A couple of weeks ago I started feeling that dreaded soreness in my throat, and noticed that I was a bit more tired than usual. And by a bit more tired, I mean I accidentally slept 14 hours on Saturday night. Oops.
We all know the feeling when sickness is nipping at our heels, just days or even hours from making our lives miserable. Here, my friends, I am going to tell you what I do to stop those sniffles right in their tracks. Of course, do your research before taking anything. What works best for my body may not work best for the next person, but I can tell you that after a lot of trial and error, these things either stop the illnesses before they happen, or drastically shorten them if I catch it too late. It has been YEARS since I've experienced a cold that lasted longer than a couple days, and I've worked with many sniffly and sick kiddos. Here you will find the remedies I use, and why they work! Happy health!
Cold-Fighting Formula
Oregano oil (in capsules)- Take according to bottle's directions (usually one capsule a day, AFTER you eat). I only recently discovered oregano oil and its amazing ability to knock out infections, but now it's the first thing I reach for when I feel a cold coming on! Some people go old school and just drop the actual oil in their mouth, but it does NOT taste good so I opt for high-quality capsules. You guys, oil or oregano will knock out a cold in less than 48 hours! For me, I feel better within 24 hours, and then I'm back 100% within 2 days. I. Love. This. Stuff. As with any other essential oil, PLEASE do your research when using it with children or if you are pregnant.
Echinacea/goldenseal combo- Take according to bottle directions. Echinacea activates white blood cells, while providing antimicrobial and antibacterial support. Goldenseal is also another winner, with its ability to clean blood and can aid mucous membranes.
Lemon infused water- I usually just keep a water bottle full of this when I'm sick so I can sip it all day. Lemon water contains a great amount of vitamin C, while also possessing the ability to flush gross toxins from your body. I usually drink a big glass of lemon water every morning, but I make sure to drink even more if I get sick!
Thieves essential oil or equivalent- Rub on the bottom of feet, and apply to swollen lymph nodes on throat (it's ridiculous how FAST this works!). Essential oil mixtures like Thieves contains an amazing amount of anti-inflammatory properties, and I usually find that rubbing this oil on my lymph nodes has amazing results within minutes. I also rub in on my feet before bed and it speeds up recovery!
Vitamin C- Taken according to bottle's directions. This is perhaps the most well-known immune booster as it fortifies your immune system and gives it an extra boost against sickness.
Ginger and lemon tea with raw honey- It's delicious, so drink a couple times a day! Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can also soothe a sore throat! Lemon, as I mentioned above, is known for it's Vitamin C and ability to flush toxins.
Greens- Greens are more of a prevention for getting sick, rather than a quick remedy, however I double my greens intake as soon as I feel a hint of any symptoms! With probiotics, superfoods, and alkalizing nutrients, greens are a POWERHOUSE of immunity. Hint: Definitely go with the berry unless you plan on mixing them with orange juice! You can find purchase greens here.
Plans meals that include foods with anti-inflammatory properties (chicken broth, cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric, etc)- Hello, Indian food! By cooking delicious, wholesome means, you are not only feeding your family, you are also HEALING them. That's my kind of multi-tasking!
Netipot twice a day- a $12 product that will make life SO much more bearable with a cold, sinus infection, or allergies. There is a traditional Neti-pot, which looks kinda like a teapot, but I don't dig the whole head tilting thing and the low pressure. I much prefer the squeeze bottle, which is a lot less scary to use than the teapot! Not only can this little beauty clear our your sinuses, the saline solution also helps soothe and heal those inflamed membranes in your nose!