Fast-Acting Natural Remedies for Kicking Colds, Flu & COVID-19
Are you feeling under the weather? Experiencing runny nose, congestion, sinus pressure, weakness, fatigue, aches and pain, sore throat, and loss of taste and/or smell? These natural solutions can help you kick it fast!
Homemade tonic - steep 3-4 thin slices of fresh ginger in a mug of hot water for 10 minutes. Mince 1 fresh garlic clove and let sit while ginger is steeping (at least 5 minutes). Add garlic, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp. Manuka honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper (optional) to the homemade ginger tea. Drink 1-3 times per day for fast-acting relief.
Packed with antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, vitamin C and other antioxidants, this tonic not only helps boost the immune system, but also supports your adrenal glands, gut and mitochondria (the energy factory of every single one of your 50-100 trillion cells).
Bone broth - rich in gut healing gelatin and collage, balancing minerals and strengthening amino acids (the building blocks of protein), bone broth is often referred to as “liquid gold”. It’s a perfect example of food as medicine. Sip on 2 cups of bone broth (like a cuppa tea) per day to nourish and rebuild your body OR consider doing a bone broth fast. By drinking only (high-quality) bone broth for an entire day, you allow your body to fully rest and go into deep cellular repair mode.
Did you know that 70-80% of your immune system lies in your gut? Thus, when you heal and strengthen the one-cell thin lining of you gastrointestinal tract with the nutrients found in bone broth, you also support your immune system’s ability to fight off colds, flu and infection.
Dry brushing - best done first thing in the morning (before a shower) on dry skin, this technique helps move the lymphatic fluids, which are an important part of your immune system. Start at the feet and move up each leg, then the arms, chest, back and stomach, always moving towards the heart. Note: light strokes is all you need to be effective and be extra-careful around sensitive areas such as the breasts.
Great for skin health, dry brushing is also energy boosting, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cellulite-reducing and detoxifying.
Oregano oil - I don’t typically recommend taking essential oils internally - their high concentration and acidity can lead to toxicity and some may even burn the throat. The only oil I ever ingest is oregano oil. I truly swear by it for kicking a cold, flu or infection quickly. Just proceed with caution!
Simply add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to a glass of water (with 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to mask the awful taste) and drink 2-3 times per day until symptoms dissipate (never more than a week at a time). Note: this is very potent and can leave a burn sensation on the mouth and throat for a few minutes after drinking. Alternative safer solution: take 6 drops of this oregano oil diluted in water each day until you experience relief.
Sleep - rest is a CRUCIAL part of the healing process - during sleep, your body goes into repair and restore mode. Aside from taking it easy during the day and incorporating naps, I also encourage you to go to sleep earlier than you’re likely used to. Why? Because the hours before midnight count for DOUBLE. Getting to bed by 10pm allows the release of certain hormones and activation of cyclical bodily processes that are needed to help your body recover faster.
If you’re struggling with sleep, light therapy can help. Also, be sure to keep your room cool and dark, preferably between 65-70° F, avoid screens within the hour of bedtime and diffuse calming essential oils such as lavender and chamomile.
Feeling sick is a bummer, BUT it’s also a good opportunity to flex and strengthen your immune system muscle. Be gentle on your body during this time: lower stress and exertion, eat light, easily-digested and nourishing foods, and load up on natural immune boosters. The good news is when you’re otherwise healthy, and allow yourself the rest, nourishment and time to heal, your body will recover in just a short period of time. Sending healing vibes your way!
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