- Treat Yourself
- November 3, 2020
Cold and Flu Home Remedies – Natural Immune Boosting
Why the Holistic Method?
5 Min Read – Modern Western medicine can be very touch-and-go. It tends to treat only the symptoms & largely ignore what else may be going on in the body. Cold and flu home remedies are often overlooked.
According to the American Holistic Health Association, “…holistic healing includes analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, spiritual and lifestyle elements. Holistic medicine focuses upon patient education and participation in the healing process.”
This includes a well-balanced lifestyle with the goal of heading off illness.
This cold season it might be worth it to add preventative steps into your daily routine.
Its Hot Toddy Season – New Recipes for this immune boosting beverage!
Building a Wellness Foundation
Hand Washing
If we’ve been reminded of anything during the pandemic, hand washing for 20 seconds is still a great way to head off germs.
Probiotics
The Immune system is 80% located in the gut. A study in 2017 demonstrated a strain of probiotics called Bacillus was a high anti-viral performer.
Sleep
Sleeping is the ultimate body recharge. Your cell phone can’t operate to its fullest potential at 2% battery, why should you?
Immune system operating on level 10
Making sure that you’re getting enough vitamin C, B6, and E. Start every morning by shooting 2 ounces of juiced ginger, green apple, and turmeric. Turmeric helps fight inflammation. Ginger helps clear your airways. Lemon is loaded with vitamin C.
Moderation: Alcohol, saturated fats & refined sugars.
Between the pandemic and the election, comfort food and alcohol sales have been brisk. Moderation in all things will keep you on track.
Fruits and Veggies
Vitamin & mineral laden fruits and veggies are still an easy way to keep your immune system humming.
Exercise
Reward your stressed brain with a half hour a day of exercise. Let those endorphins flow!
Scientifically Reserched ways to Fight Back
Hydration
Continuously flush out your system. An increase of healthy juices, broths, teas, and just plain water is paramount.
Not all beverages are created equal. Avoid sodas and high-calorie juices. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup can hide in unsuspecting places.
Honey, lemon, and ginger with hot water helps soothe sore throats & suppress coughs. Honey is delicious & encourages anti-microbial activity. (2)
Oregano Oil
Proven effective against human pathogenic bacteria. Simply add it to an essential oil diffuser, put a few drops in hot water or sub-lingually (under the tongue) (3)
Elderberry syrup
Proven to efficiently fight off influenza symptoms according to a study performed in 2000. (1)
Ginger
A strong antioxidant. Also, an excellent source of vitamin C, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Effective in treating nausea, inflammation, migraines, and other ailments. Ginger can be ingested, juiced, or infused into oil or tea. (4)
As we age, it’s important to treat your body, mind, & spirit with respect. In addition to the natural home remedies, supplement your body and mind with physical therapies. Meditation, yoga, or simply walking have profound benefits.
Get outside to enjoy the sunshine. Being a part of nature might be more beneficial to the body than sitting in a waiting room reading a Reader’s Digest from August 2007.
Of course, if symptoms persist and get worse, do make an appointment with your doctor.
Bonus – Best Hot Toddy for Colds – Jaunty Staff addendum
For more Hot Toddy Recipes with Immune boosters…
Enjoying this delicious libation when you’re down with a cold. It might be just the thing to relieve some of your symptoms. It will also relax you and get you ready for a good nights sleep. One of our favorite recipe is listed below. The Smithsonian can give you more info on why if your curious. Enjoy & feel better!
- 2 cups hot water
- ginger root, 5-6 thinly sliced pieces
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 lemon, halved and squeezed in
- a drizzle of honey
- shot of Rum or Bourbon (1 shots good)