Holistic doctors often suggest holistic treatment if you are suffering from a cold. Holistic treatments are easy to do, more affordable than buying medicine and have no negative side effects. A cold is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down! I need a break!” So, take the day off, and rest. Your body will thank you by recovering and rejuvenating itself, and you’ll be back to your busy schedule in no time!
Feel better soon!
Make an ACV tea to sip and gargle. Use 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste), 2 tablespoons ACV, lemon juice (again, to taste) and a little warm water to dilute. The stronger it is, the quicker it will work (of course you can change the amounts of everything as per your liking). Follow this 3-4 times a day (less is ok, but the more you do it, the better the outcomes).
Whole Food has a few varieties. Oregano Oil is an excellent antiviral and antimicrobial treatment as well. Consume 1-2 drops of organic medical grade, once a day (Don’t use if pregnant). Zinc lozenges can make the sore throat and cold less severe. Take any of these at the first indication of a cold.
Ginger helps clear congestion, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. Consume 2-3 cups of fresh ginger tea daily. About 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger root in a cup of hot water is best. It’s great to cure sore throats also!
Vitamin C has been known to fight off colds and support the immune system. Veggies and fruits high in Vitamin C are kiwis, bell peppers, oranges, guavas, dark leafy greens, papaya, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
Fishes and sunlight are great sources of vitamin D. Having enough vitamin D lowers your risk of catching a cold earlier.
Fill the neti pot with a small amount of salt (about 1 teaspoon) every morning and night, in warm water to wash out sinuses. The lukewarm water flushes out the nasal passages, and the salt kills bacteria. Nasal irrigation is an effective way to cure sinus.
You can do this as quick steam in the shower (simply shake a few drops at the end of the tub). If you have more time, you can take a more intense steam treatment. Take boiling water in a glass bowl. Add 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil and then lean over it. Cover up your head with a towel to trap the steam in and breathe in deeply for 8-10 minutes. Repeat this twice a day (those having liver-related disease/problems should not use eucalyptus oil). The eucalyptus oil steam will open up your nasal passages so that you can breathe better. Your stuffy nose will be a part of history!
Ensure it is local and raw. Honey has anti-oxidants, antiviral and antibacterial properties, boosts the body immune system and soothes coughs and sore throats. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your ginger tea, ACV tea or just a cup of warm water. Add some lemon for the added advantage of Vitamin C. (Do not give honey to young children and infants).
Sugar weakens your immunity system! It might be tempting when you have a sore throat to have hard candies, pudding/jello, sugar in your tea, and ice cream/popsicles. But step away if it’s high in sugar. This will make you sicker and prolong your cold. Choose sugar-free items or better yet, just stick to soups.
The more energy your body utilizes to digest food, the less it has for the immune system. So eat healthy and light like teas, fresh fruits, soups, and veggies (no dairy, no gluten, no sugar). Chicken soup boosts the immunity system and reduces inflammation of the lungs (which causes congestion/coughs).
Get a lot of rest, massage, and sleep (do nothing, seriously!). Your body needs energy and time to fight with germs and heal. You will find the duration of your colds is considerably lowered when you rest. No one wants to be around a sick person and would not you feel bad for getting everybody in your office sick, too? So take the day off. Your cold will last longer if you keep pushing yourself.
