Have you been battling a cold or flu recently? It is certainly that time of year. Before running to the pharmacy, try some of these natural remedies to relieve your symptoms.
1)
Blow your nose properly. One side at a time.
2)
Wash your hands
3)
Drink plenty of fluids: Warm drinks helps relieve congestion and
helps with hydration
4)
Elderberry Syrup: I start taking this when I am exposed to someone
with a cold. It is easy to make and certainly works for me. Usually I
add some ginger.
Back Row: Elderberry Juice, Water Kefirs (mango & strawberry)
Front Row: Blue Berry Juice, Candied Ginger, 2 Go-Go Juices
"Elderberries
contain natural substances called flavonoids. They seem to help
reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system.
Studies
have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache,
sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. The benefits seem to be
greatest when started within 24 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin.
One study found that elderberry could cut the duration of flu
symptoms by more than 50%.
Lab
studies have found that elderberry might be effective against H1N1,
or swine flu." (Web
M.D.)
5)
Ginger Tea: Clears out those sinuses. I also keep some candied ginger
on hand too.
6)
Gargle:
Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, four times daily. "To
reduce the tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle - such as
tea that contains tannin - to tighten the membranes. Or use a thick,
viscous gargle made with honey or a mixture of honey and apple cider
vinegar, a popular folk remedy. Steep one tablespoon of raspberry
leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water and mix in one
teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before
gargling." (from
Web M.D.)
7)
Cold or Hot packs on your congested sinuses: Wet a washcloth, warm it
up in the microwave for about 50 seconds. Test the heat. Or cold may
make it feel better, bag of frozen veggies.
8) DIY Nasal Saline
Solution: I have been using this for years now at the first sign of a sinus infection or to clear out my sinuses. Findings
show that if saline irrigation is used regularly, it can help to thin
mucus, decrease postnasal
drip,
and cleanse your nasal passages of bacteria.
The
two main ways to use saline irrigation are with a Neti pot or small
squirt bottle.
How
To: In a clean container, mix 3 heaping teaspoons of iodide-free salt
with 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight
container. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of
lukewarm distilled or boiled water.
Use
less dry ingredients to make a weaker solution if burning or stinging
is experienced. For children, use a half-teaspoon with 4 ounces of
water. (Web M.D.)
If you get the Neil Med Sinus Kit, get the smallest one and make your own saline solution.
9)
Take a steamy shower
10)
Add Peppermint essential oil in the shower. Helps with the drainage
of your nasal passages.
11)
Rest: You know this, so put it into action, or inaction.
12)
Other helpful foods:
Vitamin
C-containing foods like bell peppers
Blueberries
curb diarrhea and are high in natural aspirin, which may lower
fevers and help with aches and pains
Carrots,
which contain beta-carotene
Chili
peppers may open sinuses, and help break up mucus in the lungs
Cranberries
may help prevent bacteria from sticking to cells lining the bladder
and urinary tract
Mustard
or horseradish may helps break up mucus in air passages
Onions
contain phytochemicals purported to help the body clear bronchitis
and other infections
Black
and green tea contain catechin, a phytochemical purported to have
natural antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects. (Web
M.D.)
TIP: I
also find that blueberry juice energizes me. I mix elderberry syrup &
blueberry juice and call it Go-Go Juice.
