It happens every year – the holidays arrive, and without fail I get struck down by a horrid cold!
If you’re starting to suffer too, try these natural remedies to help boost your immune system and stop your cold in its tracks.
Natural Cold Remedies
Let food be thy medicine”
Hippocrates was right – when you’re starting to under the weather, try incorporating more of these foods…
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound that has been proven to prevent colds as well as shorten their duration. If you’re not ready to eat it raw, take as a supplement instead.
Ginger has been used as a traditional cure for colds for thousands of years due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. I love it with hot water and lemon, or grated into a smoothie.
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant – you can take as a ‘tea’, which is especially good if you can get hold of the fresh root.
Honey is a cold-busting staple. Get the best quality you can (manuka with a high UMF is best) and eat it by the spoonful or mixed into warm drinks. It soothes sore throats and is antibacterial and anti-fungal.
Fish may not be the first thing you crave when you’re feeling below par – but oily fish is a great source of Vitamin D, which is a strong immune booster.
Supplement your food
I absolutely swear by Source Natural’s Wellness Formula to pick me up.
The super-duper blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs instantly boosts the immune system and supports and strengthens the body through physical and emotional stress.
Others at Pai HQ swear by a mixture of Echinecea, Zinc and Vitamin D – it’s different for everyone, but as always consult your doctor or naturopath before taking anything new!
Rest, sleep and rest some more!
Rather than retiring to bed when your cold is at its worst, get a few extra hours sleep as soon as you start to feel rundown.
Your body needs energy to fight off the attack on your immune system, so giving it extra time to rest and recuperate in these early stages could mean you avoid the worst of it altogether.
Get steamy
If a blocked nose is getting you down, hop into a steamy shower or bath. The steam will help to reduce inflammation in your sinuses, making breathing a little easier.
You can even try adding a couple of drops of lavender oil to your bath to help you unwind and get a great night’s sleep.
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