Keep these home remedies on hand so that when the cold hits your home, you can get over it quick!
1. Whenever one of us would get sick as kids, my mom would break out the honey and garlic, and give it to all the rest of us (who were still well!) as an easy flu prevention. Though we would all pretend to gag, it actually wasn't that bad, and really did work! Because garlic is a natural antibiotic, it works wonderfully to prevent all those nasty flu and cold bugs out there, and the honey is soothing and makes it taste tolerable. :)
To make, simply mince up a clove of garlic, add a bit of honey, mix, and eat a spoonful. It is probably a good idea to do twice daily.
To make, simply mince up a clove of garlic, add a bit of honey, mix, and eat a spoonful. It is probably a good idea to do twice daily.
2. Ginger Tea! There is nothing more soothing to an upset stomach than Ginger Tea.
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
1 c. boiling water
Brew for 3 minutes, strain out ginger, then sip. Yum!
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
1 c. boiling water
Brew for 3 minutes, strain out ginger, then sip. Yum!
3. Remember Grandma saying to have some chicken soup when you were sick? Nowadays the sick diet is bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. This may be all very well and good, but it is very important to have some good quality protein when you are sick, as protein keeps your immune system healthy and will help you get over the flu/cold sooner.
4. About a year ago, I discovered the benefits of Epsom salt baths. Because of their high magnesium content, epsom salt baths are the perfect way to detox from colds and flues. You can buy a huge bag of it at Walmart for $10 I think? Then add about a cup to you tub for a soothing bath.
5. Do you crave lemons and grapefruit? Odds are, you're craving Vitamin C. Sometimes when you feel ill, plain water can be nauseating. By adding a slice of lemon or grapefruit, your stomach may be able to handle it better and it will help quench your thirst. You can also supplement with a teaspoon of powdered ascorbic acid. I like NutriBiotic, but other brands work too. Just make sure it is 100% pure Vitamin C powder. Because Vitamin C needs Vitamin E to be absorbed into your system, it is wise to supplement with a little bit of Vitamin E as well, so that your own body's stores are not depleted!
6. I have just started using homeopathic remedies and wow are they amazing! (A post on that later!) Aconite is a fabulous remedy for when you feel that cold coming on and say "tomorrow I am going to be miserable!" It works best in the first 24 hours of your cold/flu. Start with taking three, five minutes apart, letting them dissolve under the tongue before taking the next one. After those first three, take one every hour, until you start to feel better. You can usually find homeopathic remedies at your local health food store. NOTE: I am not sure why, but homeopathic remedies will not work if taken around the same time as anything minty (i.e. toothpaste). A good rule of thumb is to keep away from mint an hour before and after taking the remedy.
7. When recovering from a cold or flu, my family loves to make yogurt smoothies. Yogurt is fantastic for boosting the immune system and is full of yumminess to boost your mood! Here is our favorite smoothie recipe (it tastes like a Sonic smoothie!):
Strawberry Freeze
1 c. plain yogurt
1 c. frozen strawberries (chopped if you don't have a Vitamix)
stevia to taste
Delish!
Strawberry Freeze
1 c. plain yogurt
1 c. frozen strawberries (chopped if you don't have a Vitamix)
stevia to taste
Delish!