Winter is around the corner, temperatures are starting to drop and the cold and flu season is starting to sneak up on us. Catching a cold can sometimes be an unavoidable part of life. Stressful periods, busy lives and changes in temperatures can all lead to a weakened immune system. Throughout my practice as a naturopath, I have found some amazing natural remedies to help boost the immune system, speed up your recovery and get you back on your feet. Here are my top 5 natural remedies that will help you combat a cold.
1. Warmth and Rest
Catching a cold is often a big sign that you need to slow down. Taking the time to rest and relax is the best thing you can do to support a fast recovery. Ensuring that you dress appropriately in warm clothing, rug up in bed and enjoying some ‘you’ time. Hydration whilst you are resting is also vital enjoy plenty of water and herbal tea.
2. Herbal medicine
Therapeutic plants and herbs can be the elixir you need to boost your immune system. There are many herbs that can support the body through a cold and provide symptomatic relief. It is always best to see a naturopath to get an individualised herbal formula made. My top herbs to treat a cold are as follows:
– Echinacea: An antimicrobial, anti-viral, immune boosting perfect for fighting and preventing a cold.
– Andrographis: Andrographis is a bitter herb with strong immune boosting actions and indicated for acute illnesses.
– Thyme: A great antiseptic, antimicrobial herb perfect to soothe cold and flu symptoms.
– Other fantastic herbs to treat a cold include: cinnamon, elderflowers, mullein and olive leaf.
3. Supplements/ Vitamins
Supplements can be another weapon in the bag to help you beat the cold and speed up your recovery. My top immune boosting supplements are:
– Vitamin C: Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in the immune cells, thus can be useful in treating and preventing a cold. Its best to take a high quality vitamin C, in lower doses, frequently throughout the day.
– Zinc: Zinc is another vitamin that can help reduce the severity of a cold. Find out more about Zinc rich foods and the best way to take zinc in a supplement here
– Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important in your immune systems health. Ensuring you have adequate amounts of vitamin D (the best source is sunlight), or supplementing can assist your recovery. Discover food sources of Vitamin D here
4. Food as medicine
My favourite way to combat any illness is through using organic wholefoods. Turn your kitchen into an apothecary and incorporate the following foods into your diet:
– Garlic: Garlic is a strong and natural anti-microbial. Incorporate into all your meals or crush and add to herbal tea with some citrus.
– Manuka Honey: Another great anti-bacterial food that is fantastic for a sore throat.
– Bone Stock Broth: Nothing boosts the immune system like a soul-warming cup of bone broth. Go back to your traditional roots and sip your way to health.
– Warming Spices: Increase the temperature in the body and help fight off that cold with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger.
5. Essential Oils
Relieve those blocked and stuffy noses with some therapeutic essential oils. Eucalyptus, sandalwood, peppermint and rosemary are all fantastic oils that can clear the sinus. You can place the oils in a steam inhaler, bath, add to a carrier oil and rub on your chest.
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