I am currently battling an annoying cold that has me deaf, stuffed up, foggy headed, and achy. The type of head cold that seems harmless at first, then BAM!
Where is the nearest couch, blanket and cup of hot tea with honey?
While I am not one to immediately pop a pill to help cure my sickness, I do believe in natural remedies that can prevent it from getting worse.
Here are 10 way to help cure the common cold.
1. Look For The Yellow Light
We are all familiar with that feeling right before sickness strikes. Fatigue, scratchy throat, cloudy head. These are warning signs to slow down! Take a sick day NOW, before it escalates to something worse. Rest, sleep, repeat.
2. Clear Your Congestion
Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar “With the Mother” has many health benefits, including helping clear chest congestion. The live cultures found in each bottle are probably the ones to thank for that. Thanks. Add 1 tbsp. ACV to 16 oz of water, the juice of 1/2 a lemon, a shake of cinnamon, and 1 packet of Stevia in the raw (or other natural sweetener). Drink 2x a day.
3. Flush Out Your System
Drink A TON of water. Shy away from caffeine for the time being, and stick to decaf tea with lemon and honey.
4. Get Steamy
Steam helps moisturize our nasal passages. Take a hot shower, bath, or place a pot of water on the stove, and, like a hood, cover your head with a towel, breathing in the rising steam.
5. No Dairy.
We are already filled with mucus, and consuming dairy will only add to the problem.
6. Sleep on an extra pillow
This creates a gradual slope to help drain your nasal passages and make breathing easier. Position yourself on your back, in a way that does not any cause strain to your neck or shoulders.
7. Gargle Warm Water and Salt
I don’t know if this is an Old Wives Tale, but it’s definitely helped my throat feel better in the past. 8oz of warm water, 1 tsp salt. Mix and gargle!
8. Don’t Stress the Body
Your immune system is working hard to help your body recover. Take a day off from your workout and allow your body to heal. Plus, there is no need to bring your cold into the gym where other people can pick it up. If more people did this, there would be less sickness floating around!
9. Get Those Antioxidants
Colorful fruits and vegetables help build and maintain a strong immune system. Think grapefruits, blueberries, spinach, avocados and bell peppers. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring out your juicer, or blend together a smoothie made with frozen strawberries, blueberries, 2 handfuls of spinach, 1 tbsp ground flax and protein powder of choice. Use water and ice in place of dairy.
10. The Two G’s
Garlic works as a decongestant and prevents viruses from growing stronger, while Ginger aids in soothing a cough, scratchy throat, and fever. Add garlic liberally (1-2 cloves) to your favorite foods for a powerful immune booster, or steep 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger with a cup of boiled water for 5 to 10 minutes, creating a hydrating and relaxing homemade tea.
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Above all, rest is what will make the ultimate difference in your quick recovery. Take one full day to allow your body to battle whatever sickness you have going on inside of you, while fueling yourself with powerful antioxidants, hydration and vitamin C.
Taking the time now, will save extra healthy days for later.
Take care. xoxo
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