Remedies for the Winter

Safe and Natural Cold Remedies

The list created by WPHL contains several of my recommended home remedies. Here are several more suggestions that they missed, including vitamins and other supplements that can help treat your cold symptoms.

1. Hydrogen peroxide: I don’t advise over-the-counter medications, but one simple treatment you can try that is surprisingly effective against upper respiratory infections is hydrogen peroxide. Many patients at my Natural Health Center have had remarkable results in curing colds and flu within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. You will hear some bubbling, which is completely normal, and possibly feel a slight stinging sensation.

Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 minutes), then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear. A bottle of hydrogen peroxide in 3 percent solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars or less. It is simply amazing how many people respond to this simple, inexpensive treatment.

2. Herbs and spices with high ORAC scores, such as turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves. You can simply add these liberally to your food.

3. Vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant; use a natural form such as acerola, which contains associated micronutrients. You can take several grams every hour till you are better unless you start developing loose stools

4. Oregano Oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial agent in oregano oil.

5. Propolis: A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response and even fight cancer.

6. Elder flower extract: Rich in vitamin C and a wide range of valuable flavinoids, including anthocyanins and quercetin, elder flower has been traditionally used as a tonic to boost immunity. It is also widely known to promote lung and bronchial tract health.

7. Elderberry: In one study, published in the Journal of International Medical Research, elderberry syrup reduced the severity of flu symptoms and shortened their duration by about four days. Elderberry extract is also known for inducing sweating, and helps relieve congestion.

8. A tea made from a combination of elder flower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.

9. Olive leaf extract: Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.

Also make sure to drink plenty of fresh, pure water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and will help loosen secretions. Drink enough water to turn your urine a light, pale yellow.

Homemade Cough Remedy

As mentioned by WPHL, honey can help relieve a sore throat or bothersome cough. However, it’s important to make sure you’re using raw honey for optimal health benefits.

That said, it’s quite easy to make your own homemade cough and cold remedy. The Organic Consumers Association has published several great recipes, including this simple honey lemon cough syrup:

Honey Lemon Cough Syrup

Lemon helps promote health by quickly alkalinizing your body, and honey will kill any bacteria. This is a

perfect choice for a quick cough remedy.

Put a pint of raw honey in a pan on the stove on VERY low heat (Do not boil honey as this changes its medicinal properties).

Take a whole lemon and boil in some water in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes to both soften the lemon

and kill any bacteria that may be on the lemon skin.

Let the lemon cool enough to handle then cut it in slices and add it to the pint of honey on the stove.

Let mixture cook on warm heat for about an hour.

Then strain the lemon from the honey making sure all lemon seeds are removed.

Let cool, then bottle in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

This syrup will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator. To soothe a cough, take 1/2 teaspoon for a 25 lb. child

and 1 teaspoon for a 50 lb. child, about 4 times a day, or as often as needed.

Adults can take 1 tablespoon doses.

First published by www.healthy-holistic-living.com.