Natural Cold, Flu and Allergy Remedies
by Heather David, HHP, NC, CPT
Cold and flu season is in full swing. Antibiotics can’t do anything to help you with a virus; so what can you do to shorten the duration and improve your quality of life?* Below are some great natural ways to help the body heal and reduce the irritating symptoms:
Sinus pressure and drainage
Use a Nettie Pot to open up nasal passages and remove infection laden mucus. Combine 1 cup of hot water with 1 teaspoon of non-iodized salt until completely dissolved. Allow to cool to lukewarm. Pour through one nostril and out the other. Do both sides. To increase the virus killing and removal add 5-10 drops of grapefruit seed extract. This great upper respiratory anti-viral remedy can speed up your healing time, but can also burn terribly. Start with only 5 drops before increasing to tolerance. Repeat this process multiple times each day until feeling better.
Oregano is a great kitchen herb that can help reduce your sinus drainage and decrease the duration of your illness. A potent form is called Oreganol. You place a few drops under your tongue multiple times throughout the day. This can dry you out significantly so be sure and drink plenty of water. If you aren’t feeling well and don’t want to go to get some, try making a decoction (medicinal tea) by lightly boiling, covered, 2 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of oregano leaves, 1 teaspoons of sage, and the rind of 1/2 a lemon for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and the juice from the half lemon. Sip. This is very nourishing, can slow or temporarily stop drainage. Additionally it will also help sooth your sore throat.
Immune Boosting Supplements
During the cold and flu season be sure and take a good Vitamin C like Ester-C; 500-1000 mg twice daily will be helpful in strengthening your immune system. Too much vitamin C can cause gastric upset so start with 250 mg twice daily before increasing.
Echinacea and Zinc are great all around immune system boosters. It is not necessary to take them all the time though. At the first sign of a cold or the flu, take 6-8 capsules Echinacea and 23 mg of Zinc about every 6-8 hours. Zinc is best taken sub-lingual (under the tongue).
Coughing
Coughing is often related to an irritated throat or difficulty taking good breathes due to plugged up sinus’. For this type of cough see sinus ideas.
If the cough is truly in the lungs, try a combination of Elecampane, Osha, Fennel, Marshmallow, Mullein, and Horehound. You can purchase these individually or in a combination at your health food store. We carry a great natural cough syrup at Shoreline Natural Wellness.
No matter what your symptoms are, the best things you can do are rest, drink plenty of fluids, wash your hands often, and stay away from others so you don’t share; I promise, nobody wants you to share your sickness.
*Always check with your physician before taking supplements as you may have interactions with your medications. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure.
Tagged allergies, cold, flu, herbs, Holistic Health Practitioner, Monthly Newsletter, nutrition, reduce the risk of disease, supplements, wellness
