The Best All-Natural Remedies For The Common Cold
My Article, published in MindBodyGreen on October 18th, 2014
A change in the season can take a toll on our health and this is often the time when we feel our immune systems taking a nose dive. Colds can manifest in our sinuses, chest, throat and nasal passage, and with no true cure, it can take a while to recover.
Many traditions believe it’s healthy to get sick once in a while, and that if we don’t challenge the immune system it can get lazy. Still, no one wants to fall foul of the nasty common cold.
The key is to nip colds in the bud. The stronger your mind-body relationship, the sooner you’ll notice something is awry. Your healthy living habits will help you sense your illness quickly and will help you recover faster.
Here are five tips to kick a cold to the curb before it takes a firm hold.
1. Echinacea
From herbalism to mainstream pharmacies, this purple flower has been used for centuries as a multipurpose healing agent. Recently it’s become popular as a cure for colds and flu, and research backs up its efficacy. Ideally you should take it as soon as you start feeling sick, but it’s still better to take it after your cold is in full swing than not. As with any supplement, quality varies, so do your research and get the best one you can.
2. Vitamin C
While studies are inconclusive as to whether vitamin C actually helps abate a cold once it has begun, a review of more than 100 studies and found that higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health. Vitamin C has long been known for its immune system-boosting properties, and at a time of sickness this comes in handy.
Drink a hot drink made with freshly squeezed lemon, ginger and honey, and if you have a sore throat add ground cayenne pepper and gargle. You can also try this wellness shot!
3. Water
Drink lots and lots of water. Of course you can drink other fluids, but with the amount you need to drink I think water is best. Too much tea, juice, or lemon water might make you feel sick. Our bodies detoxify through the urine and each glass of water feels like you’re literally flushing your cold down the loo.
4. Rest
This one isn’t always easy, but if you can section off some time for yourself as soon as you sense it coming on, you’ll save yourself pain in the long run. Wrap up warm, crawl into bed or onto the sofa. Light a fire. Load up with everything you need and an old favorite book or box set. Turn off your phone. Nap a few times and try to sleep eight to 10 hours at night.
5. Hot bath
Hot baths are one of my favorites, and when I do this at the early stages it always works. Make it as hot as you can stand it. You can add oils and salts (eucalyptus and thyme work well to ease a clogged up nose and a dry cough) and bring a ton of water and a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice in. Drink the lemon juice at the beginning, and just relax! The steam will help your sinuses, the water will ease achy muscles and bones, the heat will help you sweat it out, and you’ll sleep better if you do it before bedtime.
This list is by no means exhaustive and I’m sure you have many things that have worked for you. These are just some strategies I can easily access, and I believe the key is speed. Please share below what works for you!!
The post The Best All-Natural Remedies For The Common Cold appeared first on The Cliffs of Moher Retreat | Yoga | Ireland | Lahinch | Clare | Liscannor.