Six Natural Cold & Flu Remedies
Contributor: Ashley Neese
Photographer: Ashley Neese
As we fully embrace fall and slowly shift into winter we need to step up our self care routine especially around down time and sleep. Winter was definitely made for me, but I still have to pay extra close attention to my body and make sure I don’t over schedule myself. Because I tend to have more energy this time of year and get excited about holiday gatherings, it can be easy to run myself into the ground. For years I would get crazy sick around Christmas and I finally figured out that I need to channel my energy into creative projects around the house and not burn the candle and both ends.
In addition to bringing more awareness to grounding my energy I’ve found that taking natural remedies consistently this time of year makes a huge difference in my overall health and wellness. It’s a bummer to get sick over the holidays and if you’ve got travel plans like I do, you need to put in the effort to give your body some extra love. The recipes below are great great for any occasion where you want to take care of your immune system and deeply nourish yourself.
During these cooler months our bodies need foods that are deeply nourishing and warming like soups. Towards the end of the year it can be easy to take on too much and deplete our immune system. Slowing down long enough to cook a big pot of this soup will make a difference, trust me. Simply carving out a couple of hours to chop veggies and herbs to create a nourishing meal will help soothe frayed nerves and bring you into balance. And yes, our Grandma’s were really onto something with their chicken soup!
When I start to feel like I’m coming down with something this is one of my go-to tonics. It is perfect for fall and winter and does not take long to make. Elderberries are one of the most powerful antioxidant berries. They contain high levels of vitamins A and C as well as iron and phosphorus. Elderberries contain antiviral and immune boosting properties and can help reduce the duration of flu symptoms.
The Face Melter is amazing if you’re really trying to kick a nasty cold to the curb (or simply looking to give your immune system a quick boost!) this “shot” should do the trick. I’m not going to hide it, this shot is INTENSE but it’s a go-to remedy I’ve been using for years that works quickly.
At the very first signs you are getting sick take a couple of ginger baths. This will help you sweat which reduces symptoms and shortens the duration of a cold. If you are already sweating a ton a ginger bath isn’t necessary. They are also very warming for the body and boost the immune system.
At times, the changing seasons can bring about the nastiest of colds. Try this homemade honey thyme cough syrup the next time you’re feeling that funny throat feeling come on. Thyme and raw honey are two potent medicines that have been used for ages to heal colds and coughs.
While most of us think about using a neti pot in the spring for allergies they are wonderful in the winter as well! Spending a lot of time in heated homes dries out our delicate nasal passages. In super dry climates a neti pot can be a real nose saver. I love to use the Nasaya oil afterwards to keep my nose soft and breathing clear.