It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, people around you are sniffling and you’re dreading catching the 'bug' that everyone else has. It’s not just the weather that brings on these boughs of the common cold. More so it's the combination of spending larger amounts of your time inside with others, less fresh air and sunshine, and more sweets around the holidays. All of these things can make you more susceptible to catching a cold if your immune system is not strong and healthy. With this in mind here are 5 steps to take to boost your immune system and fight the common cold.
1. Zinc and elderberry cough drops. Zinc is an extremely important mineral that your immune system relies on. Elderberry is an herb that boosts your immune system. The brand 'Zand' (found here) is a great combination of both of these powerful ingredients. Instead of just numbing your throat with a menthol coating these cough drops supply you with nutrients you need to overcome your cold.
2. Elderberry syrup. Elderberries are one of the top antiviral herbs. Use of elderberries on or 48 hours before the onset of a cold or flu can reduce symptoms and boost the immune system. The flavonoids in elderberry extract bind to the influenza virus. You find elderberry syrup here.
3. Essential oils. Different essential oil companies sell different immune system boosting blends such as:
Thieves oil (Young Living brand) - a blend of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary.
On Guard (Doterra brand) - Wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary.
Germ fighter (Found here) - Lemon, clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cassia, rosemary.
All of these oils and blends are great for boosting the immune system and fighting viruses. You can use these in an essential oil diffuser, or simply dilute with a small amount of coconut oil and rub on the bottom of your feet.
Side note - If you do not have an oil diffuser already these are all cost effective, stylish/beautiful ones that will get you started. (Green air oil diffusers found here on Amazon).
4. Crushed Garlic and honey. This is not the most pleasant remedy but it is effective! Garlic and honey are top of the list for natural antiviral and antibacterial agents. This mixture can even help you overcome strep throat and avoid the use of antibiotics. This is especially favorable considering if you beat strep without antibiotics you aren't likely to get it again. This is also great for warding off a cold. Whenever you feel your throat getting sore take this once or twice during that day.
Mix one minced clove of garlic with 1/2 tsp raw honey in 1 ounce of raw apple cider vinegar and 3 ounces of warm water. Drink every 4 hours.
For more info on beating strep throat naturally read this awesome story. You'll want to know all this information so you know the first signs of strep throat and how to not let it get out of hand.
5. Avoid nutrient robbing foods. Eating excess amounts of processed foods is never a good idea and an even worse idea if your body is trying to ward off viruses. Sugar and other processed foods strip nutrients from the body and put your organs in a stressful state of trying to control your blood sugar. As another example of how sugar strips nutrients from your body; it takes 56grams of magnesium just to process 1 gram of sugar in your body.
It takes time and effort to implement all of these strategies but your body will thank you for it. Start by getting some zinc cough drops and elderberry syrup to have on hand. If you don't plan ahead of time you won't any of these natural healing ingredients in your house when you start feeling under the weather.
Pictured above: Dried organic orange peels that will be ground into powder for a boost of Vitamin C. See details here.
