Winter: the season of snowflakes, soups, scarves… and sniffles!
Yep, for many of us, cold weather is pretty much synonymous with scratchy throats, throbbing headaches and phlegm – let’s not forget the phlegm.
But if you’re struck down with a cold or flu every time winter hits, there’s hope for you yet! These natural foods and remedies can help boost your immune system and combat cold symptoms, keeping you sniffle-free all year long.
1. Fix yourself a fresh ginger, lemon and cinnamon tea.
A low-fructose take on the classic ginger-lemon-honey combo, cinnamon adds a warming sweetness to the brew and comes with bonus anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic properties.
2. Get plenty of garlic.
Fresh garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antiviral and antimicrobial qualities. If you don’t think you can stomach munching on a raw clove, try mixing minced garlic with olive oil and popping on a slice of sourdough.
3. Dose up on coconut oil.
Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, known to break down the coating on some viruses and make them more vulnerable to the body’s natural immune system. Drink a few teaspoons in warm water, or make like Sarah and eat it straight from the jar. (We’ve even gone ahead and created some for you!).
4. Cut out the sugar.
Sugar promotes inflammation throughout the body, which spells big trouble for the immune system. Staying away from the sweet stuff means your body can mount a full charge on the virus, so you get better, quicker.
5. Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas and broths will help loosen congestion and stave off dehydration, which will make you feel much worse.
6. Get steamy.
If you’re seriously blocked up, warm moisture will get some of that mucous moving. Hold your head over a bowl of boiling water and breathe in slowly (but be careful not to burn yourself!).
7. Gargle with ACV.
Apple cider vinegar is has promising antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties (one of the many reasons we’ve developed our own version). Gargle a little ACV for sore throat relief. You can also drink a shot diluted in some water.
8. Dream sweet with chamomile.
It’s vital to get plenty of rest when you’re sick. But when you’re feeling crappy, sweet dreams can be hard to come by. That’s where chamomile comes to the rescue. A powerful sleep-inducer, drinking chamomile tea before bed will have you snoozing in no time.
9. Have a bowl of bone broth.
Brewing bone broth has a stack of health benefits, particularly when it comes to gut health and immunity. It will also help keep you hydrated. Here are Sarah’s tips for making your own.
10. Perk up with peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil is a good decongestant, so popping a few drops on a tissue or rubbing some on your chest can help give those blocked airways a break.
What are some other natural cold and flu remedies you’ve tried?
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