Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

Heh, great article! Don’t forget Elderberry! In our family’s experience, it’s been the best herb for fighting flu virus outbreaks. There’s ample evidence from medical research into the effectiveness of Elderberry on at least type A flu viral infections.

What I really dig is that elderberries are available all over the place (just don’t pick near heavy-traffic areas). It’s abundant, renewable, and in most cases – free!

We pick it locally in our area (central PA) and can it for the fall/winter outbreaks.

These are some really great tips. I always do love a really steamy shower when I feel ill, and I do find putting your head over some boiling water really feels nice even when you’re not ill.

With regards to the ginger tea, two things:

1) In an effort to keep sugar consumption down especially at times when the body’s immune system is taxed I use dried dates or dried figs to sweeten ginger tea. Or you could use a little agave or xylitol neither of which will spike your blood sugar levels.

2) I’ve heard from a doctor of chinese medicine that ginger is best ingested when a cold is just coming on but after a day or two the heating quality can actually drive the illness deeper into your chest and sinuses.

I have never heard that about thyme. That’s an interesting bit. I’ll try it.

Herbal remedies can be very effective and I always find that hot water with honey and lemon is great for a cold.

I couldn’t agree more with you. Another thing is once you begin to take those meds all the time, your body becomes immune to it so it won’t be as effective the next time you take it. I like the more natural route.

My mother has always given me ginger for a cold and for an upset stomach. It does the trick for my stomach.

The natural medicines are mostly used because some people want to avoid the chemical effects of the medicines given by the doctor. Actually, all of the medicines have advantages and disadvantages.

A simple three step cleaning process can help preventing the spread of flu viruses and kill up to 99.99999% of germs. You have to completely decontaminate the room, and then prevent re-contamination with effective cleaners and sanitizers. Read more here: http://www.cleanphirst.com/cleaning-information-news/2009/11/preventing-flu.html

How about Garlic? My mom always makes us a garlic hot drink for us to drink whenever we have a cold/flu which she believes helps out alot. And in general we believe alot in Garlic =D

Till then,

Jean

I find that if I take Vitamin C when right when I start feeling worn down or have even a hint that I may be getting sick I generally do not progress beyond something mild. I take the 1000 mg chewable tablets several times a day when I feel the onset of anything. Although this may be more than the recommended dose, I have never had any negative affects. That and rest is really the only thing that I ever do when I get a cold or feel down.

Sometimes we just forget how efficient natural methods can be. And when we go to see a doctor he (or she) gives us an advice of using the same methods or just give us similar things (but with all the chemistry in a pill).

Oh. The only remedy that I know when we have a flu is to drink lots of water. Don’t stop until you’re feeling better. Everyone should do this everyday… ^^