It’s that time of year again…sniffles, sneezes, and coughs! I don’t know about you, but the thing I hate most about having a cold is the medicine head that comes with it! So many times it is worse than the cold itself.

Before you run to the medicine cabinet, try some of these simple tricks first that can help reduce your symptoms and get you back on your feet sooner.

Of course, do not hesitate to see your doctor, if you feel it is in your best interest. These tricks are here to help you along and give your body the strength it needs to work with any recommendations of your doctor!

The DO’s

1. Drink hot water with fresh lemon juice

First thing in the morning, and as often as you like throughout the day, drink hot water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will help to cleanse your body, will help with any sinus congestion you are experiencing and the anti-oxidants from the lemon will help get you well faster!

2. Boil off some fresh ginger root tea

This is so easy and delicious you will find yourself craving it, even when you are feeling better. Ginger is a great natural anti-inflammatory, which is going to help with sinus pressure and headaches! So, grab a piece of fresh ginger root (about 2 inches), peel it and place it in a pot with 6 cups of water. Boil it for about 15 minutes and then add freshly squeezed lemon juice.

**You can add RAW HONEY if you wish for a little bit of sweetness. Note it must be RAW as this is the only honey that has medicinal properties**

3. Eat more garlic

Garlic is another anti-inflammatory food. It is also anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Adding more raw garlic to your food is beneficial when you are feeling under the weather. You can even swallow one small clove whole each day just like a pill.

4. Sore ears? Try this.

Warm up a small amount of olive oil (1 Tablespoon) and a whole garlic clove, sliced thinly, in a saucepan. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes. Let the oil sit until completely cool. Use an eye dropper, lean head to the side and put several drops in each ear at night before sleeping. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties will help with any infection that is building in the ear.

5. Use a diffuser with essential oils

Using this blend of essential oils is extremely effective for cold symptoms to help you get a good nights rest. Mix equal drops of lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender in your diffuser and turn on for the night.

6. Try turmeric

There are many ancient spices that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Tumeric is one in addition to garlic and ginger which we already mentioned. You can add turmeric to your food, make tea from it, or take it in capsule form. Either way, this powerhouse anti-oxidant is a great addition to your day.

7. Increase Vegetable and Fruit intake

Fruits and vegetables are critical for your intake of anti-oxidants and have many disease-fighting properties. Be sure that most of your food is fresh whole food that your body needs to get the nutrients to power up your immune system.

The DONT’s

1. Stay away from dairy, sugar, alcohol, gluten and simple carbohydrates

You read it right! All of the above foods are inflammatory to your system and they are going to slow down the healing process.

Dairy will cause an increase in mucus in your body which is the last thing you need with a cold.

Sugar will actually trigger your immune system and then you will be fighting the sugar instead of the cold.

Alcohol is often consumed in forms that contain high amounts of sugar and so should be avoided.

Gluten is very inflammatory in our body and simple carbohydrates convert to sugar during the digestive process.

Take Healthy Back

Take control of your health by treating your body with the care and respect that it deserves. The more good things you put in your body, the better it will treat you back. Here’s to a healthy body and feeling amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

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