easily in any coffee shop around. The one issue most people have with herbal remedies is that they taste TERRIBLE. I can’t disagree. If you aren’t used to taking herbal medicine, they definitely will kick you in the pants. However this concoction is beneficial and tastes delicious!
The ingredients soothe sore throats and contain anti-bacterial & anti-viral properties among many others. Drink several cups daily as needed.
Sage Yourself, From the Inside
Sage is the perfect herbal remedy for a drippy nose. Most of the time when you have congestion or nose that just won’t stop running, it’s a good thing to get it out of your body. However there are times when this is just plain annoying and counterproductive. If you have a job where you work on clients or have meetings all day it’s a little distracting and uncomfortable if your nose is dripping like a faucet. So for instances like this I reach for my sage.
The best way to use this is via a tincture where the herb is soaked out in a mathematical formula that contains the proper ratio of alcohol and water. All it takes is about 30 drops or so and within 10 minutes you should start to notice an improvement. In a pinch you can make some tea with garden sage and it will have the same effect. However the delivery of this natural cold remedy will take slightly longer to produce results. The only other thing you should know about Sage is that it tends to be very drying. So make sure you stay hydrated and don’t overdo it. If you start to feel like a leather boot you’ve probably taken too much.
Take a Eucalyptus Steam
Eucalyptus essential oil is a great tool to have in your medicine cabinet. And it’s easy to use as well. When you feel congested or stuffed up this essential oil helps draw out the mucus and soothe inflammation in your sinus cavity. It is also considered to be antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and a decongestant.
To use, steam a pot of water over the stove. Add 3-8 drops of oil depending how big your pot is. Turn the stove off first before steaming. You can place a towel over your head or just lean over the pot to gently inhale the steam. Do not lean too close to the water or you will get an overly strong dose of the Eucalyptus.
There are many different cold remedies out there but these are quick, easy and inexpensive ones that anyone can try. Stay well this holiday season! But if you can’t, know that the herbs are our friends and they are always here waiting to help you.
*As always please check with your doctor before starting any new herbal regimen. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.