8 Natural Cold Remedies to Keep Sickness at Bay

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It is winter and the air is crisp and the temperature in many parts of the country has dipped. This change in season is the perfect time to snuggle on the couch under some fuzzy blankets and drink hot cocoa, but it may also bring the dreaded cold and flu through your front door! Most of the colds that you get this time of year are caused by your exposure to germs – at stores, your workplace and even your gym or yoga studio!

There are a variety of natural cold remedies that you can take today to prevent those nasty germs and viruses from infiltrating your body, so you don’t need to reach for the over-the-counter medicines that only mask your symptoms or cause you to feel groggy and out of sorts.

Here are 8 natural cold remedies that you need to know to keep yourself healthy and avoid getting sick this cold season:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: This is not your typical white vinegar or red wine vinegar that you see tossed on salads. Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent tool to prevent colds and flus – and it tastes great too! This specific vinegar is acidic, but it keeps the pH levels in your body balanced, which can help prevent germs from settling in your chest and nasal passages. Drink 1-2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar – or mix into your food or drink if the taste is too sour for you – when you first feel cold symptoms to ward off a full-blown cold.

2. Astragalus: This is another supplement that you should take from the start of cold and flu season. Astragalus stimulates your white blood cells that fight off infections in your body and is said to have immunity-boosting properties as well. This is a supplement that will not provide immediate relief, so make sure to begin your Astragalus today as it can take 6-8 weeks to achieve its full effects.

3. Essential Oils: Next time you are feeling congested or have a stuffy nose, you can use steam vapor from a diffuser or even a hot mug of water mixed with essential oils to open your nasal passages. Choose strong oils such as peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus, depending on your personal preference. These oils will help you breathe better, and when you inhale them, their antibacterial properties will also help you to fight off infections.

4.Ginseng: When you are just beginning to feel sick, take Ginseng in your form of choice to kick that cold in the butt and stop it in its tracks! Studies have shown that when you take Ginseng at your first sign of cold symptoms, your cold duration could be cut in half. That’s half the coughs and half the sniffles and more time for getting back to your normal life (and yoga).

5. Ginger: Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for congestion, as it reduces inflammation in your nasal passages and sinus cavity to allow mucus to release from your body. Ginger is great in a tea form, so you get the added benefits of heat to help you breathe and ease tenderness, plus it helps you stay hydrated.

6. Omega 3s: Starting today, you should take your Omega 3 supplements or foods that are rich in Omega 3s, such as fish. The fatty acid has immune-boosting properties that combat bacteria and improve your airflow in your lungs to protect against respiratory ailments. Take 1 a day to keep the cold away.

7. Vitamin D: This essential vitamin, commonly found in fish and dairy products, boosts your immunity and helps prevent colds and kills viruses. If you are vegan, you can turn to supplements to achieve your necessary daily levels to maintain your health all season long. Or, you can catch some rays in moderation, as the sun is a natural source of Vitamin D.

8. Zinc: When you are feeling run-down and not so great, turn to Zinc. Take it at the first sign of a cold or virus and you can see relief sooner and experience a shorter cold duration.

This cold and flu season, turn to mother earth and take advantage of all of the natural, wholesome remedies that she has to offer. You no longer need to spend tons of money on expensive over-the-counter medicines that are filled with unidentifiable chemicals that often incapacitate you while you are healing.

These natural remedies are commonly found in many food stores and health markets or online at your favorite retailer. Choose a combination of the above natural remedies to help heal you faster and prevent you from getting sick in the future.