First it’s a tickle in the throat. Then it’s a full blown sore throat. Then a runny nose, congestion, fatigue, and more uncomfortable symptoms.
The common cold…in theory it’s no big deal, but in actuality it can be a bear to deal with! Colds typically last a week or less, but in past years I was finding that I was sick ALL winter long (partially due to my work with kids and partially due to my autoimmune disease).
I started experimenting with all kinds of natural remedies, and these are the ones that I found helped shorten the length of my colds and, when I’m lucky, fight them off altogether!
Here are the 6 things I use/do when I start to feel a cold coming on:
7 Natural Cold Remedies
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1. Elderberry syrup
This is the single most helpful tool I’ve EVER used for boosting my immune system. I can’t recommend it enough!
Elderberry (scientific name = Sambucus) is a flowering tree that has long been used for medicinal purposes.
At the very first sign of a tickle in my throat, I begin taking two teaspoons of elderberry syrup a day – one in the morning and one at night. Sometimes during cold season I’ll take a single teaspoon every day for immune support.
Since using elderberry syrup, my colds have been significantly shorter in duration and at times I’ve even been able to prevent them from happening!
This is the elderberry syrup I typically buy. You can also get elderberry lozenges or gummies.
2. Juice
Juice is an easy way to consume vitamins and nutrients that can help the body fight off a cold. I look for ingredients like:
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Orange
- Elderberry
- Cayenne
I personally prefer cold liquids on my throat when its sore, so juice is a great option! And there’s something about tiny little juice shots that I just can’t get enough of…I think they’re so cute and convenient!
Below are a couple of my favorite immunity boosting juice shots from Vive Organic and Pressed Juicery:
Again, at the first sign of a cold, I’ll start slinging back these juice shots daily to give my body a blast of cold-fighting nutrients.
3. Tea
I personally don’t like hot things on my throat when it’s sore, but tea can be really helpful during that stage of a cold when you have a stuffy and/or runny nose!
The hot liquid helps loosen up all the junk, so you may have to blow your nose a lot while you drink it, but that’s a good thing! Get all that sh!t out of there!
I really love Yogi Tea blends like Cold Season or Throat Comfort.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils are are natural substances derived from plant materials like leaves, roots, barks, seeds, peels, and flowers. When you inhale these oils, you can receive the therapeutic benefits of the plants they come from!
When I feel a cold coming on I like to diffuse oils (this is the diffuser I have) or put a few drops in my morning shower! The steam mixed with the therapeutic oils is the best way to clear my sinuses before I start my day.
These are my favorite oils for immune boosting:
- Eucalyptus – decongestant, expectorant (loosens phlegm and eases congestion), supports respiratory system
- Lemon – antioxidant, stimulates lymphatic drainage, helps alleviate coughing, helps ease nausea
- Tea Tree – one of the most powerful antibacterial oils
- Peppermint – decongestant
- Rosemary – antioxidant, expectorant
Use code “blissful” for 10% off Alive Market essential oils!
5. Supplements
In addition to elderberry, there are a few other supplements I like to take when I feel like I’m getting sick. Unlike cold medicine (which simply masks symptoms), these supplements help boost your immune system and work with your body to fight off the cold.
- Vitamin C – can help reduce cold severity and duration.
- Zinc – can help reduce the duration of a cold.
- Echinacea – I used to take this all the time as a kid! I don’t anymore because my rheumatologist told me not to with my autoimmune disease, but I think it’s a great option for otherwise healthy people.
6. Hydrate
It’s probably the most simple tip, but also one of the most powerful! Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids – preferably water, but juice and tea also count…just stay away from sugary drinks, as sugar can increase inflammation.
Keep a water bottle with you at all times – always having it in your sight will remind you to sip it throughout the day!
7. Rest
Another simple but powerful remedy. When your body is fighting off a cold, you’ll probably be more tired than usual. Your body is working hard, after all!
Listen to this cue from your body and take time to rest. If I can swing it, I often take one whole day off to rest at the first sign of a cold – I’m usually the most tired before other symptoms even come on.
The body heals while resting (especially while sleeping), so slow down and give your body some TLC so it can work its magic!
I hope these tips help you in the upcoming cold season. If you have any great cold remedies, I’d LOVE to hear them in the comments below – I’m always looking for new immune boosting strategies.
