How To Beat The Cold Naturally
By Orla, November 7, 2014
It’s that time of year again! The evenings are dark and dreary, the weather’s awful and there’s a dose of the cold going around.
It’s next to impossible to escape the cold or flu at this time of year, but thankfully it is possible to get rid of it easily without any expensive medication. Here’s what you can do:
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Stay rested
So many people load up on medication and try to “battle on”, but getting plenty of rest and sleep is the best thing you can do for your body. In this way, your body can direct all of its energy into rebuilding the immune system.
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Blow your nose as often as you need to
Try to avoid sniffling mucus down the back of your throat, it’s in your best interest to blow your nose as often as possible to rid your body of the nasty mucus that comes part and parcel with a cold. When blowing your nose, cover one nostril and gently blow the other nostril to avoid damaging your eardrums.
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Sweat it out
“Sweating it out” is a real thing and it can really help you to cleanse your body of toxins. Exercising is definitely not the best route to go down when you’re feeling under the weather though, instead head to a sauna or a steam room and bring a towel with you to wipe away the toxins you sweat out.
A hot, steamy shower can have the same effect and will also open up your nasal passages, helping to clear your congestion.
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Eat the right foods
Your body needs nutrients, minerals and vitamins to boost your immune system if it has any chance of fighting a cold.
- Fruits such as oranges and lemons provide a great source of vitamin C which is known to help fight the cold and flu
- Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are high in omega 3 fatty acids which help the body reduce any inflammation
- Foods like anise seeds and fennel are natural decongestants and will help you clear out any mucus and get over a bad cough
- Avoid sugary foods and definitely dairy foods as they can cause mucus
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Make your own herbal remedies
All of the following herbs have healing properties and including them in your diet or daily routine will definitely help when fighting a cold. Take them on their own, make them into a tea, include them in your food or make your own healing concoction.
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Ginger
- Oregano
- Nettle leaf
- Elderberry
