06-07mom's tissue cozy.
Oh my goodness, my cold just won't go away. I'm so tired of the sore throat, runny nose, stuffed up head and tiredness. When I feel this way, I'm willing to try anything.
Unfortunately, not hanging out with children--i.e. my little germ factories--is not an option.
So I was glad to read 2 holistic tips for cold relief in the news this weekend.
Drink a hot fruit cordial. In the United Kingdom, when you're sick, you might get a hot fruit cordial (fruit juice concentrate with water) where here in the U.S., you get chicken soup. Researchers at The Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University found that the hot cordial provided immediate relief from cold symptoms like cough and sore throat, according to a story on ABC News. I tried it, and it did make my throat feel better for at least 30 minutes. Hot black currant juice is supposed to be the best remedy, according to grandmothers in England and Finland. I'd love to try it if I can find it at the store.
Take those contacts out. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that removing contacts when a cold is coming on can reduce redness and irritation in the eyes, which can make cold symptoms worse. Not wearing contacts could even keep your cold from lasting as long. I have to admit, I did wear my contacts a lot last week--maybe that's why I'm still sick. I have my glasses on today, definitely.
If you're looking for remedies for common problems like a cold or an upset tummy, here's a nice list of natural remedies from a recent post in lilmamaxx's journal. I didn't know parsley can help clear congestion. Or that turmeric can help if you get food poisoning.
Do you have a home remedy for colds? I'd love to hear.
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Comments 12
great tips and thanks for using my photo!
Will keep these tips in mind. Thanks!
Neti pot! Everyone needs a Neti pot, and they can help with any sinus-related issues from allergies and congestion, to even helping clear out bacteria that can give you infections or germs that you inhaled that could make you sick.
Granted, once you can't breathe through your nose, you can't use it, but if you can head off stuffiness, they'd godly.
I'm assuming the juice is because of the high vitamin C content, known to boost your immune system, and the fact that warm drinks just taste better when you're sick.
Good to know - Peppermint Oil works well too!
Black currant in powder and bulk herb
http://www.herbsfirst.com/singlebulkBl.html
Yes I agree with the neti pot. I struggled with sinus infections my entire life (had surgery once and rounds of antibiotics and decongestants yearly). Once I started the neti pot I have had no problems =) I have also perscribed this to many people with the same results. Also if sinuses are an issue, stay well hydrated, avoid cold icy drinks, cold swimming pools, and too much dairy.
Other cold / flu remedies that work:
Echinacea
Elderberry ( I like Sambucus and Elderberry Echinacea tea)
High doses of vit C
Chicken Soup with added Cayenne Pepper, Curry, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Juice (will often kick the cold right out)
Eat a lot of fresh fruit
Avoid sugar!!! (it weakens the immune system)
All of these sound great but what is a net-pot? I just got my daughter's cold. I sliced up some onion(raw), put some chips on a plate, and poured a cup full of soda. You can actually feel it working. (bad side effects = onion breathe) The onion cells grasp onto the bad. The salt on the chips acts like a saline solution. And I think that the carbonation washes all the junk away. How about a cup of warm cinnamon tea? I make it with the bag cinnamon tea. Instead of using sugar, I melt about a tablespoon of cinnamon candies(like those little candy hearts) in it. This really works and tastes good. I also suck on cinnamon candy or those hot red candy or jawbreakers.
I'm a therapeutic massage therapist and am constantly working on individuals who are sick. I used to get sick once a month until I found a wonderful MD who practices alternative medicine. He got me started on Thieves Oil spray for the throat and one drop on the souls of my feet. Thieves is a combination of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon oil, all of which are highly antiviral, antibacterial, and support the immune system. I also get a Meyer's cocktail twice a year or anytime there is a stressful event in my life. It's an injection of high doses of Vitamin C, Bs, magnesium, and other trace minerals. These three things have been life savers for me and my 10 year old son. We do them regularly and neither or us have been sick for the past 2 years.
Those are great way to get rid of colds, but I would rather not get sick at all. I have found an awesome all natural holistic drink based in Ayurvedic wisdom, and is endorsed by the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. It is called ZRII (zur-ree). The main ingredient is Amalaki. It has a high content of vitamin C, it fights free radicals, enhances immune function, has anti-aging qualities, supports weight management, promotes cellular rejuvenation and increases vitality, protects brain and liver function, promotes healthy blood sugar and cholesterol, helps with anemia, diabetes, jaundice, asthma, bronchitis and insomnia. It may improve eyesight and skin luster, supports cardiovascular system and production of red blood cells.
Then if that wasnt enough, it is a synergistic blend with 6 other ingredients,Tulsi, Tumeric, Ginger, Jujube, Schizandra, and Haritaki. All of those ingredients have there own long list of health benefits. Some are helping in respiratory function, add in digestion and intestinal health. Eases arthritis pain, anti-inflammatory, calms nerves and reduces stress.
There is so much more. If you would like more information check out this web site.www.ckennedy.myzrii.com, from there you can e-mail me a requesting a free day supply.
Happy Holidays, Happy Health and Wellbeing to All :-)