As we are in cold and flu season, I wanted to share with you the natural remedies that I have on hand for when I feel something coming on. My preference is always to turn to natural remedies first before seeking out medication. As a nurse, I truly believe that medication has a place, but I believe we utilize it way too often.
Believe it or not, those symptoms you’re experiencing when you are sick are a part of your body’s natural healing process. This tells you that your body’s immune system is battling an illness. For instance, a fever is your body’s way of trying to kill viruses by creating a hotter-than-normal environment. If you can, allow your body to experience the symptoms to fight off the illness.
Below are the natural remedies I use to assist my body’s immune system.
Natural Remedies For Colds and Flu
Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
- Zinc (another option): Crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity.
- Vitamin C (another option and another option): Contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions.
- Vitamin D3 (another option): Deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to infection.
- Herbal Resistance Liquid/Earthley Wellness Feel Better Fast: Powerful combination of herbs to support the respiratory system and overall wellness.
- Prebiotics/Probiotics: Numerous studies have shown the link between gut health and the immune system (some are saying 80% of your immune system is in your gut), so it is important we support our guts.
Drinks to Support the Immune System
- Elderberry Syrup (another option): Packed with vitamins to boost your immune system.
- Spoon Drink: Manuka honey or Beekeepers Superfood honey with 2 drops of lemon essential oil and 2 drops of germ fighter essential oil
- Homemade Drink (courtesy of Lauren Scruggs Kennedy): 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar, half a lemon, 1 tsp of Manuka honey or Beekeepers Superfood honey, and fill the glass with hot water
- Umchka Hot Lemon Drink – with Manuka honey or Beekeepers Superfood honey
- Echinacea Tea
- Throat Coat Tea
- Bone Broth: Bone broth provides amazing gut-healing benefits which in turn supports your immune system.
Essential Oils for Immune Support
- Respir Aid Essential Oil: Rub this on my chest to help clear congestion and aid in breathing easier.
- Lemon Essential Oil: Rub this oil on my throat and lymph nodes to aid in drainage.
- Germ Fighter Essential Oil: Roll onto the bottom of my feet 3x daily to support a healthy immune system.
- Oregano Oil: Known to have natural antibiotic properties.
Other Remedies
- Boiron Homeopathic Remedies: Use these based on the symptoms you are experiencing. Some favorites are Oscillococcinum, Cold Calm, Chestal Cough & Mucus Relief, Throat Calm, and Sinus Calm.
- Wedderspoon Throat Spray / Beekeepers Naturals Throat Spray
- Traditional Medicinals Throat Drops
- Beekeepers Naturals Cough Syrup / Chestal Honey Cough Syrup
- Elderberry Syrup (another option): Packed with vitamins to boost your immune system.
- Colloidal Silver (nasal spray version): Use this at the first sign of a bacterial infection, such as green mucus.
- Drink Tons of Water & Get Plenty of Sleep: These are KEY in helping you bounce back. Sleep in the unsung hero of life.
- Steamy Shower: Take a hot steamy shower. Place a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil on the shower walls to help you breathe easier.
- Epsom Salt Detox Bath
- 1/4 cup of baking soda – regulates your body’s pH level and helps improve your hormone balance and nutrient absorption
- 1 cup of plain Epsom Salt
- 1/4 cup of bentonite clay – aids in detoxing your body
- 5 Drops of Germ Fighter Essential Oil – immune-boosting oil
- 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar – supports a healthy immune system, promotes pH balance in the body, and helps remove toxins from the body
I hope you found this list of natural remedies for cold and flu relief as a helpful tool because my goal is you enter this season more prepared than ever to support your immune system!
xx,
Ashley
Disclaimer: These products are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease, so please consult with your doctor should you have any questions or concerns.
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