Natural remedies and things to try for the common cold.
Well, this is not how you planned to spend your day or week, is it? You’re sick, and you are already over it. You have to work, run errands, or take care of the kids and a cold wasn’t on your agenda. Not many of us have the time to just lay in bed all day or have rush to go to the doctor’s office just to be told we have a virus and then sent home. Once the itch of illness begins we need to boost our immune system, and fast!
Here are a few natural remedies to help speed things up and soothe your cold symptoms:
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
Ok, so this one is known by most of us, but is there any truth in this? Actually there is! Warm liquid naturally helps soothe and drain your sinuses; however there is more to it than this. What makes chicken noodle soup unique is the mixture of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins from the vegetables that work as a trifecta to nourish and fuel your body, promoting positive healing. Plus, it tastes amazing and comforts the soul
2. Zinc Gluconate Lozenges
If you haven’t used these before, try it! Experts highly recommend these due to the amount of zinc they hold which may help shorten the length of your cold. The zinc prevents the rhinovirus (80% of common colds) from reproducing in your system and prevents it from attaching to your cell membranes. This is most effective if used within 24 hours of your first cold symptoms and continued for a few days. It is advised to not use the nasal sprays and only use the lozenges/syrup for up to 5 days. It is not recommended for prolonged usage.
3. Thieves Essential Oil Blend
This wonderful blend of oils gets its nickname from thieves who robbed victims’ bodies of the Black Plague during the 16th century. These thieves used a blend of cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics to ward off the plague and prevent their own deaths. The nature of this blend provides antiviral, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that help protect you from illness as well as diminish current symptoms. You can diffuse Thieves throughout your home or place in your bath water. You can also place a warm damp towel on your chest or forehead with a few drops of the oil blend added to help relieve congestion and soothe your symptoms.
4. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Another essential oil that helps soothe your cold symptoms, eucalyptus has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also a wonderful decongestant and can be diffused in a steam inhaler in your home to help relieve your congestion and prevent against respiratory infections.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found naturally in many citrus fruits such as kiwi and oranges and also in supplemental form. The acid in vitamin C is known to boost your immune system by attacking the acid within a virus and killing it. It is recommended to ingest this daily to provide optimal support, but should not be consumed in large quantities for a prolonged period of time. If excessively used it can lead to kidney stones, so be sure to monitor your usage.
6. Neti Pot
This handy little tool may be a bit awkward to use at first, but is incredibly useful in relieving congestion and preventing sinus infections from occurring if used early in your symptoms. Nasal irrigation flushes the mucus out of your sinus passages and prevents bacteria from growing. Use warm distilled water and allow to flow through one nostril and out the other. It’s imperative that the water used is distilled or filtered well as bacteria from tap water.
Being sick doesn’t have to take days away from you. Implement these natural remedies and get back to living healthy and well!