Colds and flu are both viral infections that often occur in the winter when we are stressed out and stuck inside with lots of people and germs. Viruses enter the body through the respiratory tract and attach to cells lining the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Exposure to cold, damp, wind, and rapid temperature change can make us more susceptible to viruses. The sooner one takes action against infection with these natural remedies for cold and flu, the easier to minimize its effects.
Hygiene & Germ Control
Did you know you can spread your cold or flu to others 1-3 days before you even start to have symptoms and 3-5 days after you “beat it”? Even exhaling normally without coughing sends out a 5 foot plume of virus filled respiratory droplets. To reduce the spread of disease wear a mask, cover your coughs with your inner elbow and wash your hands regularly! Disinfect high traffic surfaces regularly such as door knobs, light switches, soap dispensers, and faucets. And be extra careful around pets which can easily become mobile petri dishes.
Supplements
- L-Lysine: (anti-viral) 1.5 grams per day – take in divided doses 500mg at a time.
- Zinc: 50-60mg per day in divided doses. (dose is for short periods only)
- Herbs: Echinacea, Astragalus, Elderberry, Andrographis. (Avoid w/ auto immune & pregnancy)
Miso-Vegetable Immune Broth
Combine chicken broth, miso, and plenty of finely chopped garlic, onion, carrot and Maitake and Reishi mushroom if available in a sauce pan. Bring to boil and simmer. To make more of a light meal, add chicken and rice.
- Chills & mild nausea: add ginger and/or cayenne.
Steam Inhalation
In a sauce pan boil 3 cups of water until rolling boil. Remove from stove. Add 2 Tablespoons of the cooking spice Thyme into the boiled water. Use a towel and place it over your head and the pot with the thyme in it.
Inhale through the nose and out through the mouth THEN in through the mouth and out through the nose. Follow this breathing process until the water has cooled off.
You will need to blow your nose and cough up phlegm afterward. This process may be repeated up to 5 times per day.
- Headache: add peppermint or rosemary.
- Congestion: add basil or rosemary.
- Inflammation of the sinus cavities: add eucalyptus or pine essential oils (1-3 drops).
Earache
Slice an onion in half and put in microwave 20-30 seconds. Onion should be very warm but not so hot as to burn your skin. Place in a thin rag or old sock. Lay on your side with the effected ear up and place the flat side of the onion (which is in the rag/sock) against your ear for 10 mins. Do Not do this more than 3 times during your illness as it is very drying to the eardrum and can actually cause irritation.
Diet
Avoid sugar, bananas, tomatoes, citrus, and dairy which all promote mucous and phlegm.