My home always has a bit of a holistic pharmacy on hand, whether it be detox baths, flower essences, fresh herbs for tea, vitamins or even greens for smoothies. But, when colds and flu start flying around seasonally, I like to keep some extra natural cold-fighting goodies on hand.
Why Holistic & Natural? I’m forever astonished when I see people taking “Z Packs” or other antibiotics to fight a common cold or flu. I am not a doctor*, but common sense would suggest that these antibiotics do not fight the viruses that cause the flu. Indeed, THIS is how antibiotics work, in case you are interested. Having been over-medicated with antibiotics as a child and suffering from a host of digestive and immune system imbalances as a teenager as a result (this was shocking!), I learned that for my own well-being, homeopathic, natural cures would be the first line of defense.
Here are a few holistic cold-fighting, symptom-squelching remedies that have really made a difference for me:
1. Oscillococcinum. I love homeopathic pellets! The mysterious dissolving tabs seem to do something energetically fantastic for me, even when I am not sick. But, when I feel the rare and actual flu coming on, oscillococcinum is what I reach for homeopathically. According to their website: “Oscillococcinum has been shown in clinical trials to help reduce the severity and shorten the duration of flu-like symptoms.” (you can read their clinical trial info HERE)
(Gold, a garlic & honey concoction)
2. Garlic & Honey. This concoction may sound horrible, but great raw honey mixed with a lot (read: a whole lot) of fresh, organic garlic can be a fabulous elixir! As Elisabeth Ladwig from Miscellaneum writes about her GOLD potion of garlic and honey pictured above , “Gold is antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antitumor and antifungal. It also contains Vitamins A and C, iodine, digestive enzymes, and is high in B Vitamins that nourish the nervous system. To hasten the departure of a cold or infection, take 1-2 teaspoons daily.”
3. Turmeric & Salt. While I tend to eat a ton of turmeric when I am not feeling great, I learned recently that it can be tossed into a gargle solution for a sore throat. My go-to sore throat helper is warm water and salt. I am not scientific about how much salt, but I’d estimate about 1/4 teaspoon to a cup of water. Adding some turmeric to the mix and gargling well has been a little added bonus.
4. Cider Vinegar & Water. Upset stomach, poor appetite, exhaustion… all times when I toss a teaspoon of raw Apple Cider Vinegar into a cup of water and sip it. Yes, it isn’t the most appealing drink. But, it works wonders for me. Some people add honey, but I prefer it straight!
Also: having things to look forward to tends to speed the wellness process. I have certainly gotten sick many times because I either was not excited about what I was doing in my life or I desperately needed to take a break. So, daydreaming a bit in bed about all you will do when you are well certainly can’t hurt, too! xoxo Dana
I use honey as a facemask to help combat breakouts, but this mix of garlic and honey sounds like it would be even more effective!
I use 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water to help with acid reflux and any tummy issues. It works instantly and I received the advice from friends who were on acid reflux medication and didn’t need it after the cider vinegar/water combo. (I do have to hold my nose because it smells like salad dressing.) I’m all about turmeric drinks – today it’s raw honey and turmeric – sometimes it’s ginger and turmeric. It’s a very detoxifying spice that has worked wonders for me.