10 Natural Ways To Kick The Common Cold

I have all kinds of problems with taking over-the-counter medicine when there are so many amazing natural ways to kick the common cold. We've been doing this for ages, people.. stop looking for the quick fix. This is your body we're talking about here! Your home! Here are my 10 favorite NATURAL ways to survive cold and flu season. Tried and True!

1. Echinacea Tea - Echinacea Tea can be found right in your grocery store, and should be had as soon as cold symptoms arise. Echinacea has a long history of effectiveness in the treatment of colds, flus and viruses. It has immunostimulant properties with no recognized side effects, even in large doses. The tea is warm and delicious, but only good for short-term relief, not long-term prevention. Using the tea on a regular basis can actually weaken the immune system. I try to drink 2-3 cups/day for the duration of my cold.

2. Garlic Soup - If you're sick, this is the soup for you (Recipe Here)! Jumpstart your immune system and rid your body of harmful toxins & microorganisms naturally with garlic. When you crush the cloves a natural compound is released called allicin. Allicin is what gives garlic it's flavor and aroma, but it also acts like an antibiotic. The brown rice in the recipe contains selenium which is part of an antioxidant that helps your body fight off infections. Deficiencies of nutrients like selenium may lead to mutations in flu bugs and other viruses, creating more harmful germs. This is the perfect vegan alternative to chicken noodle soup.. except so much better for you.

3. Peppermint Steam Inhalation - This is really wonderful when you wake up feeling like you can't breathe. Steam inhalation therapy works by thinning the mucus in the sinuses, relieving congestion and increasing circulation due to the hot moist steam (that's what she said?). I recommend using quality essential oils always (Young Living or doTERRA - I use the latter). The way this works is you boil a pot of water, remove it from the stove and add 4-5 drops peppermint essential oil to the water (rosemary and eucalyptus work, too). Close your eyes, hold your head over the water, and place a towel over your head. Inhale for about 15 minutes. Peppermint is a good analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. The peppermint is pretty intense and might burn a little, but you'll instantly feel it working!

4. Neti Pot - This is another great option when you feel like you can't breathe. The Neti pot is an Ayurvedic nasal irrigation technique that helps the body get rid of the irritating and infectious agents that you can't seem to get out of your nose otherwise. The user will pour a mixture of salt and water (distilled or boiled properly - do your research!) into the nostril, which flows through the nasal cavity and out the other nostril. You'll definitely feel a great deal of relief after using the Neti pot, as awkward as it may be.

5. Essential Oil Gargle - You might notice me start to mention essential oils quite a bit. I'm a huge fan. I'm a daily user, and can't imagine my medicine cabinet without them. This is a quick easy gargle consisting of 2oz water, 1 drop oregano essential oil, and 2 drops of lemon essential oil. Clears out the throat when you have that annoying drip.

6. Turmeric "Milk"- (Recipe Here) This drink will change your life, I swear! This remedy is based on an ancient Ayurvedic recipe for coughs, colds and sore throat. Turmeric has super potent anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant properties.. It's known to reduce nasal congestion, soothe a sore throat, and reduce the length and severity of a common cold. Turmeric Milk is super easy to make, and tastes like some sort of spiced latte that would cost way too much at starbucks. I can't get enough.

7. Cut Out Sugar - It's highly recommended that for the duration of your cold you should limit sugar consumption (including fruit sugars) to less than 50g/day. Concentrated sources of sugars like glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey or orange juice greatly reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria. Drinking concentrated orange juice or other sweet juice during a cold could probably do more harm than good.

8. Liquids - So, what should you drink? Water and herbal teas. When membranes that line the respiratory tract get dehydrated, they provide a more hospitable environment for pesky cold viruses. Drinking water might just rid them of a home. It will also improve the function of white blood cells by decreasing the concentration of solutes in the blood. Drink up, your body needs it!

9. OnGuard! - I cannot say enough about doTERRA's certified pure theraputic grade OnGuard essential oil blend. This baby is so powerful it has been found effective in killing MRSA. When I feel a cold coming on, or to simply boost the immune system, I apply it topically to the bottom of my feet. I told you I use a lot of essential oils!

10. Sweat Baby, Sweat - Some of my favorite warming stimulants are cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger. I've given you recipes with all three. A shot of raw unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with cayenne is also incredibly effective. After warming yourself up, throw on some socks and sweatpants, cover yourself in blankets, and allow yourself to sweat for awhile (but not to exhaustion). Follow this with a real quick cool water sponge bath (if on hand, you can add lavender essential oil to the cloth for it's calming, cooling and anti-inflammatory properties). Go back to bed and REST! Sleep is crucial in fighting any cold.. but you already knew that!

I hope these little tips help! If your cold lasts longer than it should or your symptoms worsen, definitely take whatever medical precautions are necessary. But otherwise, happy holistic healing all!

-Rebecca