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Sickness sneaks up on us – year round. Weather it’s allergies, the common cold, or the flu, these cold remedies will have you feeling better in no time.
Elderberry
Hippocrates referred to this medicinal plant as his “medicine chest”, in 400 BCE and rightfully so. This study suggests that Elderberry can reduce symptoms of influenza (flu) 4 days earlier, if approximately 15 ml is consumed, four times a day. Because of this, elderberry can be used as an alternative to antibiotics.
If you aren’t familiar with elderberry, this is a dark purple berry that is crafted into a syrup. But helping with immune support isn’t all that it does. This purple food contain a compound called anthocyanins which is loaded with antioxidants and can help protect your brain. Additionally, elderberry is considered a superfood and is one of my favorite cold remedies.
Read more about Medicinal Plants
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral most heavily found in meat and seafood. If you are plant-based, like me, you are likely taking a zinc supplement. But did you know, zinc is helpful in reducing the amount of days you are sick? It does this by supporting the immune system in fighting off virus.
Adding a zinc supplement to your diet is beneficial not only for the immune system, but for healing wounds, preventing blood clots, thyroid function, and to help your cells grow says Health Direct.
Zinc can be taken in the form of a capsule, lozenge, or liquid.
Garlic Lemonade
Now this one sounds weird, I know. But it’s so good!!!! So much so, that I drink it when I’m not sick! Aviva Romm, my favorite MD, midwife, and herbalist has concocted this delicious (and soothing) recipe.
- To prepare chop 3 cloves of garlic, place into a quart sized mason jar
- Cover with boiling water and let sit for 15 minutes
- Add lemon and honey to taste
Consuming a few cups of garlic lemonade a day helps to alleviate cold symptoms. That’s because garlic activates certain cells that enhances the immune system. Not only that, lemon is also packed with vitamin c!
Drink this remedy hot or cold and start to feel the relief in no time.
Eat Healthy
Undoubtedly, eating healthy will naturally keep you more immune to illness, but there are a few foods, according to the Cleveland Clinic, you can add to your diet in the off chance you do get sick.
- Almonds
- Garlic
- Sweet potato
- Asparagus
- Onion
- Beans
- Banana
- Chickpeas
- Leafy greens
Learn more about: Ways to Eat More Vegetables
Learn more about Getting the Vitamins you Need
Rest
Finally, Ross Bridge Pediatrics suggests that rest is one of the most important things you can do to aid in recovery when sick. They say, this is because the body can direct more resources toward fending off the illness when sleeping.
That means take time off from work, lay in bed all day, watch movies and don’t feel bad about it. Your body needs rest!
I hope this list of cold remedies can help you through cold and flu season or when you are just getting down.
