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Natural cold remedies – our Top 10

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Natural cold remedies – our Top 10
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We are being increasingly advised of the dangers of over-use of medication for the common cold. In fact, many vasoconstrictors can have unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects. Therefore, why not try to look after a cold with natural remedies, going 100% natural? Here we have made a list of our Top 10 natural cold remedies!

1) The benefits of honey and lemon

Honey, among other things, has antibacterial and probiotic effects. The probiotics play a role in maintaining equilibrium in the intestinal micro-flora. It soothes coughs, because it helps with eliminating microbes. Honey reinforces the immune system and is a great natural barrier to common viruses. Put one spoon of honey into a bowl of boiling water (taking care not to burn yourself) and inhale the steam, by covering your head with a towel.

Especially well known for preventing and slowing down certain types of cancer, lemon also has anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple studies have shown that the flavanoids in citrus fruits contain such properties. The combination of honey and lemon in a drink is also a great remedy for preventing colds.

Heat some water and add lemon juice. When the preparation is good and hot, add a spoon of honey and wait a little before tasting.

CAUTION: Honey is not recommended for babies and infants; their bodies cannot yet absorb it and it could be dangerous for them.

2) Add garlic to your dishes

Among others, garlic has antiseptic and anti-spasmodic properties. To reap its benefits, you simply have to add it to your meals, soups and sauces.

In a soup, garlic eliminates toxins and can reduce fever.

Add garlic to salad dressings or to your meat dishes, for example.

3) Eat ginger

Ginger contains around 12 anti-viral components. It is especially well known for reducing fever. A key part of traditional Chinese medicine, root ginger is known to be a very good natural remedy for coughs, sore throats, blocked noses and migraines. You can drink it as a tea if it is dried, eat it fresh in sushi or on its own.

However be aware that if you eat too much ginger, it can cause indigestion and stomach pain. People who are prone to gall stones should consult their doctor before consuming it.

4) Try some green tea

Green tea can prevent colds in a natural way, thanks to containing a specific amino acid. In an American study conducted in 2007, the researchers discovered that green tea contributes to preventing the frequency of colds and flues and can reduce their symptoms. According to this study, you need to drink 8 to 10 glasses of green tea per day for optimal protection.

5) Eat yoghurts

Yoghurts, enriched with probiotics, help to regulate the digestive system. Probiotics are micro-organisms which contain bacteria that is beneficial for the immune system. An analysis of 10 studies conducted by researchers in South Korea showed that consuming yoghurts with probiotics for a maximum of three months contributes to fighting the symptoms of colds.

6) Make a cinnamon drink

Cinnamon is a rich source of anti-oxidants, manganese, fibre, iron and calcium, but it also has powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is therefore an effective natural cold remedy. Here is how to prepare a cinnamon drink:

Ingredients:

  • 3 thin slices of fresh ginger (grated)
  • The juice of half a lemon
  • 1 dessertspoon of honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
  • 1/2 dessertspoon of turmeric

Put all the ingredients (except the honey) into a pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Then add the honey and stir.

Don’t forget to strain it before drinking!

7) Sage or thyme teas

Teas made from sage or thyme have disinfectant and stimulant properties that can naturally remediate the symptoms of a cold. Place a few leaves or branches of sage or thyme into boiling water, and leave to infuse for at least 10 minutes, before adding a little honey. Drink it hot.

8) Gargle

Put a teaspoon of salt into a 250 ml glass of lukewarm water and gargle the mixture. The salt relieves the pain. You can replace the salt with a few drops of lemon juice to eliminate bacteria.

9) Juniper essential oil

When we have a cold or a flu, our immune system is weakened. Juniper oil can stimulate the metabolism and strengthen the immune system to aid with fighting off a virus more quickly. It’s a pulmonary antiseptic and a natural anti-inflammatory that fights against micro-bacteria.

Mix seven drops of juniper essential oil, seven drops of rosemary essential oil and 12 drops of red mandarin essential oil, and put the solution in a bowl or a diffuser to release the healing vapours.

Be careful: the use of juniper oil is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is contra-indicated for children younger than 8 years old and for people with renal disorders.

10) Astragalus

Astragalus is a root picked in spring time, mainly in Northern China, from a 4-7 year old plant, which is subsequently dried out.

Take one capsule of 250 mg of astragalus twice a day, until symptoms have improved. Used in traditional Chinese medicine, this plant stimulates the immune system and naturally combats colds and flues. To avoid relapses, it is recommended that you continue treatment for one week after symptoms have disappeared.

Sources : Consoglobe, Maplante, MaxiSciences, Reader’s Digest